Chapel Hill Bible Church - Sermons

In Acts 21:1–36, we follow Paul as he walks knowingly toward hardship, refusing to turn aside from the path God has set before him. In a culture that instinctively avoids cost and discomfort, this passage confronts us with a deeper question: what would we do if we clearly knew obedience to Jesus would be difficult? This sermon invites us to see our lives through the lens of the gospel—where suffering is not meaningless, but often the very path God uses to advance His purposes. As a church, we need this reminder to live not for comfort or approval, but for the pleasure of God, trusting that faithful obedience opens doors for the gospel in ways we may not yet see.

In Acts 20:1–38, we step into one of the most personal and moving moments in Paul’s ministry—a chapter marked by deep friendship, earnest encouragement, and a tearful farewell. As Paul journeys toward Jerusalem, we see how the shared mission of the Gospel knits hearts together across miles, hardships, and even the hardest seasons of goodbye.

This past Sunday, we explored how Gospel-shaped friendships are formed in mission, strengthened in worship, and sustained through faithful shepherding. Especially in a transient community like ours, this passage invites us to build relationships that are not only meaningful for today, but that endure into eternity.

HE IS RISEN!!! This Easter Sunday, we will be looking honestly at honest life — crushing debt, fractured marriages, illness, loss, and grief — and asking a question that may surprise you: What does the empty tomb have to do with any of that? Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, the message — An Eternal Weight of Glory — takes us to the heart of what the resurrection actually changes for real people in real pain. Paul's audacious claim is that our present sufferings, however crushing they feel, are "light and momentary" when set against the eternal glory that the resurrection of Jesus is even now preparing for us. This is not escapism or empty optimism — it is the kind of hope that enabled so many simple disciples to say they would not trade their suffering for anything in the world.

Join us this Easter as we discover that the resurrection doesn't just give us a reason to celebrate — it gives us a completely new way to see our whole story.

This Palm Sunday, we will witness one of the most surprising moments in all of Scripture: a dying criminal's cry for mercy and Jesus' stunning response: "Today you will be with me in Paradise."

Drawing from Luke 23:32–43, we will trace the biblical story of Paradise given, Paradise lost, and Paradise regained—from the Garden of Eden to the cross of Calvary. Along the way, we'll be confronted with an honest question: Are we more like the first criminal, trusting in our own self-sufficiency to get what we want out of life, or are we willing to see Jesus as he truly is—battered, crucified, and dying in our place?

This week we look at Acts 19:21-41. One of the exciting parts of this message is we’re going to relate it to the ordination of J.W. Ruff. I love preaching ordination sermons and this is a great text to frame JW‘s pastoral ministry. It will call us and call this soon to be pastor to preaching the gospel in such a way that idols are dethroned and Christ is exalted.