Chapel Hill Bible Church - Sermons

Last Sunday, we continued our journey through Acts by studying Acts 25–26 and Paul’s defense before Festus and Agrippa. In the midst of imprisonment, accusation, delay, and uncertainty, Paul displays an unshakable confidence rooted in one central reality: Jesus Christ is truly risen and truly alive. Together, we considered how a deep-seated belief in the resurrected Christ transforms how we view our time, our reputation, our suffering, and our witness. As Paul boldly proclaims the Gospel before rulers and authorities, we are invited to ask ourselves a searching question: Do we truly believe that Jesus is present with His people through the Holy Spirit—and what would change if we lived like it?

Paul is on trial for proclaiming and believing the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise it holds for His followers. But is it a logical belief? And if so, how does it actually shape and form the life of the believer? The resurrection of Jesus Christ is still on trial today, and we do well to examine it and to live in light of the verdict.

If you have ever been falsely accused, misunderstood, or pressured to keep your faith quiet, this passage is for you. This week we continue our journey through Acts with Paul's dramatic arrest in Jerusalem and his harrowing transfer to Caesarea under Roman guard (21:37-23:35). Beaten by a mob, hauled before the Sanhedrin, and targeted by a conspiracy of forty men sworn to kill him, Paul faces accusation and trial at every turn — and yet the gospel advances at every turn. From his powerful testimony before the Jerusalem crowd to the Lord's midnight word of courage in the barracks, we see that accusation is not the end of the story, but an unlikely stage for God's faithfulness.

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.