Let’s Go: Strengthen
Pastor Andrew Schmidt begins a new sermon series at Celebrate called “Let’s Go”. This series is based on the book of Acts. The message will be LET'S GO strengthen and encourage people! This week’s focus is from Acts 15:36 - 16:5 (Paul, Silas, Timothy), and how we are called to go and STRENGTHEN others.
This sermon series also highlights people who are going in our own communities. This week’s interview was with Michael and Jacque Moats. You can see their interview here.
Sermon begins at about 23 Minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
In Acts disciples of Jesus go to places share the gospel
Acts 11:19-30
Nameless disciples go share the gospel in Antioch and a great number of people believe and turn to the Lord.
When Jerusalem church leaders hear about Antioch they send Barnabbas to go to Antioch where he encourages the disciples to remain true to the Lord with all their heart.
Then Barnabas decides to go get Saul in Tarsus and Saul decides to go back to Antioch with him where strengthens a great number of believers by teaching God's Word.
Acts 13:1-3
The leaders are gathering in God's Presence through worship, prayer and fasting when they receive a message to set apart Saul and Barnabbas to go spread the gospel.
Acts 14:21-22
Saul and Barnabbas go to Cryprus and Galatia sharing the good news, then they go back to those places where they have founded "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.
Acts 15:30-35
The Jerusalem sends Judas and Silas to go to Antioch with an encouraging message for Gentile believers.
Through prophecy Judas a Silas encourage and strengthen the believers.
Then are sent to go back to Jerusalem with the blessing of peace from the Antioch church.
Acts 15:36-41
Paul and Silas decide to go back through Syria and Cilicia to Galatia strengthening the churches.
Acts 16:1-5
Paul and Silas go through Galatia taking Timothy with them and "the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers."
Encourage = Parakaleo (used over 100 times in the New Testament)
Para = come to the side of, come close to
Kaleo = to call
Parakaleo -> translated as: encourage, comfort, console, exhort, beg, urge, plead, appeal
(with a stronger force than normal: urge)
Parakaleo — Parakletos
Parakaletos is the word used by Jesus to describe the Holy Spirit in John 14 and 16 (translated Advocate or Helper or Comforter or Counselor)
Summary:
Let’s Go…
…strengthen and encourage others…
…in their faith in Jesus with Holy Spirit’s help!
