Pastor Mike Hoggard – Bethel Church
Synopsis: The sermon, drawn from Acts 14, centers on the enduring truth that genuine faith is tested through tribulation and that true spiritual authority is not self-asserted but rooted in Christ alone. It highlights how the early apostles, despite facing persecution, miraculous healing, and idolatrous worship, consistently redirected people from false gods and human leaders to the Living God who created all things. The preacher warns against the dangers of spiritual pride, false prophets, and the human tendency to elevate religious leaders to near-divine status, emphasizing that no intermediary—whether priest, preacher, or charismatic figure—should stand between the believer and Jesus Christ.
Through the lens of Paul’s stoning and resurrection, the message affirms that suffering is not a sign of failure but a proving ground for faith, and that perseverance through tribulation produces patience and deepens reliance on God. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to a faith that is not defined by emotional experiences or popular trends, but by steadfast commitment to Christ, love for one another, and trust in God’s sovereign timing.
Through the lens of Paul’s stoning and resurrection, the message affirms that suffering is not a sign of failure but a proving ground for faith, and that perseverance through tribulation produces patience and deepens reliance on God. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to a faith that is not defined by emotional experiences or popular trends, but by steadfast commitment to Christ, love for one another, and trust in God’s sovereign timing.
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