Registration Form

Mark 10:35-45

A Message by Rev Dr Stanley Lim on 17 August 2008

Introduction

This passage of the Word of God underscores for us 3 important aspects what leadership is not. Leadership is not power or position. Leadership is not a bed of roses. Leadership is not the exercise of control over others.

Jesus’ explanation of what leadership is has only one pivotal emphasis. The mark of a leader is defined by the way he serves. Jesus equates a great leader by the way he conducts his serve.

The world may have a different interpretation of leadership but the Word of God gives us a balance perspective of it. The path of greatness must be journeyed with genuine sacrificial service. A true leader is a great servant. Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” The 21^st. century’s understanding and teaching on leadership has evolved with the change of times. The understanding of leadership in the church today is getting involved with the people, to bring out their potential in God through a holistic (body, soul & spirit) care for them. The gurus of leadership today are sounding like bible teachers in that they are emphasizing more and more on the character, process and outcome of building people.

If servanthood is the underpinning teaching in leadership, then we must outline what it entails for every believer of Christ.

I. We should determine who we are to serve.

Luke 16:13 – “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

John 3:16,17 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

We are all saved from our sins, so that we can serve our Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved to serve the true & living God.

II. We should understand why we must serve.

Sin caused separation in our relationship with God but with Christ dying on the cross for us, he reconciled us to Himself. Let us read 2 Cor. 5:14-21.

Vs. 15 – “…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

Vs. 17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Vs. 18 – “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

We must serve Jesus because we are debtors to the reconciling act of Christ on the cross at Calvary. Jesus now calls, enlists and entrusts each of us with this important ministry of reconciliation so that we can bring the word of reconciliation to them who are without hope. The greater your service to the Lord, the greater the hope becomes to those who are without Christ. The greatest thing in all my life is to serve Christ in leading someone to the saving knowledge of Jesus.

If we understand the admonishment of 2 Cor. 5:14-21, then we know what the apostle Paul is trying to get at. He is saying all believers must serve God by being a minister of reconciliation. When we are regularly serving God as a messenger of reconciliation, then Jesus recognizes us and calls us as His leaders.

III. We should know where we are to serve

Ps. 84:10 – “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Ps. 84:1-4 – Read

The best place to learn to serve and lead is the house of the Lord. The training ground for our Christian service is the house of the Lord. We learn humility, we learn team-work, we learn sacrifice, we learn tolerance, we develop boldness & confidence, we learn to give & receive forgiveness, we learn people skills, we learn stewardship, we learn to pray, we learn to trust, we learn to draw close to God, we learn to be faithful and many more. The training that we receive in His house helps to improve our serve and further sharpen our skills for the Lord. The more we serve the better a leader we become.

Conclusion

The joy of seeing people strengthened and encouraged, reaching their potential, and being able to manage change in their lives as a result of our dedicated service to God, outweighs the pain and disappointments that we face every now and then. Jesus sacrificed His life in order to bring us the Message. We must now do the same by becoming His messengers of reconciliation today. If you have yet to receive His message of reconciliation, today is the day of salvation for you. 2 Cor. 6:2b says, “Behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” – (Ephesians 1:3)

God the Father has blessed us “in the heavenly realms.” On a level other than the one we can see, at a supernatural level. He wants us to live according to that blessing. God wants you to live on another level.

I. THE BLESSINGS OF GOD’S RICHES. Vv3, 18b

The prayer to increase one’s wealth is possibly the second most common prayer people pray, while the prayer for health may be the most common.

“the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints,”- Vs. 18 – Just think! We are His inheritance! God has not only given us an inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:3–4), but He has made us an inheritance for Christ. We don’t have to wait until then to enjoy these riches. We are already in Christ. Realize your position and spiritual wealth in Christ. Allow it to change the way you live. When we are born into the family of God we are born rich. Romans 8:17.

YOU ARE BLESSED! The Blessings for Christians (Eph. 1:3-14)
How has God blessed us? Let us count the ways! God has made available a list of blessings for us. “Chosen in Christ” “Holy and blameless”  “Adopted as Children”  “Forgiveness of Sins” “The Mystery of His Will”

“All spiritual blessings.” God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches. Nothing has been held back. God has, already, not gradually and not at some future date, but ‘has’, blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

II. THE BLESSINGS OF GOD’S POWER. Verses 19-23.
The greatest power shortage today is not in our generators or our gas tanks. It is in our personal lives.

V19 .. “and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength!” Here Paul introduces a new and important theme in the letter - ‘Power!’ Ephesians emphasizes power more than any other NT letter. Paul pulls out and unloads the adjectives and synonyms to make sure that we cannot and do not miss, mistake, or underestimate what he is saying. The transcendent, immeasurable, more-than-sufficient greatness of His dynamic power. Paul heaps up terms that defy description in speaking of God’s power. Have we fully taken hold of the power that is available to us?

In vs. 19 alone he uses four different words for power.

1. “power (dynamis)” A raw strength or power of great potential. English n.: dynamite

2. “the working (energeia)” The inward propulsion or operation of power/energy.

3. “vast (kratos)” Power used in resistance, control, or to conquer/overcome.

4. “strength (ischys)” physical, bodily force.

There is power to save us and to keep us. There is power to change and transform us. There is power to lead us and to use us. There is power to be glorified in us and through us. There is power, power wonder working power in the precious blood of the lamb.

a. God’s power is “Exceedingly Great”
b. God’s Power is Extended to Us.
c.  God’s Power Exalted Jesus as the Head of the Church

We can re-discover God’s mighty POWER toward us:
a. It is resurrection power (1:19b-20)
b. It is also authoritative power (1:20)
c. It is Living Power!

III. HOW TO ENTER INTO SUPERNATUAL BLESSINGS …
“the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” - “The heart” was universally considered to be the very epicenter of one’s being - the control room of our emotion and will. That is, our spiritual core. Too often we put too much emphasis on knowing Christ with our mind (facts) and not enough on our hearts! “the eyes” refers to vision, in this case spiritual vision. This is where they need to go next – “That you may know”  This is not a head-knowledge – this is a spirit-knowledge.

1.  THAT YOU MAY KNOW …. (vv. 17-19)

2.  PLUGGED –IN

You can lead the overcoming life only by being connected to Christ – the source of power. If you must experience the victory of the power of the cross – walk close with the Supplier of that Power – the Lord Jesus Christ! The closer you walk with Him consistently, the greater the deliverance you’ll experience. Hold on to Christ the Supplier of your power to overcome.  There is no power without the connection! And how can you be connected to Christ?

Believe in Christ – you can do nothing to earn His power, its freely given by grace if you believe.
Know Christ – make an effort to get to know Christ with your heart and your head. Christianity isn’t a religion it is a relationship!
Obey Christ - take up your cross and follow Him day to day and start experiencing the power of the Cross impact every facet of your life!

SRI LANKA
Date: 29-Sep to 5-Oct
Ministry: Adult and Children ministry in villages
Cost: RM2,200 before subsidy
Closing Date: 1-Sep
Contact: Sunita Philips (012-399 5005)

NEPAL
Dates: 3 - 10 Oct
Minsitry: Preaching at a 5-day camp in 2 venues
Limitations: Travelling to a village so the transport has limited capacity
Cost: RM3,500 before subsidy
Closing Date: 5-Aug
Contact: May H Chan (7958 2777 x306)

Check out the cell conference blog for more details!

1.  POWERED FOR LIVING (Acts 1, 2)
2.  THE POWER OF THE NAME OF  JESUS (3:1–4:31)
3.  IF THIS IS FROM GOD (4:32–5:42)
4.    A FEW SPIRIT-FILLED LEADERS (6:1–8:40)
5.  THE POWER OF CHANGE (9:1-12:25)
6.  HOW THE SPIRIT LEADS US (13:1-15:35)
7.    CONFRONTING THE POWERS (15:36–18:22)
8.  THE NEXT LEVEL (18:23-21:14)

THIS IS MY STORY, THIS IS MY TASK
(Acts 21:15 – 28:31)
A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 20 July 2008

I.   THIS IS MY STORY ( Acts 9, 22, 26; Phil. 3; 1 Tim. 1)

The year was 57 A. D. Paul was taken from Jerusalem to Caesarea because of an alleged violation against the temple. A riot followed (21:30-31). The captain of the Roman guard broke up the riot, and bound Paul with chains (21: 34). Paul asked the captain for an opportunity to speak up (21: 39-40). Paul then gave his personal testimony (22:1-15).

1.  PAUL: MY ENCOUNTER WITH THE RISEN CHRIST (Acts 21:37-22:21)

Paul’s arrest and defense (21:27-22:29) Paul brought before the Sanhedrin (22:30-23:10)
Paul escorted to Caesarea (23:11-35)

· PAUL DID NOT GLORIFY HIS PAST LIFE OF SIN (22:3-5).
· IT IS THE POWER OF CHRIST THAT MAKES HIM DIFFERENT.
· PAUL PRESENTED HIS CONVERSION AS A FACT NOT AS A FEELING (: 11-15)
I was CONCEITED.  I was CONFRONTED
I was CONVERTED.  I was CONSCRIPTED

2. PAUL STANDS BEFORE THE RULERS: THE PREACHER AND THE POLITICIAN

Paul’s defense before Felix (24:1-27) Paul’s defense before Festus (25:1-27)  Paul’s defense before Agrippa (26:1-32)
· “I Was Blind to God’s Truth”
· “God Spoke to Me” (26:14; 22:7)
· A Life Changing Experience (26:1-23)

 3. THE POWER OF YOUR TESTIMONY

“A Christian should talk to the Lord about his neighbors and then talk to his neighbors about the Lord.”
In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are stuttering. - Howard Hendricks.

How do we overcome the Devil? Two ways:
Rev 12:7-11; 1 Peter 5:8-9

1. By the blood of the Lamb

2. Through our testimony. 

Paul’s testimony is our testimony (Luke 8:39; 1 Pet. 3:15)

II.  THIS IS MY TASK

· “I Was Given the Task to Rescue the World” (26:16-18)
· “I Believe and Declare that Jesus Christ is the One and Only Risen Savior of the World” (26:23) 
· “I Want Everyone To Believe What I Believe” (26:27)

COURAGE FOR A DIFFICULT (23:11)
“…. the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
“Be of good cheer. Cheer up Paul.”
Only Christ uses this word in the New Testament and all instances brought wonderful comfort.  (Matt 9:1-8; 9:22; 14:27; John 16:33).

MINISTRY IN THE STORMS OF LIFE  (27:1-44)
“Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved” (Acts 27:31)
 The existence of the church is the hope of the world! 

GOD’S PROMISE FOR THE TASK
“Do not be afraid Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously you the lives of all who sail with you… And I have faith it will happen exactly as he told me.” (27:24, 25). “I believe God that it shall be even as it was told me” (27:25) “God said it. I believe it. That settles it!”

Revival on the island of Malta 28:1-10
We must come to realize that on the other side of the storm God may not bring us to a resort paradise, but to a place where we can be a blessing to others.

This Is My Task
 To love someone more dearly every day
To help a wandering child to find his way
To ponder o’er a noble thought and pray
And smile when evening falls
This is my task
To follow truth as blind men long for light
To do my best from dawn of day till night
To keep my heart fixed in His holy sight
To answer when He calls
This is my task
And then my Savior, by and by, to meet
When faith hath made her task on earth complete
And lay my homage at the Master’s feet
Within the jasper walls
This crowns my task
III.  FAITHFUL TO THE END (28:17-31)
… fight the good fight, finish the task / race

Paul’s voyage to Rome  (28:11-16)    Paul’s ministry at Rome (28:17-31)

And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered. (Acts 28:30-31 RSV)
“Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 28:31

THIS IS MY STORY, THIS IS MY TASK
Luke’s purpose was not to provide us with a book that has a “happily ever after” ending. Much of our uneasiness with the ending of Acts is that we don’t have a fairy tale conclusion. What Luke does tell us, however, is that the gospel was proclaimed to the “remotest part of the earth” just as Jesus had said  (Mat. 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-8)

But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen
(2 Timothy 4:17-18).

This is “the end of the beginning.” The book of Acts is just the beginning of the record of the operation of the body of Christ at work in the world since his resurrection and ascension. It is just the first chapter. We have come now to the last page of that chapter. The rest of the record is being written as history is being unfolded.

ACTS 29 - It is still being written today. That is what we must understand. Fresh and wonderful chapters are now being written in our own day, ultimately to be incorporated into this account. It is a tremendous privilege and joy to be a part of this divine record.

Why God Wants to Take Us to the Next Level

* He has future plans for us
- There are places you cannot go, until God takes you to the Next Level

* He has future ministries for us
- There are things you cannot do, until God takes you to the Next Level

* He has future challenges for us,
- There are battles you cannot win, until God takes you to the Next Level

The 3rd Missionary Journey of the Apostle Paul  (Acts 18:23 – 21:142)

I.  THE NEXT LEVEL IN SPIRITUAL GROWTH: KNOWING THE WAY (Acts 18:24 – 28 )

“One of the disturbing things about Christianity is that very few Christians ever advance beyond their first revelation.” (Dr. Lester Sumrall)
There’s a danger in thinking you’ve got it all figured out when you really don’t
 
APOLLOS
Halfway is not Enough – educated, eloquent, mighty in the Scriptures, knew only the baptism of John

On Fire But Not Anointed – “fervent in spirit,” burning or boiling hot

Knowing the Way More Fully -  “definitely and accurately” Once you learn, you too can go and be effective in the things God has called you.

FIVE KEY PRACTICES
1. Am I Growing in Knowledge of God’s Word?
2. Am I Growing in Excellence in God’s Purpose?
3. Am I Growing in Passion for God’s Kingdom?
4. Am I Growing in Humility with God’s People?
5. Am I Growing in Availability to God’s Spirit?

II. THE NEXT LEVEL IN SPIRITUAL FULLNESS: KNOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 19:1 – 7)
 
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (: 2)
Accepting Christ as your Savior is essential for salvation. But, once you are saved, God then has the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost available to you!

The Holy Spirit enables you to be and to do all that God has designed and destined you to be and do. Eph 5:18 says, “Be filled with the Spirit.” The Greek word translated as “filled” literally means “to fill to the top so that nothing can be added.”

GOING FOR MORE
“On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5).
They were willing to take another step forward in their relationship with God.   

The word “baptizoo” or “immersion” is used to describe our entry into the dynamic of His fullness of life and power; Jesus chose it to describe living in the fullness of the Spirit. Today, the Lord might say, “I want to flood all compartments of your being with my life and power!”   

These 12 men were ready for more, so Paul lays hands on them and they begin to speak in tongues and prophesy! (19:6). The baptism in the Holy Spirit offers you dramatically more power for life and service.
Speaking in tongues (languages) are mentioned three times in Acts: Acts 2, 10, and 19.
Initial physical evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.

You’ll never completely comprehend the Holy Spirit until you’ve entered your inheritance in heaven

Live A Spirit-Filled Life - John 7:37-39; Rom 8:26;  2 Cor 3:17

III.  THE NEXT LEVEL IN ANOINTED MINISTRY: KNOWING JESUS (Acts 19:8 – 20)

When Paul came to Ephesus he found a city that was completely in the grip of superstition, fear, demonism and darkness. And it was to Ephesus that he wrote from Rome saying, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12). It seems suggestive that Paul’s most complete study of spiritual powers and the battle Christians face comes from this letter to the Ephesians.

KNOWING JESUS MORE INTIMATELY
The demon says (19:15), “Jesus I know (ginosko – indicative present active; it means I know him with a deep knowledge) and Paul I know (espistamai, I am acquainted with; I know his name, I know who he is) but who are you?”
 
There are two kinds of knowledge:
 1. Factual knowledge is ritualistic
2. Experiential knowledge is relationship

KNOWING JESUS

1. Know who He Was. The promised Messiah/Christ–“the anointed one” – Prophet, Priest, and King
2. Know why He came Is. 61:1-2, Lk. 4:18-21; 19:10
3. Know who He is –Rev. 19:16 tells us that He’s the King of King and Lord of Lords, Righteous Judge of all. James 4:12; Acts 10:42; Titus 2:12

Does the Devil Know Your Name?  Acts 19:11-16 
The devil knew exactly who the true believers were/are he had to watch out for.
Two traits that will bring you to the devils attention.
1. Believe in the Name of Jesus.
2. Live in the Name of Jesus
There’s a difference to knowing the facts, Naming Jesus and Knowing Him

(19:17) “This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (18) And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. (19) Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
A drachma was worth about a day’s wages = 130 years of income. In our day, $50 per day wage times 50,000 = $2.5 million.

Many of those who BELIEVED now came and openly confessed their evil deeds (19:18). They were already believers, but had not put away their evil deeds.

v18. these individuals “openly confessed” - this may indicate that not only did these people get right with God concerning these practices but that these people revealed the contents of their spells.

Demons cannot force their way into a human life. They cannot overpower and take possession of a human. They must find a way to trick or deceive the individual into yielding his or her will to their influence and power.

Extraordinary Power  Acts 19:17-22
Extraordinary Opposition Acts 19:23-34
Extraordinary Provision Acts 19:35-41.

IV. THE NEXT LEVEL IN EMERGING LEADERSHIP: KNOWING YOUR CALLING (Acts 20:1–38)

Get some godly leadership in our lives.
An ancient Persian proverb offers the following excellent advice on leaders.
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not is a fool—shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not is a child—teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows is asleep—wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows is wise—follow him.
1 Corinthians 11:1, Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

“Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them… He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people…” Acts 20:1, 2

Eutychus – the next level of emerging leadership? (20:7-12)

In Ephesus (20:13-38), here was that which Paul said weighed upon him daily: Care for the new Christians who had come to Christ. He longed to impart more truth to them, for he knew, far better than we in our day seem to have remembered, that beginning the Christian life is not enough; you must learn how to live and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. 
“Take heed to yourselves and to the flock…shepherd the church of God” (: 28).

V.  THE NEXT LEVEL IN COURAGEOUSOBEDIENCE: KNOWING AND DOING THE WILL OF GOD (Acts 21:1–14)

In our text, we find good people differing in opinions about what the will of God is. In 20:22 in the heart of Paul, he is convinced God’s will is for him to go to Jerusalem. But in 21:4, 12 it seems Paul’s friends are convinced it was God’s will that Paul not go to Jerusalem. The main thing for your life is to seek God’s plan and will for your life.

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child.

Paul - Bound and Determined to Go. When the godly brothers saw Paul’s determination they consented to the will of God (: 14). Be strong in your determination to do whatever God directs you to do.

God’s will is sometimes hard to understand – Be Obedient
God’s will sometimes involves difficult circumstances – Be Courageous
God’s will always involves a blessing – Be Confident

CONCLUSION

Has God spoken to you about going to the Next Level?
What’s your Next Level?

THE NEXT LEVEL in

1. Spiritual Growth: Know the Way
2. Spiritual Fullness: Know the Holy Spirit
3. Anointed Ministry: Know Jesus
4. Emerging Leadership: Know your Calling
5. Courageous Obedience: Know and Do the Will of God

A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 6 July 2008

THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING BIG!
Acts 15:36: Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”

WHEN DIVISION BECOMES MULTIPLICATION (15:37-39)
Notice that the result of this separation was two missionary ventures, not just one. We realize that in the plan of God, two teams were supposed to leave Antioch. One accomplished the redemption of a man, the other the evangelization of a region.

The Second Missionary Journey of the Apostle Paul

I.  THE FOUR CONTROLLING POWER IN OUR LIVES (Acts 16:11 – 18:17)

Each city has a controlling power. Worldliness takes a different form in the four cities.

1. PHILIPPI: SECULAR CITY - WORLDLY POWER AND MONEY (16:11-40)

2. THESSALONICA: RELIGIOUS CITY – POWER OF WORLDLY RELIGION (17:1-9)

3.  ATHENS: INTELLECTUAL CENTER – POWER OF WORLDLY WISDOM (17:15-34)

4.  CORINTH: SIN CITY – POWER OF WORLDLY PLEASURES (18:1-17)

II.  TURNING OUR WORLD UPSIDE DOWN (Acts 17:6)

1.  CHRISTIAN VALUES – POWER OF THE CROSS

Acts 17:6: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here…” “These men who have turned the whole world upside down have come here too” (NKJV).
“Many people believe if they were rich or famous, it would make them happy. Take it from me, that is not the case. The harder I worked to be richer or more famous, the bigger the hole got in my heart. Not until the Lord said it was time to come home did that emptiness in my heart finally heal.”  (Chuck Norris, June 29 2008)

“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8 NIV).

2. BELIEF SYSTEM: POWER OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

“They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus” (17:7).  They are saying that someone else is in charge. They speak of Jesus and name him Sovereign.

Focus on the Greatness of Christ:
Philippi: Name of Jesus Christ (16:18). Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (: 31)
Thessalonica: This Jesus is the Christ (17:3)
Athens: “raising Him from the dead” (17:31) the resurrection (: 32)
Corinth: Jesus is the Christ (18:5)

III.  GOD’S EMPOWERMENT IN OUR STRUGGLES (Acts 18:9-11)

Paul’s Pain and Struggles:  On the second missionary journey, Paul went to Philippi, where he was beset by a mob, beaten with rods, clapped into jail, and locked in stocks. In Thessalonica he was attacked by his countrymen in another mob scene and driven out of the city. They continued their opposition in Berea. He then came to Athens and preached in that great intellectual center, where he was derided, ridiculed and regarded as a fool. He finally landed in Corinth, alone and scared.

1 Cor. 2:3 – “came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
2 Corinthians 6:4-6; 4:8-9  Run out of four cities that we know of, imprisoned once, stoned nearly to death once. He felt powerless, ineffectual, discouraged, depressed, and defeated. He felt whipped.

MINISTRY IS A STRUGGLE . REASONS FOR DISCOURAGEMENT
1.  The Large Strain of the Work.
2.  The Little Success of the Work.
3.  The Lonely Service of the Work.

EMPOWERED TO KEEP GOING

1. The Partnership Of Friends (18:1-5)
2. The Positive Results (18:6-8)
3. The Promises Of God (18:9-11)
Promise of Presence: “I am with you” (: 10a)
Promise of Protection: no one will attack you to hurt you” (: 10b)
Promise of Power: “for I have many people in this city” (: 10c)

IV.  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED  (18:18-22)