Road Trip (Part 8)

Paul’s Journeys in the Book of Acts

The Final Leg – Finishing the Race Faithfully

Acts 20:17–24; 2 Timothy 4:6–8

Introduction: If you’ve ever been on a long road trip (and I know many of you have), you know the final leg can be the toughest. Finishing well matters in life and faith. Paul is on the “final leg” of his journeys– he gives his farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17–24); reflecting on finishing the race (2 Tim. 4:6–8). We have all heard, “It’s not how you start—it’s how you finish.” And this is a true statement. Olympic coaches remind their athletes that nobody wins a medal for starting the race strong; the prize is for those who cross the finish line. Today, we see three things that marked Paul’s life and led him to finish well, (and they will lead us to do the same.

Listening Guide – Road Trip (Part 8)

Service and Sermon – Road Trip (Part 8)

Road Trip (Part 7): Paul’s Journeys in Acts

From Athens to the Unknown God – Reaching the Culture
Acts 20:24; Acts 17:16–34

Introduction: Have you ever been a tourist in a new city and been awed by the sights? Paul found himself in such a place on his “road trip” through the ancient world. As Paul walked the streets of Athens, he saw grand temples on every corner and altars to every deity imaginable – even an altar “To the Unknown God.” His heart broke for this city so full of false gods and spiritual emptiness.

Listening Guide – Road Trip (Part 7)

Service and Sermon – Road Trip (Part 7)

Road Trip (Part 6)

Detained in Philippi – Worship in the Midnight Hour

Acts 20:24 -But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy,…

Text: Acts 16:16–40

Introduction: Life’s journey rarely goes as planned—sometimes God redirects us through hardship. Paul and Silas’ story in Philippi reminds us obedience doesn’t always bring ease.

“God permits trials not to punish, but to accomplish His purpose.” (Wiersbe).

Listening Guide – Road Trip (Part 6)

Service and Sermon – Road Trip (Part 6)

Road Trip (Part 5)

GPS Recalculated – Navigating Disagreements

Acts 20:24 (NKJV) — “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy…”

(Acts 15:36–41; 16:1–5)

Introduction: Have you ever been on a road trip when the GPS suddenly says, “Recalculating…”? It can be frustrating – but eventually you get back on track toward your destination.

In our series “Road Trip,” we’ve been using travel themes to illustrate our journey of faith. Today’s message, “GPS Recalculated”, is about what happens when there’s a disagreement – a relational wrong turn – and how God can still get us to the destination.

Listening Guide – Road Trip (Part 5)

Service and Sermon – Road Trip (Part 5)

Road Trip (Part 4)

Stoned but Not Stopped – Persevering Through Hardship

Acts 20:24 (NKJV) — “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy…”

Acts 14:1–28

 Introduction: Hardships will come, but faithful people keep going. Resilience is part of the Christian road trip. Our job today is to identify where you’ve been discouraged and re-engage with renewed faith.  Paul and Barnabas continued their missionary journey despite repeated opposition. Max Lucado – “God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say the arrival would be worthwhile.” Jesus promised hardship: John 16:33 – “In this world you will have tribulation…” The road of faith includes potholes. What matters most is how we walk through them—with God.

Listening Guide – Road Trip (Part 4)

Service and Sermon – Road Trip (Part 4)

Road Trip (Part 3)

Up the Mountain to Antioch – Preaching in New Territory

Acts 20:24 – “But none of these things move me…”

(Acts 13:13–52)

Introduction:  Years ago, a missionary couple serving in the Andes Mountains of Peru were asked, “Why are you going so far out of your way to preach in that remote village?”  The missionary replied, “Because the gospel climbs mountains – it’s good news in every place.”

That’s what we see in Acts 13. Paul and Barnabas go up into the mountains of Pisidia to share the gospel in new territory. They climbed, because the gospel climbs with us. The message of Jesus is good news in every place—old or new.

Listening Guide – Road Trip (Part 3)

Service and Sermon – Road Trip (Part 3)

Road Trip (Part 2)

Detour in Cyprus – Spiritual Warfare on the Road

Acts 20:24 (NKJV) — “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy…”

Introduction: Detours on the journey of faith are inevitable.

• In Acts 13:4–12, Paul and Barnabas encounter opposition in Cyprus—spiritual warfare in the form of a sorcerer named Elymas.
• While the gospel always faces opposition, the power of God is always greater

Listening Guide – Road Trip (Part 2)

Service and Sermon – Road Trip: Paul’s Journey (Part 2)

Road Trip: Paul’s Journeys in the Book of Acts (Part 1)

Start Your Engines – The Call to Go
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy…” (Acts 20:24 NKJV)
(Acts 9:1–22; Acts 13:1–3)

Listening Guide – Road Trip – Paul’s Journeys in the Book of Acts (Part 1)

Service and Sermon – Road Trip: Paul’s Journey (Part 1)