Paul's Third Journey

The sermon, drawn from Acts 18 and 19, highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to both evangelism and discipleship during his third missionary journey, emphasizing that true Christian ministry involves not only reaching the lost but also nurturing believers through teaching, correction, and spiritual growth. Central to the message is the necessity of doctrinal depth—illustrated by Apollos, who, though fervent and eloquent, needed instruction in the full gospel, and by the disciples in Ephesus who knew only John's baptism, underscoring that salvation requires knowledge of Christ's finished work and the indwelling Holy Spirit, received at conversion, not as a later 'blessing.' The narrative also reveals the cost of faith, as seen in the confrontation with false spiritual power, the public renunciation of idolatry, and the dangers Paul faced, all of which point to the reality that genuine conversion brings transformation and separation from worldly practices. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to emulate Paul's example—being teachable, faithful in discipleship, and willing to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel, while recognizing that spiritual maturity is not measured by time but by depth of knowledge, obedience, and surrender to Christ.