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We’re going to look at a story about the Apostle Paul and how he stood firm in the face of powers against him, to contend for the truth, the Gospel and bless others along with way.

I found this story personally intriguing because, like many of you, I’ve encountered the power of resistance to the Gospel and the positive power associated with trusting God with the gifts and influence I’ve had.

• I grew up just outside a powerful place; Washington DC - a city synonymous with power & influence, unfortunately the abuse of both.
• I’ve seen power & influence used in a positive way in busi-ness and unfortunately a not so positive way.
• As a follower of Jesus, I’ve seen the blessing of using God’s power of the Holy Spirit and the power of His word, in my life as a husband, father and ministry leader.

We are all experiencing a very American Gov’t topic - Power & Influence - and we see in this Bible account a man's love for power that self-destructed his life.

From this story, we will cover how you and I, as followers of Jesus Christ, living in our day, can live with power & influence that doesn’t ruin God’s best for our lives.

We begin with Paul & Barnabas - pastors in the Antioch church - God called them to be the first missionaries of the day - this is Paul’s 1st missionary journey.

I. Contend Earnestly For The Faith

3 things we learn initially:
• Where they went (MAP) - Cypress is Barnabas’ homeland.
• John Mark was along as their helper.
• Barnabas and Paul initially went to the Jewish Synagogues first - we know this from historic writings and that there was a large community of Jews in Salamis.
• The significance became a life-long strategy for Paul. First place he visited was the local synagogues.

Romans 1:16; For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Paul believed they deserved this courtesy.

• Paul knew of their familiarity with OT scriptures, so he didn’t think he’d have to explain everything to them.
• Just needed to show them as Jews who Jesus was and what he promised.
• Paul’s expectation was the Jews would believe - didn’t always work did it?
• He repeats this strategy in every city he goes to.

A. Trust the scriptures reach

Capital city Politician named Sergius Paulus - and Elymas…a false prophet.

For those who love history and how it further proves the scrip-tures; Sergios Paulus is recorded in Roman records in Cypress - serving as proconsul - a chief magistrate or governor - exactly when Paul and Barnabas showed up - recorded in Roman rec-ords ~ 49AD.

The Proconsul, an intelligent man - wanted to hear the word of God. Let’s hear what they have to say…he was interest-ed…implication clear - he was paying attention!

When you share the Gospel, you have experienced this, some are more interested and engaging with you. Trust the power and influence of the scriptures - Every time!

B. Trust the Holy Spirit to expose darkness

When we share the gospel, we engage the enemy of souls in spiritual combat, so we must be prepared for spiritual battle.

Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.


Pastor Rich Jones
Pastor Matthew Dodd
Rich Jones Calvary Chapel
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
Calvary Chapel Hillsboro
Calvary Chapel Oregon
Calvary Chapel Beaverton
Calvary Chapel Portland

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