“Jesus, King of Hope” – a message from Acts 16

This past weekend at Eastbrook, we began a new preaching series entitled “Jesus, King of the Nations.” This is the third of a three-part series exploring the Book of Acts this Fall, including “Essential Church” and “Ordinary People in God’s Extraordinary Work.”

This first week of the series we looked at the story of Paul and Silas in Philippi in Acts 16 with special attention to the hope that Jesus brings.

You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.” (Acts 16:25-26a)

Introduction

Advent

Our series, “Jesus, King of the Nations”

Paul the Apostle and his ministry journeys to the nations

The City of Philippi

The Good News of Jesus Brings Hope to Lydia (Acts 16:11-15)

Meeting at “the place of prayer”

Lydia’s standing and situation

Lydia’s heart is opened and her household transformed

Lydia’s generous response

Conflicting Kingdoms and Jesus, the King of Hope (Acts 16:16-27)

Conflict with demonic spirits, enslavement, and the money-hungry (Acts 9:1-20)

Conflict with earthly authorities and crowds (Acts 16:19-22)

Conflict with imprisonment and the darkness of night and despair (Acts 16:23-27)

The Good News of Jesus Brings Hope to the Jailer (Acts 16:28-34)

Meeting in the broken prison 

The jailer’s standing and situation

The jailer’s heart is opened and his household transformed

The jailer’s generous response

A Return to Earthly Kingdoms (Acts 16:35-40)

The revelation of earthly kingdoms’ lack of power (Acts 16:35-39)

The hopeful community of Christ has the last word (Acts 16:40) 

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Dig Deeper

Exploring Faith

• How might belief in God, and particularly belief that Jesus is Savior for people from all nations and all social statuses, bring hope? Where do you most struggle with belief in God or Jesus as Savior?

Growing in Faith

• Read through the book of Acts from chapter 13-28 to better understand the ministry of Paul the Apostle. What stands out to you? What is confusing to you? 
• How might God want to stretch your vision about who needs to hear the good news of hope in Jesus? Is there someone you might have previously overlooked that you could share your faith with this week?  

Centered in Faith

• To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul, consider reading the entire book of Acts, alongside of a helpful book like N. T. Wright, Paul: A Biography or F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. 
• Paul brought Silas with him as he ministered in Jesus’ name. Who is someone you might partner with to share about Jesus with those you know?