May 18, 2025

Encouragement – Acts 18:1-17 – Rev. Justin Young

Main Idea: God encourages in various ways.

Acts 18:1-17

  • Paul's Ministry (vv. 1-8)
  • Paul's Vision (vv. 9-11)
  • Paul's Protection (vv. 12-17)

Significance

  • Rejection
  • Encouragement

Announcements

🎓 Youth are invited to celebrate our graduating seniors! Our Youth Grad Party is May 24 from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m. Register and submit your videos by May 18.

🎉 Youth Welcome Party to welcome incoming 6th graders is May 30 during Friday Night Bible Study (7:30 pm to 9:00 p.m.) All youth are invited!

🧒 There will be no English Ministry Children’s Sunday School on June 1. We look forward to resuming class on June 8.

⛺️ In lieu of a short-term mission trip this year, we're offering a Summer Camp from Tuesday, July 29, to Friday, August 1. This day camp will help youth both take the next step in following Jesus and develop their leadership skills. We need a minimum of 10 youth in order to offer this, so please learn more and register before June 15. (There's also a 20% discount prior to June 15. 😉)

⛪️ The Midwest Chinese Christians Association (MCCA) Summer Retreat (July 3 to 6) registration is now open. This retreat has programs for all ages! Online registration closes on June 22.

🌎 Missions spotlight features Greg and Rachel Vruggink.

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This Week's Bible Reading

  • May 19 - Psalm 94, Acts 28
  • May 20 - Psalm 95, Titus 1
  • May 21 - Psalm 96, Titus 2
  • May 22 - Psalm 97, Titus 3
  • May 23 - Psalm 98, 1 Timothy 1

(Complete plan here.)

Growth Group Guide

  1. How are you most encouraged? What is your “love language”?
  2. Read Acts 18:1-8. What are some characteristics of Paul’s ministry that we’ve seen week after week? Where do you see these same characteristics within our church? How can we grow and improve in these?
  3. Paul is opposed and rejected as a result of preaching Christ. Why do people today reject Christ? Why do Christians wrestle with fully submitting to and delighting in Christ?
  4. Read Acts 18:9-10. How does the Lord encourage Paul? Which aspect do you find most encouraging? Which aspect(s) have you experienced?
  5. Read Acts 18:11-17. Both in this section and through all of our text, how has God encouraged Paul?
  6. In light of the various ways God encourages Paul, how can you be an encouragement to someone else in their life and ministry?