A SOLEMN CHARGE
A NEW BEGINNING
(Part One)

As we grow in our walk with God we are reminded often that, as someone once said, “The only constant in life is change.” Someone also has said, “God loves us too much to leave us where we are.” He wants us as individuals as well as a church to continue to move forward and to be blessed with maturity no matter what happens. He ends one thing only to begin a new one. We can see with hind sight that God is constantly preparing us for what lies ahead. The Apostle Paul, as a wise leader, knew this truth and when his ministry to the Ephesian church was nearing its’ end he prepared them with a reminder of his example in the past, and a solemn charge for the future. Then he left them to carry on the ministry. We here at MBC can learn from their example.

(Acts 20:17-31)

I.) Paul’s Manner of Life (vv18-21):
a. Blameless, Sincere, Loving : 2Cor 1:12; 1Thes 2:8,10; 2Tim 3:10
b. Humble Service: 2Cor 3:5
c. Tears and Trials: 2Cor 2:4; Phil 3:18
d. No Holding Back: Ps 40:8-10
e. House to House: Acts 2:46
f. Testifying to Repentance and Faith: Rom 3:21-24; 2Tim 2:25,26
II.) Paul’s Commitment in the Spirit: (vv22-24):
a. In Spirit and Regardless: Acts 19:21;Acts 21:11-14
III.) Goodbyes Must be Said (v25):
IV.) The Whole Counsel: Election, Redemption, Justification, Adoption,
Conversion, Sanctification, Holy Living, Glorification,
Prophecy, Law, Grace, The Trinity, Attributes of God

Food for thought: Let us follow the examples set before us. God holds a bright future!