Problems Facing a Great Church

Guest Speaker - Dr. David Whitcomb

The story is based on Acts chapters 19-20, Ephesians, and 1 & 2 Timothy. This will be a high level overview, so all students of the Word must search these Scriptures to see if the story and its implications are true. 

  1. Building the Church at Ephesus

    1. Paul founded the church with 12 Jews (Acts 19:1-8)

    2. Paul left the synagogue and taught the people Daily for Two years. (Acts 19:9-10)

    3. The name of Jesus was Magnified (Acts 19:17-20)

  2. Paul later sent a letter, recognizes as God’s Word, called Ephesians.

    • Ch. 1 - Believers are chosen by God and blessed in over Thirty ways (Eph 1:3).

    • Ch. 2 - God has united the Jews and gentiles into one Body (Eph 2:16, 19)

    • Ch. 3 - The Holy Spirit indwells and strengths the Inner man (Eph 3:16)

    • Ch. 4 - God gives each member of the body special Gifts (Eph 4:11-12, 16)

    • Ch. 5 - God gives us Examples of how to live (Eph 5:1-2; cf 1 Cor 4:16-17)

    • Ch. 6 - God provides Everything for us so that in evil days, we will be able to Stand (Eph 6:13).
      Believers must be Strong (Eph 6:10)

  3. Paul sends Timothy (next week)

  4. Satan attacks from the outside (Plan A)

    1. Demetrius opposes Paul because of Money (Acts 19:23-27)

    2. People riot because the Truth challenges their Lifestyles (Acts 19:28-29)

    3. God protects the church through Government (Acts 19:34-36)

  5. Satan attacks from the inside (Plan B)

    1. Destructive forces are coming from among the Leaders (Acts 20:28-30)

    2. There will be false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-2)

    3. Certain persons crept in unnoticed (Jude 3-4)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Sermon Notes (PDF): SCREEN
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read  Acts 19-20, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another.