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Preached at the AM service at Grace Baptist Church Halifax on the 29th June 2025

The Happy Apologist (Acts 25 & 26) This video examines Paul's defence before King Agrippa and Governor Festus, highlighting his confidence in proclaiming the gospel despite being a prisoner. I. Paul's Situation & Political Context: Paul's arrest was unjust, leading to trials in Acts 25-26 as Festus sought charges for the emperor and aimed to appease Jewish authorities. The setting was grand, contrasting with Paul's likely prisoner appearance. Luke, the author of Acts, likely documented these events to demonstrate that Christianity wasn't an illegal Roman religion. II. Paul as "The Happy Apologist" - 5 Reasons for Confidence: Agrippa Knew the Subject: Paul was glad Agrippa was "well acquainted" with Jewish customs and controversies, allowing for an open and honest presentation. Accusers Knew Him Well: His dramatic transformation from persecutor to preacher (due to encountering the risen Jesus) was widely known and central to his testimony. Privilege to Tell the Truth: Paul felt compelled to proclaim the gospel, even facing threats, asserting his message aligned with the prophets and Moses. Knew His Ground: When Festus called him insane, Paul calmly stated his words were "true and reasonable." He was confident because Jesus's life, death, and resurrection were public knowledge, not "done in a corner." Roman authorities repeatedly found him innocent. Made it Personal to the King: Paul directly asked Agrippa if he believed the prophets, knowing his familiarity. His deepest desire was for everyone, including Agrippa, to share his faith (minus the chains). III. Characteristics of the Gospel Paul Preached: Credible: Rooted in historical events and the resurrection. Accessible: For everyone, "small and great alike." Personal: Affects individuals directly. Powerful: Evident in Paul's own life transformation and its ongoing impact. The irony of the gospel being presented to Agrippa, whose family had opposed Jesus's followers, is noted. IV. Application for Believers Today: The speaker encourages listeners to: Know the Gospel Well: Be able to share it. Show a Changed Life: Let others see Jesus's transformative power in you. Be Happy to Share: Proclaim the good news willingly. Be Sure of Your Faith's Foundation: Understand it's solid and rational. Recognise Gospel's Personal Nature: God's call is personal. Seek Clarity: If exploring faith, truth is abundant in the Bible. Show Conviction, Commitment, and Courage: Believe thoughtfully, hold fast to the gospel, and be bold in living and sharing your faith.

This sermon focuses on the biblical story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27, exploring themes of deception, divine sovereignty, and God's use of imperfect people. Background and Relationship: The sermon begins by outlining the history between Jacob and Esau, their rivalry from birth, and Jacob's earlier acquisition of Esau's birth right [02:26]. This sets the stage for the events of Genesis 27. Four Scenes: The speaker divides Genesis 27 into four key scenes: Isaac speaking to Esau [06:52]. Jacob's conversation with Rebecca [09:09]. Jacob's deception of Isaac [14:42]. Isaac's subsequent interaction with Esau [23:38]. Isaac's Favoritism: Despite knowing God's prophecy that the older (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob), Isaac favored Esau [08:04]. This highlights a tension between divine will and human action. Rebecca's Intervention: Determined to ensure Jacob receives the blessing, Rebecca devises a plan for Jacob to deceive his blind father, Isaac [09:18]. The speaker emphasizes that Jacob's primary concern seems to be avoiding his father's curse rather than fearing God's judgment [12:16]. Jacob's Deception and the Blessing: Jacob lies to Isaac multiple times to obtain the blessing [14:48]. The speaker details the blessing Isaac gives, linking it to themes of God's provision and dominion [15:32]. Irony and Fulfilment: The speaker points out the irony of Jacob bowing down to Esau later in Genesis, contrasting with the blessing's prediction [18:22]. He also connects the ultimate fulfilment of the blessing to Christ [22:25]. God's Sovereignty and Imperfect People: A central theme of the sermon is that God accomplishes His perfect plan through flawed individuals, as illustrated by Jacob and his family [29:22]. The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God's sovereignty [28:50] and to see themselves in the flawed characters of the story [28:50]. Application to Local Churches: The speaker extends this theme to local churches, suggesting that God uses even weak and feeble efforts to achieve His purposes [30:23]. Concluding Prayer: The sermon concludes with a prayer [32:40], asking for listeners to trust God, for those who don't know Christ to come to faith, and for God to be glorified. Additional Details from the Video: The speaker introduces Genesis 27 [00:10], describing Jacob [00:34, 01:59] and the family dynamic [04:58, 05:58]. Rebecca emphasises the importance of the blessing [11:00]. The garments are key in Jacob's deception [15:17]. God's irrevocable gifts and calling are highlighted [26:34]. Jacob faces consequences, but God uses the situation for good [27:01]. The ultimate accomplishment of God's purposes is through Jacob's deception and Esau's foolishness, leading to Christ [31:09, 31:35]. The overarching message is that God is sovereign [31:57].

This video discusses unity in Christ, based on Philippians 1:3-11. Here's a summary of the main points: * Introduction: The speaker introduces the passage from Philippians, where Paul expresses his gratitude and joy for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel [00:00]. * Breaking Social Divisions: The speaker emphasizes that the kingdom of Jesus Christ unites people from all backgrounds, contrasting this with the strict social hierarchies of the Roman Empire [03:34]. * Partnership in the Gospel: The speaker explains the concept of "partnership" (koinonia) in the gospel, highlighting the deep fellowship and communion among Christians [09:18]. * New Covenant: The speaker references Jeremiah's prophecy of a new covenant, noting that Christians embody this covenant through the Holy Spirit and direct access to God [12:58]. * Grace and Faith: The speaker stresses that salvation is through grace and faith, not personal merit, and encourages those who feel inadequate to embrace this truth [14:27]. * Living Out Unity: The speaker challenges the congregation to live out their faith practically, fostering fellowship, valuing others, and looking out for their interests [17:12]. * Cultivating Gospel Unity: The speaker advises cultivating gospel unity through prayer and spending time together, urging the congregation to break down barriers and get to know one another better [18:32]. * Conclusion: The speaker summarizes the key takeaways, emphasizing that identity should be found in Jesus Christ, and encourages the congregation to actively pursue unity and live out their faith [20:31].