{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":300,"width":600,"title":"The Life of Paul - Acts 13","description":"James continues the series on the life of Paul, moving from Paul\u2019s hidden years into the beginning of his missionary work in Acts 13. He begins by setting the scene in the church at Antioch in Syria, where Paul has become part of a spiritually gifted church. While the believers are worshipping, fasting and praying, the Holy Spirit tells them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which he has called them. James highlights that the mission begins not with human strategy, but with the Spirit\u2019s calling and the church\u2019s prayerful obedience. Paul and Barnabas are sent to Cyprus, where they proclaim the word of God. James stresses that although the church can and should do many good things, there is one thing only the church can do: proclaim the word of God. In Paphos, they meet opposition from Elymas, a sorcerer and false prophet, who tries to turn the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the faith. Paul confronts him in the power of the Holy Spirit, Elymas is struck blind, and Sergius Paulus believes, amazed at the teaching of the Lord. The journey then moves to Pisidian Antioch in modern-day Turkey. John Mark leaves them at Perga, which later becomes a source of tension between Paul and Barnabas. In the synagogue at Antioch, Paul is invited to speak. James explains that Paul\u2019s sermon traces Israel\u2019s history through David to Jesus, then centres on Christ\u2019s death and resurrection. The heart of Paul\u2019s message is that through Jesus, forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, and everyone who believes is set free from every sin. James dwells on the wonder of that promise: our worst sins, recurring sins and secret sins can all be forgiven through Christ. The response is dramatic. The next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathers to hear the word of the Lord. Some Jewish leaders become jealous and oppose Paul, but this becomes the catalyst for the gospel being preached to the Gentiles. James points to God\u2019s purpose: Paul was called to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. The sermon closes with encouragement. Even when Paul and Barnabas are expelled from the region, the gospel continues to spread, and the new disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. James compares this to the fire of the gospel coming to Ireland through St Patrick: once lit, it could not be put out. His final challenge is that the same fire is still burning today, and believers in Aberdeen are called to carry the gospel into dark places by the power of the Holy Spirit.   0:00 Introduction: Paul the Missionary 2:32 The Church at Antioch 3:59 Led by the Holy Spirit 5:51 Set Apart for the Work 7:43 Sent to Cyprus 10:14 Opposition from Elymas 13:03 Saul Becomes Paul 15:45 The Word of God Comes with Power 17:02 From Paphos to Pisidian Antioch 19:15 Paul Is Invited to Speak 21:25 Paul\u2019s Sermon: Jesus, Death and Resurrection 22:01 Forgiveness of Sins Through Jesus 25:32 The Whole City Comes to Hear 28:04 Turning to the Gentiles 30:34 Appointed for Eternal Life 31:38 Opposition and Gospel Progress 33:13 The Fire Is Still Burning ","author_name":"Sermons from Aberdeen Christian Fellowship","author_url":"http:\/\/www.aberdeencf.com","html":"