Mar 2, 2025
Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
How To Endure A Long Journey
Acts 28:1-16
1. Kindness helps, v. 1-2
“Kindness is a language which the non-verbal can speak and the deaf can understand.”
-C.N. Bovee
Romans 2:1-5
2. No karma in the Kingdom, v. 3-6
Luke 13:1-5
Four core problems with karma…
a) You are responsible for everything that happens in your life both good and bad
b) You need neither prayer nor worship
c) You have no explanation for trauma or tragedy
d) Karma nullifies the reality of grace
Psalm 103:8-14
3. The Kingdom comes, v. 7-10
Luke 10:1-12
Four reasons for miracles in the New Testament...
a) demonstrate God’s power and authority
b) validate the messengers
c) immediately piqued people’s interest in the Kingdom of God
d) established a platform for the Gospel
4. The Kingdom is communal by nature, v. 11-16
Three Taverns was a real place some two thousand years ago on the Appian Way, just outside of Rome. It was a traveler’s rest and is mentioned in the book of Acts. We don’t know much about it, but from stories we’re told it was a place of thanksgiving and communal hospitality. We imagine Three Taverns as a place weary travelers in the ancient world found rest, community, and conversation—centered around food and drink at the table. Though the world has changed immensely since days of the Roman Empire, the culture of the table has been a constant throughout the ages. At Three Taverns, we believe, as we gather at the table and share our lives together over good food and drink, we are formed at our best as humans.
Mental worship…
1 What questions is your soul asking after hearing this sermon today?
2 What was your last experience with kindness that really hit the mark?
3 Are you a functional believer in karma?
4 When the Bible says of God that, “He does not deal with us according to our sins” what does that make you think, feel or want to do?
5 What about your life makes people curious about the Kingdom?
6 Where do you experience rest, community and conversation?