An Unanswerable Argument Series

Reading: Acts chapter 21 verse 40- chapter 22 verse 30.

SERMON OUTLINE:

• The starting point…a story to share (vs 1-16).

• The turning point…a word that’s offensive (vs 17):

• The finishing point…a right that is claimed (vs 24-30).

SERMON BODY:

Quotes: Arguing!

• “A day without an argument is like an egg without salt.” —Angela Carter

• “Say what you mean, but don’t say it mean.” —Andrea Wachter

• “Arguing with a fool proves there are two.” —Doris M. Smith

• “Arguing isn’t communication, it’s noise.” —Tony Gaskins

• “Behind every argument is someone’s ignorance.” —Louis D. Brandeis

• “During arguments if you’re losing, start correcting their grammar.” —Unknown

• “Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it.” —Edward de Bono

• “My wife was too beautiful for words, but not for arguments.” —John Barrymore

• “Women get the last word in every argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.” —Unknown

• Albert Schweitzer was a theologian, organist, musicologist, writer,

• Humanitarian, philosopher, and physician, he said,

• “My life is my argument.”

• TRANSITION: I think the apostle Paul could easily quote Albert Schweitzer,

• Because his life backed up and illustrated his words!

On 3 separate occasions between Paul’s third missionary journey & his final trip to Rome:

• He stood before different audiences, often alone and presented Christ to them.

• Those audiences were mainly made up of unbelievers,

• Many of whom were hostile and rude.

Question: On each occasion, do you know the method Paul used?

Answer: His personal testimony.

• Each time he spoke he simply shared how his own life had been changed,

• By the risen, glorified living Lord Jesus Christ.

• Not once did he argue or debate with them.

• Not once did he preach a sermon.

• On those occasions he shared his own story of what Christ had done for him!

Question: Why did he share his testimony?

Answer:

• Because one of the most convincing,

• Unanswerable arguments on earth regarding Christianity is one’s personal story.

Ill:

• Like the blind man in John chapter 9.

• When he is interrogated and verbally bullied by the religious leaders,

• He stands tall and confident,

• He knew that they would never believe his words,

• But they had no answer for his changed life - - “I was blind but now I see!”

This morning we are going to divide this passage into three sections.

• We haven’t got time for a verse-by-verse study,

• So, we will look together at the three main features in the narrative.

(1). The starting point: a story to share (vs 1-16).

Ill:

• I found this videoclip the other day on Facebook.

• (A woman’s wig falls off when she nods off to sleep in Church)

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/zenEOZzB-zw

• TRANSITION: People may fall asleep during a sermon,

• (That is not permission to nod off, OK!)

• But very few if any fall asleep when someone is sharing their story/testimony,

• We all like to hear a personal story.

Note:

• At the end of last week’s study,

• The apostle Paul was rescued from a rioting crowd by Roman soldiers.

• As he escapes up a stairway that led into the military barracks:

• He stops and asks the Roman commander,

• If he can speak to the hostile crowd that is still calling out for his death.

• I love the way he grabs their attention and communicates with them.

• Quote: chapter 21 verse 40.

“After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic.”

Ill:

• I was taught by my two mentors, Bob Telford and Ivor Cooper,

• Whenever you speak (preach or a testimony),

• You claim your ground!

• Make sure you are in control and comfortable,

• Make sure people can see you and can hear you!

• Remove any obstructions, move people if need be so you can get eye-contact!

• One of the expressions I will be remembered for,

• (By my helpers and those who attend our Youth events & Camps),

• “I like to see the white of your eyes!” – come closer or remove the sunglasses etc.

• TRANSITION: You can have the greatest testimony in the world,

• But if people can’t hear you or see you it is wasted!

• Always claim your ground!

• In a meeting get there early so you can liaise with those leading,

• Where you will be standing etc., what microphone you will be using etc.

• If you want effective communication, then always claim your ground!

Note: How the apostle Paul does this (Chapter 21 verse 40):