Sermons on Maori Farewell:

Making A Graceful Exit

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jul 19, 2004

In Paul’s farewell address he spoke of the past, the present and the future. 1- His past work 2- His present commitment 3- His future concern

INTRO.- How do you say “goodbye” when you exit someone’s presence? - “Gotta go. Bye.” - “It’s been fun. Take it easy.” - “Adios Amigo.” - “After while, crocodile.” - “Later gator.” - “So long. Catch you later.” - “Toodle-oo.” (that’s an old one) - “Goodbye and God bless you.” - ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:18-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Embracing The New Year With Joy And Anticipation SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

As we bid farewell to this year, will we be filled with joy or regret? Will we face the future with anticipation or dread? This sermon encourages us to embrace the New Year with joy and anticipation.

When this year is over, will we look back with joy or regret? Will we face the future with anticipation or dread? Today, I want to share a passage from Ephesians 5:15-17 that can guide us as we approach the rest of this year. The Apostle Paul offers some important lessons for us to consider. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Topics: New Year's Day, Joy, Anticipation

Joshua 24: 1-15, The Last Words Of Joshua Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jul 24, 2024

This last message in this series looks at Joshua's final or farewell address to Israel. The challenge in verses 14 and 15 are just as real for us today as for Israel in those days.

Introduction: Joshua had been part of Israel’s past and present for many years. He had been faithful to Moses, Israel, and the LORD all of his life and had led Israel’s conquest of Canaan. Now he calls Israel together to give them one final message before his earthly journey was done. Full ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Turn Around Or Turn Out Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 30, 2009

Dramatic monologue as if Paul were speaking: a farewell address, focused largely on Philippians, but drawing from much of the Pauline literature. A play on Paul’s name: Pray, Avoid, Understand, Love.

Paul, servant of the Gospel, to all the saints in Gaithersburg: grace to you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Heart Of A Shepherd Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Feb 6, 2021

Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders reveals his conduct (of the past), his commitment (in the present) and his concern (for the future). We see the heart of a shepherd.

Having been speaking to a laptop screen for the last 10 months, it feels good to be able to speak to you face-to-face again! • We give thanks to God for this day. Let us look into His Word, taken from Acts 20. Read Acts 20:13-38. LET US PRAY: Our heavenly Father, we have come again into your ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:13-38, 1 Timothy 4:16, Revelation 2:2-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Be Holy

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Jun 4, 2005

God calls all His children to a life of holy living by His grace, and this call is not optional but imperative. This sermon was originally prepared as my farewell message to the people of Decatur Central United Methodist Church.

Be Holy --I Peter 1:13-16 Leviticus 20:6-9 Leviticus 20:6 - 9 (NRSV), “If any turn to mediums and wizards, prostituting themselves to them, I will set my face against them, and will cut them off from the people. 7Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am the LORD your God. 8Keep my ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16

Denomination: Methodist

Paul's Model Of Pastoral Care (Acts 20:28-31)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 13, 2024

In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul leaves the city of Ephesus for the last time. In his farewell to the elders of the church, he summarized his work both as a fellow elder and fellow servant of the Lord Jesus Christ

In Acts 20, Paul was about to leave Ephesus and the church he helped to plant. For over three years, he and his fellow elders in the faith worked together to proclaim the message of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. He also spent considerable time teaching the Word of God and sound doctrine ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:18-32, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, John 10:28-30, 2 Timothy 4:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Three Months In Greece Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 16, 2017

After Paul’s experience in Ephesus, he left Ephesus and set out for Macedonia, and then to Philippi, back to Troas, and to Miletus. The Elders of the church in Ephesus meet him in Miletus where they have a tender reunion and a touching farewell.

October 17, 2015 Acts of the Apostles By: Tom Lowe Lesson: Three Months in Greece (Acts 20:1-5) Acts 20:1-5 (KJV) 1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Fly High - Acts Part 18 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Nov 4, 2006

The farewell teachings of Paul to many of the churches in this chapter are filled with great spiritual insight. Paul expresses that he will never see these brothers and sisters again so He shares his heart with them and gives them final instructions to li

Fly High – Acts part 18 Video of Youth Retreat and the Baptisms: Testimonies from the Youth about the retreat and from this last week after coming home. Scripture Text Acts 20: The Holy Bible, New International Version. Pradis CD-ROM: Ac 20:1. Through Macedonia and Greece Ac 20:1 When the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:1-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trusting God’s Plan: Healing And Guidance For A New Year Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 19, 2024

As we prepare to bid farewell to one year and welcome another, we are reminded that God is at work in all seasons of our lives. Our focus is on trusting God for healing, wholeness, and direction as we move from one season to the next.

Trusting God’s Plan: Healing and Guidance for a New Year Introduction: As we prepare to bid farewell to one year and welcome another, we are reminded that God is at work in all seasons of our lives. The transitions we experience, whether joyful or challenging, are opportunities to reflect on ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:12, Proverbs 3:6, Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 103:2-3, Romans 12:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 40:31, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Choose Life

Contributed by Frank Lay on Jan 27, 2005

Moses had come to the end of his life and in the book of Deuteronomy he is preaching to the people and preparing them for entrance into the Promised Land. In his farewell address, he challenges them to accept God’s offer of life. The choice he gives is

CHOOSE LIFE Deut. 30:14-20 We make choices every day. Some choices really don’t matter very much. What we shall eat, or wear. What car shall I buy? What team shall I support? It really doesn’t matter whether I drive a Ford or Chevrolet, a Toyota or Honda, or even a Mercury or Buick. As a ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:14-20

Denomination: Baptist

The New Commission (Updated) Pentecost Sunday June 8, 2025

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Apr 17, 2021

In today’s text Jesus is talking to His disciples about what will happen in the future. In fact, John 14 -17 is what some refer to as the “Farewell Discourse”. Jesus is talking to them about the connection to obedience and love and how that will be important in their work as disciples.

John 14:15 – 21 (NRSV)   15 “If you love me, you will keep[a] my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,[b] to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Denomination: United Methodist

When Heaven Sends Help: Understanding The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Sep 9, 2025

In sports, we often talk about “home-field” advantage. But the Holy Spirit is better than the “home field” advantage. Again, He is the outside power you need. He is the outside power you need for life, for holiness, and for witness.

Just before Jesus died on the cross, He sat the Disciples down for a lengthy training session. Knowing He was only hours from departing, Jesus poured in them. It’s right here that Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit. This is known as the Farewell Discourse by Bible scholars. Today’s Scripture “If ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-17, 1 Corinthians 2:12, John 16:13, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 23:4, John 14:25-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Little Red Riding Hoods

Contributed by Bobby Brewer on Jun 14, 2021

Sometimes referred to as Paul’s tearful farewell, Paul has what could also be described as an elder board meeting with the elders of the Ephesian church. Goodbyes have a way of making you think and Paul has some final thoughts for the church at Ephesus; most notably to beware the wolves.

Series: Acts: We’re on a Mission from God Message: Little Red Riding Hoods Text: Acts 20:17-38 Date: June 13, 2021 Big Idea: The passage is sometimes referred to as Paul’s tearful farewell. Not surprisingly, Paul has what could also be described as an elder board meeting with the elders of the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-38

The Whole Counsel Of God

Contributed by Timothy Shumer on Jun 14, 2003

In Acts 20, when Paul gives his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, we really see his heart as a pastor. What was driving him? Being aware of the necessity of being God’s "watchman." How did he accomplish this? "For I have not shunned to declare unto

Ephesus was a city in which many Jews took up residence + Here the seeds of the gospel were sown immediately after Pentecost = [Acts 2:9, 6:9] + At the close of his second missionary journey (about A.D. 51) + When Paul was returning from Greece to Syria, first visits city = [Acts 18:18-21] + He ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-35

Denomination: Baptist