23 sermons preach from Acts 20 in real church libraries — each one transcribed, summarized, and indexed to the verse. Jump to the exact moment a verse is quoted, or open the full sermon.
“Now compelled by the Spirit I'm going to Jerusalem ... my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
“shed blood every first day of the week in Acts chapter 20 at verse number 7 the Bible tells us when to take the Lord's Supper”
A sermon on John 10:10 explaining that Jesus came to give 'life more abundantly' — not material prosperity but an overflowing, quality life rooted in a living relationship with Christ, experienced in the church through fellowship, service, joy, forgiveness, and purpose.
“Picking up Acts 20:16-20 where Paul decides to sail past Ephesus, calls the elders from Miletus, and says he served the Lord with humility and tears and did not hesitate to preach everything helpful to them.”
A Mission Sunday service focused on sacrificial giving for global church planting and evangelism, testimonies from international disciples, a communion message on vulnerability and mental health, and a sermon contrasting worldly 'mirages' with living out God's mission to seek and save the lost.
“Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible by the day of Pentecost.”
A Mission Sunday service focused on sacrificial giving for global church planting and evangelism, testimonies from international disciples, a communion message on vulnerability and mental health, and a sermon contrasting worldly 'mirages' with living out God's mission to seek and save the lost.
“Paul decides to sail past Ephesus and tells the elders he has served with humility and many tears, is bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, and expects jail and suffering ahead.”
A live online Sunday message encouraging the Deeper global family to engage in worship, giving, and prayer while declaring that the church and individuals are entering a new season. The preacher explains that intensified opposition and spiritual warfare often indicate a revealed future and an assignment from God, using the Apostle Paul's life as a case study, and closes with an invitation to faith in Christ.
“From Miletus he sent for the leaders (elders) of the church at Ephesus.”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders... 'You know how I lived the whole time I was with you... I served the Lord with great humility and with tears in the midst of severe testing by the plot of my Jewish opponents' and 'you know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly from house to house.'”
A Mission Sunday service focused on sacrificial giving for global church planting and evangelism, testimonies from international disciples, a communion message on vulnerability and mental health, and a sermon contrasting worldly 'mirages' with living out God's mission to seek and save the lost.
“You know that from the first day that I came into Asia after what manner I have been with you.”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears (Acts 20:19).”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews... I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear; I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike.”
A live online Sunday message encouraging the Deeper global family to engage in worship, giving, and prayer while declaring that the church and individuals are entering a new season. The preacher explains that intensified opposition and spiritual warfare often indicate a revealed future and an assignment from God, using the Apostle Paul's life as a case study, and closes with an invitation to faith in Christ.
“I have done the Lord's work humbly and with many tears... I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike, the necessity of repenting from sins and turning to God and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. And now I am bound by the spirit to go to Jerusalem ... that jail and suffering lie ahead.”
A live online Sunday message encouraging the Deeper global family to engage in worship, giving, and prayer while declaring that the church and individuals are entering a new season. The preacher explains that intensified opposition and spiritual warfare often indicate a revealed future and an assignment from God, using the Apostle Paul's life as a case study, and closes with an invitation to faith in Christ.
“then he says in verse 20 I have been your teacher (I've taught you how to pray, forgive, study the Bible...)”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“'I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.' 'And now, compelled by the Spirit, I'm going to Jerusalem not knowing what will happen to me there... I consider my life worth nothing to me. My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying the good news of the grace of God.'”
A Mission Sunday service focused on sacrificial giving for global church planting and evangelism, testimonies from international disciples, a communion message on vulnerability and mental health, and a sermon contrasting worldly 'mirages' with living out God's mission to seek and save the lost.
“Acts chapter 20, verses 22–24 (NIV) is referenced for reading about Paul.”
A worshipful Sunday service and message calling believers to trade personal agendas for God-given assignments — emphasizing surrender, obedience, stewardship, capacity, and community, with practical announcements and an invitation to respond.
“Paul knew that suffering would await him; the Holy Spirit had warned him of imprisonment and affliction, yet he continued determined to finish the work God had given him.”
A youth-led Sunday service focused on the mission of the 70 (Luke 10): believers are sent to sow the gospel, equipped by God, and called to persistent, humble evangelism. The teaching emphasized prayer, dependence on God, staying focused amid distractions and opposition, bringing peace, and rejoicing in being used by God. The service included prayer, Scripture readings, a drama and testimonies illustrating outreach, youth and children presentations, Father's Day celebrations, and practical announcements (Youth Fest, regional convention, July 4 cookout).
“Now compelled by the Spirit I'm going to Jerusalem ... my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
A Sunday regional service centered on the theme "Kingdom Dream": encouraging believers to dream for God's kingdom, to recover and renew dreams after hardship, and to persevere in those dreams. The service included worship, leadership transitions, communion focused on forgiveness, a teaching exhortation to evangelize broadly, testimonies, baptisms, and a call to generous giving for missions.
“Paul: 'the Holy Spirit showed me in city after city, jail and suffering... my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus' (testifying to the good news of God's grace).”
A live online Sunday message encouraging the Deeper global family to engage in worship, giving, and prayer while declaring that the church and individuals are entering a new season. The preacher explains that intensified opposition and spiritual warfare often indicate a revealed future and an assignment from God, using the Apostle Paul's life as a case study, and closes with an invitation to faith in Christ.
“Paul: 'not knowing what will happen to me... I only know that the Holy Spirit has revealed it to me that prison and hardship are facing me.'”
A worshipful Sunday service and message calling believers to trade personal agendas for God-given assignments — emphasizing surrender, obedience, stewardship, capacity, and community, with practical announcements and an invitation to respond.
“And see, now I go, bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying the chains and tribulations await me.”
A Bible study on the Holy Spirit's activity in the book of Acts, outlining eight primary roles—witnessing/preaching, boldness in prayer and proclamation, imparting wisdom for leadership, giving visions/instructions, declaring future events through prophets, warning of danger, correcting doctrinal error, and supernatural movement/transportation (with application to the rapture). The sermon concludes with the gospel call: repent, be baptized in Jesus' name, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, plus an invitation to receive Christ.
“"I consider my life worth nothing to me;" and "the task of the Lord was given to me," quoted by Paul about his assignment.”
A worshipful Sunday service and message calling believers to trade personal agendas for God-given assignments — emphasizing surrender, obedience, stewardship, capacity, and community, with practical announcements and an invitation to respond.
“My only aim is to finish the race.”
A Sunday regional service centered on the theme "Kingdom Dream": encouraging believers to dream for God's kingdom, to recover and renew dreams after hardship, and to persevere in those dreams. The service included worship, leadership transitions, communion focused on forgiveness, a teaching exhortation to evangelize broadly, testimonies, baptisms, and a call to generous giving for missions.
“Reference to Acts 20:24—“finish my course” as relating to running the race.”
A Logos Bible Masterclass demonstration by Scott Lindsey showing how the Logos Bible Software (now with AI features) accelerates Bible study, counseling, and ministry work; includes practical examples, a Q&A, promotional offer (60-day/2-month trial) and pastoral application including an altar call and church announcements.
“Acts chapter 20, verse 25.”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“Only one person has purchased you — Jesus Christ at the cost of his own blood.”
Pastors Josh, Paul, and Carlos discuss whether "generational curses" are biblical, distinguishing between punitive consequences, generational influences/strongholds, and the Christian's standing in Christ. They also define types of "possession," explain how believers can be oppressed but not owned by demons, and offer pastoral counsel for breaking family patterns through discipleship, prayer, and personal responsibility.
“he says in closing to the leaders at Ephesus: feed the Church of God, who the Holy Ghost has made you overseer.”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“'When I leave you, there will be those who rise up from among you to divide you' (Paul's warning about men arising from among you).”
Bishop-elect Tomi Arayomi exposes the spirit of Leviathan as the hidden driving force behind modern 'exposure' culture and toxic leadership fallout. He contrasts dealing with surface-level attacks (snakes on the ground) with confronting the principalities that send them, calls the church to humility, covenant faithfulness and prayer, and outlines the seven heads of Leviathan that produce pride, twisted truth, slander and division.
“"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock; of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them."”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I have ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears (Acts 20:31).”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'you will have a greater blessing when you give than when you receive.'”
A Bible-study sermon on Matthew 13 that contrasts the 'seed of the Savior' (the incorruptible Word and true children of the kingdom) with the 'seed of the Satan' (counterfeit, confusing religion). The preacher warns of Lucifer's tactic to commingle false teachings among true believers, urges careful study of Scripture, and issues a call to genuine conversion and baptism.
“it is more of a blessing to give than it is to receive”
Elder Christopher Goodson urges believers to remain faithful amid discouragement by identifying three enemies of endurance—ministry fatigue, the frustration of waiting, and the temptation to quit—and offers pastoral encouragement and practical steps (rest in Christ, community, patience, continued service and giving) to persevere until God’s promised harvest arrives.
“The Bible says that it is better to give than to receive.”
A pastor-led Sunday service emphasizing the identification, development, and proper deployment of spiritual gifts within the church; calls for intentional discipleship, church unity, faithful stewardship, participation in prayer, and parental responsibility (including a baby dedication).
“You said it's more blessed to give than to receive.”
A worshipful Sunday service and message calling believers to trade personal agendas for God-given assignments — emphasizing surrender, obedience, stewardship, capacity, and community, with practical announcements and an invitation to respond.
Showing the 4 most recent — 9 more sermons in church libraries reference this verse.
“And when he had thus spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all; and they all wept sore and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all...and they accompanied him unto the ship.”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all... they all wept sore (Acts 20:36).”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“They wept sore when Paul said they would see his face no more (the 37th verse says that they wept sore).”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
“Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake (Acts 20:38).”
A celebratory retirement and transition service for Rev. James T. Meeks after 38 years at Salem Baptist Church (Jan 8, 2023). Centered on Acts 20 and the theme "I Never Can Say Goodbye," the sermon reflected on the emotional bonds between pastor and congregation, the tensions of leadership change, key lessons from Paul's farewell (tears, tension, testimonies), and the formal passing of pastoral leadership to Rev. Charlie Dates. The program included civic recognition, a Baylor University archival gift, prayers, an altar call for salvation, and a stewardship appeal to bless the retiring pastor and first lady.
Every reference on this page was extracted from the transcript of a real sermon in a public Sermon Mind church library. Quotes reflect each preacher’s own reading of the text.