Guest speaker Jonathan “JP” Pokluda continues Lake Pointe’s Acts series, “There Is More: Endgame,” walking through Paul’s harrowing voyage in Acts 27.
From a prisoner’s chains, Paul steadies 276 frightened people, proving that God – not weather, not authorities – holds the outcome.
The chapter carries three big lessons: stay calm by remembering who is in charge, realize storms reveal real faith, and do your part while trusting God for everything else.
Pastor Josh continues Lake Pointe’s Acts series, “There Is More: Endgame,” by tracing Paul’s declaration before the Sanhedrin: “I have fulfilled my duty to God with a good conscience to this day.”
The weekend also celebrates the largest baptism weekend in the church’s history, with around 700 people publicly identifying with Christ.
The sermon defines conscience, explains why it matters, and walks through four biblical conditions of the conscience: good, defiled, seared, and weak.
The message moves from teaching to direct response, calling listeners to examine their conscience before God and obey Jesus publicly.
Series: “Investigating Jesus” (goal: move from crowd to true discipleship).
Luke, a physician, writes to his lost friend Theophilus, carefully compiling controversial teachings–including Jesus’ words on hell.
Preacher acknowledges cultural pressure to avoid topics of politics, money, and hell; chooses to confront hell head-on because Jesus taught it plainly.
Satan’s first lie (Genesis 3:4) denies judgment; he still uses three goals:
The preacher invites the church to journey with Jesus along His final, “dark and scary road” toward Easter.
Luke 9:51 marks the hinge of the gospel narrative: Jesus “set His face” toward Jerusalem–language of iron-willed resolve and fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Historical backdrop: Passover week swells Jerusalem to ~2 million pilgrims; Rome dispatches extra troops; political tension is electric.
Two contrasting parades will converge: Pilate from the west with war-horses; Jesus from the east on a donkey portraying humility and true power.
Marriage Weekend launched with light-hearted giveaways, prayer for couples, and a clear warning that the message would be candid about marital intimacy.
Sets stage for new series “Investigating Jesus,” beginning with society’s top question: What did Jesus teach about gender, marriage, divorce, and sexuality?
Pastor frames marriage as a primary spiritual battleground – strong families produce generational disciples.
