None of These Things Shall Move Me
Steve Wagers
Acts 20:17-24
1. PEOPLE Will Not Move Me
A) Opposition from Without
B) Obstacles from Within
2. PROBLEMS Will Not Move Me
A) The Commitment that Held Him
B) The Concern that Helped Him
3. PRIDE Will Not Move Me
A) Faithful to the Finish
B) Focused on the Father
On February 23, 155 A. D. Polycarp was burned at the stake. Although he is not mentioned in the New Testament, historical records tell that Polycarp was converted early in life, and was trained for the ministry by the apostle John. Polycarp and John would become pastoral contemporaries, with John pastoring the church at Ephesus, while Polycarp pastored the church at Smyrna (modern day Izmir, Turkey).
Though most of his time was spent in Smyrna, Polycarp became known abroad because of his bold stand for the gospel of Christ.
He faced his greatest test during the reign of Antoninus Pius. A persecution broke out against Christians, and several of his church members, at Smyrna, were killed. Polycarp himself was finally captured, on February 23, 155, and a Roman officer demanded that he renounce Christ. The old pastor's famous reply has echoed through history:
''Eighty and six years have I served him, and He has done me no wrong. Can I revile my King that saved me?''
The officer shouted, ''I will throw you to the beasts!'' Polycarp replied, ''My God delivers from the lion's den.'' The officer warned, ''Then I'll have you burned.'' To which Polycarp replied, ''You try to frighten me with fire that burns for an hour, and you forget the fire of hell that never goes out.'' An hour later, Polycarp's body was ashes, but his soul was with Christ.
Things around are constantly changing. Cultures are changing. Communities are changing. Even, churches and preachers are changing, walking away from the very truths they once stood upon and held to.
If ever there was a time for spiritual resolve, commitment and determination, it is certainly ...
Steve Wagers
Acts 20:17-24
1. PEOPLE Will Not Move Me
A) Opposition from Without
B) Obstacles from Within
2. PROBLEMS Will Not Move Me
A) The Commitment that Held Him
B) The Concern that Helped Him
3. PRIDE Will Not Move Me
A) Faithful to the Finish
B) Focused on the Father
On February 23, 155 A. D. Polycarp was burned at the stake. Although he is not mentioned in the New Testament, historical records tell that Polycarp was converted early in life, and was trained for the ministry by the apostle John. Polycarp and John would become pastoral contemporaries, with John pastoring the church at Ephesus, while Polycarp pastored the church at Smyrna (modern day Izmir, Turkey).
Though most of his time was spent in Smyrna, Polycarp became known abroad because of his bold stand for the gospel of Christ.
He faced his greatest test during the reign of Antoninus Pius. A persecution broke out against Christians, and several of his church members, at Smyrna, were killed. Polycarp himself was finally captured, on February 23, 155, and a Roman officer demanded that he renounce Christ. The old pastor's famous reply has echoed through history:
''Eighty and six years have I served him, and He has done me no wrong. Can I revile my King that saved me?''
The officer shouted, ''I will throw you to the beasts!'' Polycarp replied, ''My God delivers from the lion's den.'' The officer warned, ''Then I'll have you burned.'' To which Polycarp replied, ''You try to frighten me with fire that burns for an hour, and you forget the fire of hell that never goes out.'' An hour later, Polycarp's body was ashes, but his soul was with Christ.
Things around are constantly changing. Cultures are changing. Communities are changing. Even, churches and preachers are changing, walking away from the very truths they once stood upon and held to.
If ever there was a time for spiritual resolve, commitment and determination, it is certainly ...
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