Wilmington Reformed

Acts 15 recounts the Council of Jerusalem where the early church confronts whether Gentile believers must follow Jewish law. Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James reveal that God has opened the covenant to Gentiles through Christ, fulfilling prophecy from Amos and restoring the promise of David’s kingdom. The decision emphasizes salvation by grace, the replacement of circumcision with baptism, and the...

This episode reads Acts 15 and examines the Council of Jerusalem, where the early church debated whether Gentile believers must be circumcised to be saved. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James address the controversy and affirm salvation by grace through faith rather than by the law. The sermon also draws out the church’s authority and structure, showing how the gathered people of God, under King Jesu...

This episode walks through Acts 14, recounting Paul and Barnabas’s missionary work: the healing of a man who had been crippled from birth, the crowd’s mistaken worship, and the violent opposition that led to Paul being stoned and assumed dead. The sermon emphasizes the paradox of the Christian life—suffering and persecution paired with resurrection hope—how the apostles planted and strengthened ch...

This episode walks through Acts 13:13–52, where Paul recounts Israel’s story, proclaims Jesus as the promised Savior, and explains how forgiveness and resurrection fulfill God’s promises. When Jewish leaders reject the message, Paul turns to the Gentiles, declaring the church the new light to the nations. The sermon emphasizes the metaphor of light—Jesus and his church as lampstands called to brin...

Paul stands in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch and traces Israel's story from the Exodus through David to show that the Old Testament promises find their fulfillment in Jesus. He proclaims that through Jesus forgiveness of sins and justification are now offered to all who believe. The sermon calls for faith and warns scoffers, sparks both eager response and opposition, and marks the turning of t...

This episode unpacks Acts 13:1–12 and explains that prophets, miracles, and prophecies marked the inaugural period of the early church. It argues the apostolic era culminated in the completed canon, so Christians today are called to rely on Scripture as the sufficient and final authority. The preacher contrasts foundation-era signs with the present building stage, urging believers to embrace...

In this sermon on Acts 12 the preacher examines how the church’s earnest prayer brought about Peter’s miraculous rescue from Herod’s prison and the judgment on the king. The passage shows prayer as the primary weapon in the spiritual warfare between God’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom. The message calls the church to persistent, faith-filled prayer, reminding believers that God answers and that our...

Acts 12 recounts Peter’s miraculous escape from prison, Herod’s violent persecution and sudden judgment, and the church’s fervent prayer. The sermon warns against opposing God, reflects on divine justice and hell, and points to Christ’s mercy as the hope that transforms fear into reverent awe.

This episode reads Acts 10:44–48 and explores the Holy Spirit falling on Gentiles, their speaking in tongues, and subsequent baptism. Pastor Jackson distinguishes between historia salutis and ordo salutis, and reviews Acts 2 and Pentecost to explain why tongues were foreign languages that signified both judgment on Israel and blessing for the nations. The sermon argues tongues functioned as...

This sermon on 1 Corinthians 15 proclaims the historical resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of Christian faith and salvation, showing Paul’s argument that without the resurrection the gospel is meaningless. It explains how Christ’s rising brings new life now, empowers holy living, comforts in suffering, and promises final victory over death, offering hope amid cultural cynicism and personal t...

Acts 10 retells how Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, and Peter, an apostle, receive visions that lead to their meeting in Caesarea. Peter proclaims the gospel, the Holy Spirit falls on Gentile listeners, and they are baptized, signaling the end of former barriers between Jews and Gentiles. The episode emphasizes the central message that God shows no partiality, the fulfillment of Old Testament...

Acts 9:1–31 recounts Saul’s dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, his three days of blindness, Ananias’ vision, and Saul’s baptism and immediate proclamation of Jesus as Lord. The sermon draws out how this turning shaped Paul’s calling as God’s chosen instrument, emphasizing the sovereignty and power of God in salvation, the centrality of preaching, and the cost and courage of apo...

This sermon explores Saul's dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–25) and how that moment transformed him from a fierce persecutor into Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. The pastor explains the historical and theological significance of the event, its impact on Paul’s life and teachings, and urges listeners to seek a passionate, Christ-centered life—whether their convers...

In Acts chapter 8 Philip preaches in Samaria where signs and conversions follow, Simon Magus tries to buy apostolic power and is sharply rebuked, and Peter and John bring apostolic authority. The episode shows the church taking shape and the gospel confronting false motives. An angel sends Philip to meet an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah; Philip explains Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecy,...

Acts 8:1–8 tells how fierce persecution sent believers out of Jerusalem and how Philip reached Samaria with the message of Christ, accompanied by signs and healings. What seemed like disaster became God’s plan for expansion: the gospel was proclaimed, many believed, and great joy filled the city.

This episode explains what it means that Jesus is the Christ, tracing Old Testament titles—offspring, servant, branch of David—and how they point to the anointed, Spirit-filled Savior who suffers, defeats evil, blesses the nations, and reigns forever. Using passages from Acts, Genesis, Isaiah, and more, the sermon shows how the apostles proved Jesus as the promised Messiah and why the single word...

This episode covers Acts 7:51–8:8, focusing on Stephen’s bold denunciation of the religious leaders, his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and his stoning while he prays for forgiveness for his killers. Saul approves the execution, marking a turning point for the early church. As persecution breaks out, believers are scattered and the gospel spreads: Philip goes to Samaria, where...

This episode walks through Acts 7 as Stephen delivers a sweeping sermon recounting Abraham, Joseph, Moses and Israel's history to show the gospel's roots in the Old Testament. Stephen emphasizes that God's promise was never about land or temple alone but about faith in the coming Messiah, and he warns of Israel's repeated rejection of God's messengers, culminating in his own martyrdom. The message...

This episode explores Acts 6–7, focusing on Stephen’s appointment as a deacon, his bold teaching about Jesus as the true temple, and the rising hostility that leads to his arrest. It traces how the early church recapitulates Jesus’ work, the shift from the temple to Christ, and the beginning of the church’s mission beyond Jerusalem. Through historical context and theological reflection, the speake...

In this episode the preacher reads Acts 6:1–7 and explains how the early church appointed seven deacons to care for the needy so the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. The sermon highlights church growth, cultural diversity, the importance of organized service, and the sacrificial example of deacons as the embodied love of Christ.

This sermon walks through Acts 5:33–42 and explores why the apostles rejoiced after being beaten for preaching Jesus. It highlights Gamaliel’s counsel, the biblical call to rejoice in persecution for righteousness’ sake, and practical cautions against seeking suffering or suffering for the wrong reasons. The message encourages believers to live righteously, keep their eyes on heaven, and find bold...

This episode examines Luke 2:1–20, focusing on Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and the shepherds’ witness. It explores the historical and cultural setting that points to a peasant home rather than a stable, emphasizing the incarnation as a covenantal act. Through reflections on humility, poverty, and the reversal of worldly honor, the sermon shows how Christ’s humble birth dignifies the poor and calls l...

Acts 5:17–32 recounts the apostles’ arrest, miraculous release by an angel, and their bold return to the temple to preach the risen Christ. The passage highlights the centrality of the resurrection, the duty to obey God rather than human authorities when commands conflict with God’s will, and the liberating, life-changing power of the gospel.

This sermon walks through Acts 4–5, contrasting Barnabas’s generous, whole‑hearted response with Ananias and Sapphira’s deceitful compromise, and explains how God’s dramatic judgment and apostolic power stirred both fear and revival in the early church. It calls listeners to recognize Christ as their true inheritance, to embrace humble, godly reverence, and to pursue wholehearted devotion that pro...