The Moody Church Sunday Morning Podcast

Comparison, celebrity, and control quietly corrupt ministry—but none of it was ever about us. When Jesus increases, pride dies, and real gospel power transforms lives.
 Acts 18:24–19:20 The Danger of ComparisonWe’re not competitors. The Danger of CelebrityWe’re not the center. The Danger of ControlWe’re not in charge. Takeaway: “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.” —Luke 17:10

When weakness and fear make you want to lose heart, where does resilience come from? Acts 18 reveals Christ’s presence and promises give courage to keep going.
 Acts 18:1–23 Weakness• “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.” —Paul (1 Corinthians 2:3) Encouragement• Five Keys to Resilience1. People2. Provision3. Progress4. Presence5. Promise• “When I am weak, then I am strong.” —Paul (2 Corinthians 12:10) Breakthrough• “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” —Jesus to Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9) Takeaway: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Jesus (Matthew 28:20)

1 Corinthians 1:17–2:5 Did Paul change his mind on evangelism?
 1. The Wisdom of Corinth
 2. The Foolishness of the Cross
 3. The Wisdom of God
 Big Idea: The Gospel is not undermining reason, but challenges our cultural assumptions— and above all, our pride. It is in Christ, not in us, we find truth, righteousness, holiness, and Freedom.

Chasing money, pleasure, or power promises abundant life—but leaves us empty and restless. In Acts 17, Paul reveals the risen Jesus as the true God who satisfies, saves, and will judge the world.
 
Acts 17:16-34
 
The Idols We Live For
• We search for abundant life apart from God.
 
The God Who is There
• God’s self-disclosure is everywhere.
 
The One We Can’t Avoid
• Jesus is the Risen One we all must face.
 
Takeaway: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

We want advocacy, not authority. But Jesus the risen Lord demands allegiance, surrender, and obedience.
 
Acts 17:1–15
 
Jesus the Messiah
• We want the crown without the cross.
• Will you trust and follow?
 
Jesus the King
• We want advocacy without authority.
• Will you kneel and yield?
 
Jesus the Word
• We want selectivity, not surrender.
• Will you listen and obey? 
Takeaway: Will you let Jesus turn your world upside down?