January 4, 2026 | Livestream

Описание: 0:12:50 Welcome Harvest! / Worship from 7 George Street, Barrie, ON
0:34:50 Pastoral Prayer
0:39:28 Message from Todd Dugard // The Book of Acts // I Cheerfully Made My Defense // Acts 23: 12-24:27
1:32:01 Closing Worship
1:37:25 Benediction / You Are Loved

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SERMON NOTES

Series: The Book of Acts
Message: 63 – I Cheerfully Made My Defense
Text: Acts 23: 12-24:27
Todd Dugard
Harvest Bible Chapel
January 4, 2026

Do not expect, my friend, that the whole world will rejoice if you become a Christian.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Assurance of Our Salvation

I will effectively defend the gospel when I…

1. Expect opposition (23: 12-15)

Matthew 5: 11

If you are going to walk with Jesus Christ, you are going to be opposed…. In our days, to be a true Christian is really to become a scandal
George Whitefield

2. Trust Christ (23: 16-35)

3. Show understanding (24: 1-13)

What we need to understand:
(1) Big cultural moments will prompt deeper questions about influence and faith.
(2) Many are quietly practicing their faith alone—and missing opportunities to grow.
(3) People are opening their Bibles more often, but they’re still wrestling with what they believe about it.
(4) Family stability remains a central concern.
(5) Belief in Jesus is increasing, particularly among younger generations.

4. Find common ground (24: 14-15)

5. Embody the truth (24: 16-20)

6. Centre on the gospel (24: 21)

The resurrection makes Christianity the most irritating religion on the face of the earth.
Timothy Keller

1 Corinthians 2: 2

7. Give God room to work (24: 22-27)

Long waiting does not cancel God’s purpose. Suffering is not random. It is not wasted. It is not meaningless. It is governed by God for eternal purposes.
Aneel Sohail

Additional Resources:

Barna’s Top Trends of 2025, Part 1
https://www.barna.com/research/barna-...

Barna’s Top Trends of 2025, Part 2
https://www.barna.com/research/barnas...

The Resurrection Makes Christianity the Most Irritating Religion on Earth
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illust...

Jesus Vindicated — Tim Keller
   • Jesus Vindicated — Tim Keller  

The Life – Episode 2, Aneel Sohail
   • The Life - Episode 2