Hope City Sermon - Aug 9, 2026: Courage in the Face of Chains

Message: Courage in the Face of Chains Scripture: Acts 21.1-22.30 Series: Empowered: The Gospel Unleashed in Acts Hope City Church Vancouver: https://hopecitychurch.org/ 0:00 Intro 1:01 Acts 21.1a, 3b-4, 7-15, 17-24, 26, 27-32, 37-40; 22.1-22 6:42 Earnest Shackleton 11:02 Courage in the face of chains 11:27 Courage chooses obedience over comfort 13:17 "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 2.13) 17:30 Courage values the Gospel over personal reputation 18:59 "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9.22) 20:56 Courage remains faithful when misunderstood 21:51 "You will be hated by everyone because of Me..." (Matthew 10.22) 26:41 Courage turns every trial into a Gospel opportunity 31:44 "Lord, get me out!" vs. "Lord, how can you use this?" 34:13 "Come, take up your cross. And follow Me" 35:33 Is Jesus worth the cost? Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "This is the end - for me, the beginning of life" 37:14 Reflection questions 1. Where is God calling you to obey Him even though it may be costly? 2. Are there comforts or securities that have become more important to you than faithfulness in Christ? 3. What "chains" (hardships, limitations, disappointments, or suffering) might God be inviting you to view as opportunities for Gospel witness? 4. Paul's testimony became his greatest sermon in this passage. How has Jesus changed your life, and are you prepared to share that story with someone else this week?