Far Off Places

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Scriptures: Acts 17:16-34, Acts 18:1

• Sermon Summary

  In this sermon, Scott follows Paul’s journey to Athens and looks at how stepping into unfamiliar, far-off places can stretch our faith. While exploring the local marketplace, Paul chats openly with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, showing us that our spiritual growth often deepens when we listen to diverse perspectives. He preaches a bold message on Mars Hill that knocks down regional pride, reminding everyone that God created all nations and loves us all equally. Even though Paul leaves the city abruptly—making the trip look like an ineffective "side quest"—we are reminded that our honest investments, deep love, and everyday efforts are never just throw-away lines.

• Discussion Guide

  Community is shaped by the conversations we share. These questions and reflections are a tool to help you meaningfully engage with the themes of this week's teaching.
  
  Summer Discussion Guide 2026

  If your group is meeting this summer and wants to talk about the sermons, here are a few questions that you could use to engage with our teaching. 

  • What specific part of the message resonated with you the most? Why do you think that particular part, or idea, or story caught your attention? 

  • Did the sermon speak into a particular struggle or question in your life or your faith journey right now?

  • How did the message challenge or encourage you personally?
    And what do you think the application could be for our church community? Was there anything that could strengthen or stretch us as a church? 

  • How did the exposition of the scriptures used in the sermon provide you with a new perspective of deeper understanding?

  ——
  It is good to remember that the conversation experience in the group is shaped by the personal stories of those who participate in it and how willing the people are to be open and vulnerable in the group.

  So if you’re leading the discussion, feel free to model and encourage person-centred and story-centred sharing by reflecting on how some parts of the sermon resonate with you personally.
  ——

  Additionally, what contributes to a more authentic group discussion is when people can share not about the abstract and theoretical applications, but one or two practical things they are taking away from either the sermon or the discussion. 

  So, you can end your time together with this question: 

  • What is one thing you are taking away from either the sermon or the discussion we’ve just had?

• Service Songs & Prayers

  CALL TO WORSHIP Romans 5

  MUSIC Curated by Alycia M.
  Brooke Ligertwood - Banner
  Hillsong Worship - Cornerstone
  Mission House - I Don't Have Much
  Bethel Music - If The Lord
  
  EUCHARIST INVITATION
  Written by Jarrod Kokot
  
  
  SERIES BUMPER
  The Way Forward: Wider World Series