Lo que para el hombre parece una derrota puede ser el comienzo de una obra aún mayor de Dios
Pastor Tappan delivered a sermon to a group of pastors in India (joining via online call) centered on Acts 14:19–23, arguing that persecution is not the end of ministry but may signal its expansion. Four self-examination questions framed the message: why we are pastors, why we follow Christ, why we encourage others to follow, and whether we will continue even at great cost. The session closed with mutual encouragement and a planned follow-up in October.
See PDF for full message in English and ଓଡ଼ିଆ (Odia)
- Core theological position: Suffering and persecution are expected for all who desire to live godly — not a sign of God’s abandonment.
- Ministry must continue through tribulation: Paul’s pattern in Acts 14 — stoned, dragged out, then rising and returning to preach — is the normative model for gospel workers.
- Miracles do not guarantee belief: Trust must be placed in the risen Savior, not in signs and wonders.
Key Teachings Covered
- The Christian paradox: Truth that seems wrong by human thinking proves deeply true from God’s perspective.
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17: Scripture is God-breathed — to teach, reprove, correct, and train; God picks believers up when they fall.
- Acts 14:1–23: Paul and Barnabas preached boldly in Iconium; the city divided; Paul was stoned and left for dead, yet rose and continued.
- Acts 8:1 / Acts 11:19–21: Stephen’s death and subsequent persecution scattered believers, spreading the gospel beyond Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and Gentiles.
- Philippians 3:10: Paul’s strength came from knowing Christ and sharing in His sufferings.
- John 16:33: Christ promises peace not tied to circumstances — “I have overcome the world.”
- John 15:18–23: The world hates believers because it hated Christ first; persecution confirms separation from the world’s kingdom.
- Philippians 1:6: God who began a good work will complete it — assurance that ministry is not finished until the Lord is finished.