Scripture/Text: Acts 13:5-12;

Summary: On this third Sunday of Advent, we see in Acts 13 that Christmas is the arrival of a light the darkness cannot stop. As the Holy Spirit sends Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark from Antioch, the mission advances not by human brilliance alone, but by Spirit-led prayer, preaching, and power. The light of Christ shines through God's servants, reflecting His heart to gather and renew His people and to bring salvation to the nations. The light of Christ shines on Bar-Jesus, exposing false wisdom, spiritual deception, and the emptiness of counterfeit power. The light of Christ shines into Sergius Paulus, an intelligent and powerful ruler whose heart is enlightened and humbled by the Word of God, leading him to faith. In every scene, the message is clear: darkness cannot stop the Spirit's strategy, silence the Spirit's speech, or prevent the Spirit's salvation to the ends of the earth. This is the true spirit of Christmas, the unstoppable light of Christ breaking into the world, overcoming darkness, and advancing God's mission for the glory of Jesus and the salvation of the nations.

Sermon Outline:

1. Acts 13:5 — The darkness cannot stop the Spirit's strategy.
2. Acts 13:6-11 — The darkness cannot stop the Spirit's speech.
3. Acts 13:12 — The darkness cannot stop the Spirit's salvation to the ends of the earth.

Discussion Questions:

• What do Isaiah 9:2 and John 1:5 say about God's light breaking into the darkness?
• How do we see the Holy Spirit working through ordinary people in Acts 13, and how does this encourage us as a church to participate in spreading the gospel?
• Where have you personally seen the Holy Spirit use people, including yourself, to bring the light of the gospel into dark situations?
• How have you experienced the power of prayer in advancing God's work, strengthening the church, or drawing people to follow Jesus?
• What strategies or patterns do you see in Acts 13 that show how the Holy Spirit breaks through darkness, both in Scripture and in your own life?
• How does Paul's confrontation with the false prophet demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of the gospel?
• How has God's Word helped you discern the difference between partial truths, counterfeit wisdom, and the true light of Christ?
• How does Deuteronomy 28:25-35 deepen our understanding of the seriousness and consequences of walking in darkness?
• Where have you seen God break through darkness in your life or in the lives of those around you?
• How have you seen the light of the Spirit confront sin, bring repentance, and lead to transformation?
• How does the salvation of Sergius Paulus encourage humility, faith, and confidence in sharing the gospel with others?
• What does it practically look like for us to “shine the light” of Christ in everyday life, whether at home, at work, or in our relationships?
• How does God's work among the Gentiles in Acts 13 encourage us to persevere in faith and boldly share the gospel today?
• What are some practical ways we can resist darkness and walk in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit?
• What godly wisdom should shape how we live, both individually and as a church as we seek to advance God's kingdom through the Spirit's work?