#66: When Europe Cried Desperately for the Gospel

The sermon centers on Acts 16:9, where Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. This plea reflects a profound spiritual need in Europe, despite its rich history of philosophy and culture, epitomized by figures like Alexander the Great. While Greece was a hub of intellectual achievement, it was also a land deeply entrenched in idolatry and demonic oppression, as symbolized by its pantheon of gods like Zeus and Apollo. Paul's vision marks a pivotal moment when the Gospel was directed to Europe, suggesting that each region has a divinely appointed time for spiritual awakening. The sermon highlights how Greek gods, such as Zeus, with his deceptive and forceful behaviors, and Dionysus, associated with madness and debauchery, held the people in spiritual bondage. This mirrors the modern spiritual crisis in Europe, where despite material wealth and knowledge, there is a resurgence of occultism and paganism, revealing a deep spiritual bankruptcy. The sermon calls for empathy towards societies long oppressed by evil forces and emphasizes the need for the Church to respond to the spiritual cry of Europe. The reference to Simon Magus in Acts 8, who bewitched the people of Samaria, is used as a metaphor for Europe’s current state — outwardly rich but spiritually impoverished. The Church is urged not to be deceived by Europe’s exterior affluence and to recognize the desperate need for the Gospel, even if the call comes quietly, like Paul’s vision at night. Finally, the sermon encourages believers, regardless of their background, to boldly proclaim the Gospel in Europe, reminding them that God's call is not limited by human qualifications or geographical origins. The plea is for the Church to hear and respond to the cry of the man of Macedonia, symbolizing Europe’s deep spiritual need.