The Life of Paul Week 4

In this sermon, Pastor Travis Smith shares the personal story of how Pikeville Church came to be, weaving it together with a passage from Acts 9 to explore what it means to hold the rope for others. After 25 years in a small country church, Pastor Travis felt convicted that the church had little impact beyond its four walls. That conviction, combined with the encouragement of people at CF Crossville, eventually led him to plant a church in Pikeville, Tennessee. He uses his own journey as a living illustration of the biblical principles found in Acts 9, where Paul is lowered over a wall by faithful friends and later championed by Barnabas. The sermon challenges believers to move beyond simply attending church and enjoying its benefits. Drawing on the examples of Paul's unnamed helpers, the usher who seated Billy Graham, and Barnabas who advocated for Paul, Pastor Travis calls the congregation to ask three key questions: Who are you holding the rope for? Who held the rope for you? And who do you need to be a Barnabas for? He also reminds listeners that seasons of waiting and preparation, like Paul's time in Tarsus, are not wasted. God uses those seasons to position people for the opportunities He has prepared for them.