Acts 21-22

The central message of this sermon is that true heroism and maturity are not about being special or gifted, but rather about making intentional choices to develop and achieve one's potential in the midst of difficulty and uncertainty. The sermon uses the story of The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor for human growth and development, highlighting the qualities that individuals seek to attain (a brain, heart, home, and nerve) and how these are not magically bestowed upon them, but rather earned through effort and perseverance. The sermon then draws parallels with the life of Apostle Paul in Acts 21-22, showing how he embodied this same spirit of determination and willingness to suffer for his faith. Ultimately, the takeaway is that excellence, heroism, and maturity are within reach of ordinary people like us, not just exceptional individuals like George Washington or Winston Churchill, as long as we are willing to make choices and take action towards our goals.