Volunteer Sign-up
What did you sign up for? Have you had some volunteer work at your kids’ school, work, or in ministry that you weren’t sure what you were getting yourself into, but signed up anyway? How did it turn out for you? Would it have been helpful if you were prepared and knew what you were signing up for. Share those stories.
This past Sunday, we reflected on the fact that preparation that is essential for us as Christians. If we are going to share Christ, and be encouraged to share Christ, it is helpful to know what we are getting ourselves into. But at the same time, it is also helpful to know ‘how’ we are to share Christ. Are we prepared to make Him known?
In Acts 14:1-7, we observed that the world was marked by darkness and division. People were divided over the truth of the gospel. But Paul continued to offer to all, the gift of salvation that is received by faith in Christ alone.
And just how did he do that? This is what we reflected on in the message.
#1 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with clarity. (Acts 14:1)
Paul spoke in such a way that ‘a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.’
Having been driven out of Pisidian Antioch, Paul traveled some 90 miles to Iconium. And when he arrived, he entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and shared the good news of God’s grace. He spoke with clarity as he proclaimed how the Bible pointed to Jesus. As Paul traced the storyline of the Bible for his audience, they learn that God was faithful in keeping His promises. The Savior had arrived. Jesus Christ is the King whom God promised to send. And now, all who repent of their sins and turn to Him in faith are forgiven of their sins, and declared right with God.
Paul spoke with clarity with those who were familiar with the Bible.
Application:
#2 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with courage. (Acts 14:2-4)
We all recognize that it takes courage to speak about the gospel and the ethical implications that flow from the gospel.
It takes courage to stand for Jesus when we face opposition, pressure, ridicule, danger, and even death. Paul witnessed first hand, that people were being poisoned by the Jews. Therefore, he remained longer. He wanted people in that town to know the truth. He displayed great courage in the face of worldly pressure.
Application:
#3 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with wisdom. (Acts 14:5-7)
We recognize that we are not to seek trouble. We don’t intentionally seek persecution. But we know that it will come when we do stand for Jesus. It does take wisdom to discern when to remain and when to relocate. In this instance, Paul heard about an attempt on his life, and so he fled to another location.
Persecution was used by God to open new doors for the gospel to advance. Persecution furthered the gospel. It did not hinder the progress of the gospel but only served to fuel Paul to continue to preach.
I suspect and hope that when you hear of Christians being persecuted for the gospel, that it fuels you, not to speak ill of those who have harmed our brothers and sisters, but to offer the gift of God’s grace for them to receive!
This is what we signed up for. Let’s offer the hope of the gospel!
The mission remains the same no matter where the Lord places us. The gift of God’s grace is the superior gift that we offer. Let’s be prepared to share it – with clarity, courage, and wisdom.
Closing Questions:
For next week: Read Acts 14:8-20
This past Sunday, we reflected on the fact that preparation that is essential for us as Christians. If we are going to share Christ, and be encouraged to share Christ, it is helpful to know what we are getting ourselves into. But at the same time, it is also helpful to know ‘how’ we are to share Christ. Are we prepared to make Him known?
In Acts 14:1-7, we observed that the world was marked by darkness and division. People were divided over the truth of the gospel. But Paul continued to offer to all, the gift of salvation that is received by faith in Christ alone.
And just how did he do that? This is what we reflected on in the message.
#1 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with clarity. (Acts 14:1)
Paul spoke in such a way that ‘a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.’
Having been driven out of Pisidian Antioch, Paul traveled some 90 miles to Iconium. And when he arrived, he entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and shared the good news of God’s grace. He spoke with clarity as he proclaimed how the Bible pointed to Jesus. As Paul traced the storyline of the Bible for his audience, they learn that God was faithful in keeping His promises. The Savior had arrived. Jesus Christ is the King whom God promised to send. And now, all who repent of their sins and turn to Him in faith are forgiven of their sins, and declared right with God.
Paul spoke with clarity with those who were familiar with the Bible.
Application:
- Spend time daily in God’s word so that you can learn how to speak with clarity and confidence as you share Christ with those you interact with.
- Articulate what you believe and why.
- Speak clearly: We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone!
#2 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with courage. (Acts 14:2-4)
We all recognize that it takes courage to speak about the gospel and the ethical implications that flow from the gospel.
It takes courage to stand for Jesus when we face opposition, pressure, ridicule, danger, and even death. Paul witnessed first hand, that people were being poisoned by the Jews. Therefore, he remained longer. He wanted people in that town to know the truth. He displayed great courage in the face of worldly pressure.
Application:
- In what ways do you need to step out in faith and stand for Jesus?
- In what places do you find it difficult to have courage to share about Jesus?
#3 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with wisdom. (Acts 14:5-7)
We recognize that we are not to seek trouble. We don’t intentionally seek persecution. But we know that it will come when we do stand for Jesus. It does take wisdom to discern when to remain and when to relocate. In this instance, Paul heard about an attempt on his life, and so he fled to another location.
Persecution was used by God to open new doors for the gospel to advance. Persecution furthered the gospel. It did not hinder the progress of the gospel but only served to fuel Paul to continue to preach.
I suspect and hope that when you hear of Christians being persecuted for the gospel, that it fuels you, not to speak ill of those who have harmed our brothers and sisters, but to offer the gift of God’s grace for them to receive!
This is what we signed up for. Let’s offer the hope of the gospel!
The mission remains the same no matter where the Lord places us. The gift of God’s grace is the superior gift that we offer. Let’s be prepared to share it – with clarity, courage, and wisdom.
Closing Questions:
- Will you share Christ with clarity so others can understand?
- Will you share Christ with courage even when opposed?
- Will you share Christ with wisdom so that the mission continues?
For next week: Read Acts 14:8-20
Recent
Archive
2025
April
September
Categories
no categories
No Comments