Boldly Living and Sharing the Inclusive Gospel
Summary
### Summary
In this session, we delve deeper into the book of Acts, focusing on the spread of the gospel to various groups, including traditional Jews, Hellenistic Jews, Roman friends of the synagogue, Ethiopian court officials, and Samaritan outcasts. The Holy Spirit's work is evident as the gospel reaches diverse audiences, breaking cultural and social barriers. The message emphasizes the importance of being fully committed to Jesus, allowing Him to work through us in every aspect of our lives.
We are reminded that sharing the gospel is not just about words but about living a life that reflects Jesus. The analogy of a sports team is used to illustrate the need for discipline, teamwork, and being in the right place at the right time. Just as a football team must be disciplined and ready, Christians must be spiritually disciplined and ready to seize opportunities to share the gospel.
The sermon also highlights the importance of staying faithful and steadfast in our Christian walk, even when faced with opposition or persecution. The story of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) is used to illustrate the power of staying and being prepared for God's timing. Barnabas' role as an encourager and his ability to see the work of the Holy Spirit in others is emphasized.
The message concludes with a call to be bold in our faith, to not be ashamed of the gospel, and to rely on Jesus for strength and courage in all circumstances. The importance of being honest and authentic in our walk with Jesus is stressed, as well as the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to effectively share the gospel.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Gospel Breaks Barriers: The gospel's reach extends beyond cultural and social boundaries, touching the lives of traditional Jews, Hellenistic Jews, Romans, Ethiopians, and Samaritans. This demonstrates the inclusive nature of God's love and the power of the Holy Spirit to transcend human divisions. We are called to share this inclusive gospel with everyone, regardless of their background. [01:55]
2. Living the Gospel: Sharing the gospel is not just about speaking the right words but living a life that reflects Jesus. Our actions, attitudes, and how we handle everyday situations speak volumes about our faith. People will see Jesus in us through our daily lives, making our entire life a testimony of the gospel. [05:18]
3. Discipline and Readiness: Just as athletes need discipline and readiness, Christians must be spiritually disciplined and ready to seize opportunities to share the gospel. This involves being in the right place at the right time, avoiding distractions, and making the most of every opportunity to share God's love. [07:05]
4. Faithfulness and Steadfastness: Staying faithful and steadfast in our Christian walk is crucial, especially when faced with opposition or persecution. The story of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) illustrates the importance of being prepared for God's timing and remaining committed to our calling, even when it seems like nothing is happening. [20:13]
5. Boldness in Faith: We are called to be bold in our faith, not ashamed of the gospel, and to rely on Jesus for strength and courage in all circumstances. This boldness comes from a deep relationship with Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to face challenges and share the gospel effectively. [49:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:55] - The Gospel's Reach
[02:28] - Outcasts and Converts
[03:12] - God-Fearers and Proselytes
[04:06] - Preaching in Synagogues
[05:18] - Living the Gospel
[06:02] - Coach Jesus
[07:05] - Discipline and Readiness
[08:03] - Avoiding Distractions
[09:04] - Teamwork in Faith
[11:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[12:24] - Being 100% Committed
[13:05] - Turning to Acts 11
[14:17] - Scattering and Preaching
[16:08] - Preaching to Non-Jews
[17:35] - Barnabas' Encouragement
[18:44] - Recognizing the Holy Spirit
[20:13] - Faithfulness and Steadfastness
[22:05] - Saul's Preparation
[23:34] - Barnabas Finds Saul
[25:54] - Paul's First Missionary Journey
[27:21] - Challenges and Opposition
[30:11] - The Danger of Forcing Ministry
[32:01] - Religious Jealousy
[33:37] - Paul's Resilience
[34:48] - Avoiding Idolatry
[36:31] - Handling Opposition
[37:44] - The Power of Stay
[38:51] - Encouraging the Churches
[39:21] - The Gospel Message
[42:04] - Sharing the Gospel
[43:26] - Herod's Persecution
[45:10] - Peter's Miraculous Escape
[47:20] - Facing Persecution
[49:36] - Boldness in Faith
[51:34] - Teaching Everything
[52:42] - Denying Oneself
[54:00] - Facing Modern Challenges
[55:11] - No Compromise in the Gospel
[55:55] - Final Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 11:19-26
2. Acts 1:8
3. Matthew 28:18-20
#### Observation Questions
1. What groups of people did the gospel reach according to Acts 11:19-26? How did this demonstrate the inclusive nature of God's love? ([01:55])
2. How did Barnabas respond when he saw the grace of God at work in Antioch? What does his reaction tell us about his character? ([18:44])
3. What was the significance of the disciples being first called Christians in Antioch? ([23:34])
4. According to Acts 1:8, what geographical and cultural boundaries were the disciples expected to cross in spreading the gospel?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the spread of the gospel to diverse groups in Acts 11:19-26 reflect the mission Jesus gave in Matthew 28:18-20? ([16:08])
2. What can we learn from Barnabas' role as an encourager and his ability to see the work of the Holy Spirit in others? How can this be applied in our own lives? ([18:44])
3. In what ways does the analogy of a sports team help us understand the need for discipline and readiness in our Christian walk? ([07:05])
4. How does the story of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) illustrate the importance of faithfulness and steadfastness in our Christian journey? ([20:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to share the gospel with someone from a different cultural or social background. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? ([01:55])
2. In what specific ways can you live a life that reflects Jesus in your daily interactions? Identify one area where you can improve this week. ([05:18])
3. What are some practical steps you can take to be more spiritually disciplined and ready to seize opportunities to share the gospel? ([07:05])
4. Think of a situation where you faced opposition or persecution for your faith. How did you stay faithful and steadfast, and what did you learn from that experience? ([20:13])
5. How can you be bold in your faith this week? Identify a specific situation where you can rely on Jesus for strength and courage. ([49:36])
6. Barnabas was known for his encouragement. Who in your life can you encourage this week, and how will you do it? ([18:44])
7. Reflect on your current spiritual disciplines. Are there any areas where you feel you are only giving 10% instead of 100%? What changes can you make to be fully committed? ([09:58])
Devotional
Day 1: The Gospel Breaks Barriers
The gospel's reach extends beyond cultural and social boundaries, touching the lives of traditional Jews, Hellenistic Jews, Romans, Ethiopians, and Samaritans. This demonstrates the inclusive nature of God's love and the power of the Holy Spirit to transcend human divisions. We are called to share this inclusive gospel with everyone, regardless of their background. The book of Acts shows us that the Holy Spirit works through believers to break down these barriers, making the gospel accessible to all. This is a powerful reminder that God's love is not limited by human prejudices or societal norms.
As Christians, we must be intentional about reaching out to those who are different from us, whether in culture, race, or social status. The gospel is for everyone, and we are called to be vessels through which God's inclusive love flows. Reflect on how you can be more inclusive in your sharing of the gospel and how you can break down barriers in your own community. [01:55]
Acts 10:34-35 (ESV): "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is different from you in culture, race, or social status. How can you intentionally reach out to them and share the inclusive love of the gospel today?
Day 2: Living the Gospel
Sharing the gospel is not just about speaking the right words but living a life that reflects Jesus. Our actions, attitudes, and how we handle everyday situations speak volumes about our faith. People will see Jesus in us through our daily lives, making our entire life a testimony of the gospel. This means that our faith should be evident in how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we conduct ourselves in all areas of life.
Living the gospel requires a commitment to embodying the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. It is about being a living example of Christ's love, grace, and truth. Reflect on how your daily actions and attitudes reflect your faith and consider areas where you can improve in living out the gospel. [05:18]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Think about your daily interactions and routines. How can you better reflect Jesus in your actions and attitudes today?
Day 3: Discipline and Readiness
Just as athletes need discipline and readiness, Christians must be spiritually disciplined and ready to seize opportunities to share the gospel. This involves being in the right place at the right time, avoiding distractions, and making the most of every opportunity to share God's love. Spiritual discipline includes regular prayer, Bible study, and being attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Being spiritually disciplined means being prepared to act when God presents opportunities to share the gospel. It requires a commitment to spiritual growth and a willingness to step out in faith. Reflect on your spiritual disciplines and consider how you can be more prepared to seize opportunities to share the gospel. [07:05]
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (ESV): "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
Reflection: What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate or strengthen in your life to be more prepared to share the gospel? How can you avoid distractions that hinder your readiness?
Day 4: Faithfulness and Steadfastness
Staying faithful and steadfast in our Christian walk is crucial, especially when faced with opposition or persecution. The story of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) illustrates the importance of being prepared for God's timing and remaining committed to our calling, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Barnabas' role as an encourager and his ability to see the work of the Holy Spirit in others is emphasized.
Faithfulness and steadfastness require trust in God's timing and a commitment to His calling, even in the face of challenges. Reflect on how you can remain faithful and steadfast in your walk with Christ, especially during difficult times. [20:13]
Hebrews 10:36 (ESV): "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
Reflection: Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you remain faithful and steadfast in your walk with Christ during this time?
Day 5: Boldness in Faith
We are called to be bold in our faith, not ashamed of the gospel, and to rely on Jesus for strength and courage in all circumstances. This boldness comes from a deep relationship with Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to face challenges and share the gospel effectively. Boldness in faith means standing firm in our beliefs and being willing to share the gospel, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Being bold in faith requires a reliance on Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on how you can be more bold in your faith and consider areas where you may be holding back. [49:36]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from being bold in your faith? How can you rely on Jesus for strength and courage to be more bold today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sharing the gospel isn't something you'll do with just a few words on some days. It's your whole life on display. And people will see you, and they'll see if Jesus is in there. But coach Jesus. Jesus has placed you in a place to take him. Now that might be your work, even if you don't like your work. Coach Jesus has decided that's where you should be." [05:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christians, be where Jesus has put you, sleep not. I remember our goalkeeper that we used to have when I was a kid, I mean, his hands were completely busted up, Osborne. If the ball hadn't come his way for a bit, he'd walk to the smethic end and he'd catch a fag and he'd be sitting there, leaning on his goal post at different days, different days. you've got to not sleep, Jesus says, don't sleep, be disciplined, seek the chances you've got, but the Bible says make the most of every opportunity." [07:05] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The devil will try and take your peace. Do you know why he'll try and take your peace? Because Jesus has said to the world, you'll know because of the love, you'll know because of the peace, they've got my peace, I'll be with you, I'll never take my peace away from you. Well, the devil will try and make you look as unpeaceful and as cantankerous and as aggressive and as nasty. He'll try and make you look as unpeaceful and as nasty as he can because guess what, then they won't see Jesus." [08:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is a team sport. I'm sorry you can't do it on your own. I've seen people try. Even when you've got the Revelation TV church on the telly, it's not the same thing. There's no A in team. There's an A. A! I love it. Interrupt as much as you like. It never bothers me. Church is a team sport. You can't play on your own. And just like any team, we get annoyed. But you've got to be either 100% in on Christ or 100% out, which means you've got to have Christ 100% in you or you'll be out." [11:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus will give us the grace to face what we are facing, which might be an awkward supermarket queue. It might be an awkward customer. It might be an awkward boss. It might be a car breakdown. It might be that there isn't a car parking space when you prayed for one. Yeah? It might be real danger in your job." [50:54] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So we're really into Jesus, and Jesus gets into us. Because it's only when Jesus is into you, and you're into him, once you've got him inside, then what's out? The outside can face the opposition. You can't be bold if there's only you inside. You won't make it. You need Holy Spirit there. You need Jesus there." [05:18] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you've been stuck on ice by the Lord, if your ministry hit a brick wall, if everything you've ever worked for for Christ got flattened, don't stop praying. Don't stop reading the Bible. Read it more. The longer the Lord keeps you on ice, the bigger the job that he's got for you to do. Saul could not do without the Lord. One second of those 10, 12, 13 years. He couldn't do without one second of them. That preparation was important." [23:34] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do you know how to sense his presence? Because actually you need his presence when you're worshipping at work too. When there's no song. When you're worshipping at home at the kitchen sink. That's worship. When you're worshipping with the kids. That's worship. When you're worshipping with the grandmas. That's worship too. He saw good and he knew good when he saw it. And he gave some coaching advice. The same as Dan was trying to give us. Yeah? And he exhorted them. Verse 23. To all remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose." [19:34] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If people are knocking you down, then carry on. If I'm that easy to knock down, I shouldn't be standing here in the first place. People will attack you. Ignore them. If people want to come and talk to you to your face, to ask you about what you believe, that's an opportunity. Be gracious. But don't even care about being right. Being right is irrelevant. Be God's man in that place. Be filled." [37:10] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We won't be ready for that. We won't be there until we need to be there. But Jesus will give us the grace to face what we are facing, which might be an awkward supermarket queue. It might be an awkward customer. It might be an awkward boss. It might be a car breakdown. It might be that there isn't a car parking space when you prayed for one. Yeah? It might be real danger in your job." [50:54] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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