Empowered to Evangelize: Lessons from Paul's Journey
Summary
### Summary
Greetings to all at Freeport Wesleyan Holiness Church! Today, we culminate our journey through the book of Acts, focusing on chapters 21 to 28. We began by revisiting the early chapters, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, leading to the powerful event of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit's empowerment is a reminder for us to share the gospel, even in the face of persecution, as it often serves as a divine nudge to spread God's word.
We then explored Paul's missionary journeys and his eventual arrest. Despite facing trials and imprisonment, Paul remained steadfast in his mission to spread the gospel. His journey through various trials—from the Sanhedrin to Governor Felix, Governor Festus, and finally King Agrippa—demonstrates his unwavering faith and commitment. Even during a shipwreck on his way to Rome, Paul received divine instructions that ensured everyone's safety, highlighting the importance of being in tune with God's guidance.
Paul's house arrest in Rome didn't deter him; he continued to preach and write letters to the early churches, which form a significant part of the New Testament. This teaches us to use our circumstances, no matter how restrictive, to further God's kingdom. The book of Acts ends abruptly, signifying that the mission to spread the gospel is ongoing and now rests on us.
We also discussed the importance of prophetic words, which can sometimes be warnings rather than blessings. Paul's readiness to face imprisonment and even death for the sake of the gospel challenges us to examine our own willingness to sacrifice for Christ. Jesus' call to take up our cross daily means giving up our own ways and following Him, trusting that His plans for us are far better than our own.
In conclusion, the book of Acts is not just a historical account but a call to action for us to continue the work of spreading the gospel. We must be ready to share our testimony, stand firm in our faith, and be open to God's leading, even if it means stepping into leadership roles or facing persecution.
### Key Takeaways
1. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit's presence at Pentecost empowered the early disciples to spread the gospel in various languages. This same Spirit empowers us today to share the gospel boldly, even in the face of persecution. Our challenges can serve as divine nudges to spread God's word further. [49:40]
2. Steadfastness in Trials: Paul's unwavering faith during his trials—from his arrest to his appearances before various leaders—teaches us the importance of standing firm in our mission, regardless of the circumstances. His determination to spread the gospel, even when facing imprisonment and death, is a powerful example for us. [55:28]
3. Using Circumstances for God's Glory: Paul's house arrest in Rome didn't stop him from preaching and writing letters to the early churches. This teaches us to use our circumstances, no matter how restrictive, to further God's kingdom. We can evangelize through various means, even from our own homes or workplaces. [01:01:05]
4. Prophetic Warnings and Obedience: Prophetic words can sometimes be warnings rather than blessings. Paul's readiness to face imprisonment and even death for the sake of the gospel challenges us to examine our own willingness to sacrifice for Christ. We must be open to God's instructions, even when they lead us into difficult situations. [01:08:03]
5. Ongoing Mission of the Church: The abrupt ending of the book of Acts signifies that the mission to spread the gospel is ongoing and now rests on us. We must be ready to share our testimony, stand firm in our faith, and be open to God's leading, even if it means stepping into leadership roles or facing persecution. [01:04:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[48:09] - Introduction to the Book of Acts
[49:40] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[50:53] - Paul's Missionary Journeys
[52:02] - God's Nudge to Spread the Gospel
[53:02] - Summary of Acts 21-22
[54:38] - Paul's Arrest and Trials
[56:13] - Shipwreck and Divine Guidance
[57:25] - Trusting God in Turbulent Times
[58:47] - Integrating Faith in Daily Life
[59:44] - Leadership and Representation
[01:01:05] - Paul's House Arrest and Letters
[01:03:09] - The Unfinished Story of Acts
[01:04:08] - Our Ongoing Mission
[01:05:36] - Prophetic Warnings and Obedience
[01:08:03] - Practical Faith and Persecution
[01:09:45] - Testing the Spirit
[01:11:26] - Women in Prophecy
[01:12:02] - Following Christ Daily
[01:14:11] - Sacrificing for God's Plan
[01:15:21] - Paul's Defense Before King Agrippa
[01:19:29] - Jesus Still Visits People
[01:21:28] - Paul's Mandate to Share the Light
[01:23:03] - The Power of the Word
[01:24:36] - Avoiding Spiritual Obstacles
[01:25:07] - Paul's Clear Defense
[01:26:40] - Being Ready to Share Your Faith
[01:29:43] - Three Key Points from Acts 21-28
[01:32:49] - Imagining a Church on Mission
[01:34:50] - The Call to Evangelize
[01:35:36] - Prayer and Communion
[01:46:52] - Closing Song and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 21:4-14
2. Acts 27:22-25
3. Luke 9:23-26
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the Holy Spirit reveal to Paul through the disciples in Acts 21:4-14? How did Paul respond to this revelation? [01:05:36]
2. In Acts 27:22-25, what instructions did Paul receive from God during the shipwreck, and how did he convey them to others? [56:13]
3. According to Luke 9:23-26, what does Jesus say is required to be His follower? How does this relate to Paul's actions and decisions? [01:12:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul was so determined to go to Jerusalem despite the prophetic warnings he received? What does this tell us about his character and faith? [01:07:25]
2. How can Paul's experience during the shipwreck in Acts 27 teach us about trusting God's guidance in difficult situations? [56:13]
3. What does it mean to "take up your cross daily" as described in Luke 9:23-26? How can this be applied to our modern-day lives? [01:12:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a "divine nudge" to share the gospel or take a step of faith. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [49:40]
2. Paul used his house arrest to continue preaching and writing letters. How can you use your current circumstances, no matter how restrictive, to further God's kingdom? [01:01:05]
3. Are there any areas in your life where you feel God is calling you to step into a leadership role or take on more responsibility? How can you prepare yourself for this? [58:47]
4. How do you handle prophetic words or warnings in your life? Do you seek God's guidance on how to respond to them? [01:08:03]
5. The book of Acts ends abruptly, signifying that the mission to spread the gospel is ongoing. What steps can you take this week to share your testimony or stand firm in your faith? [01:04:08]
6. Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. What specific sacrifices might God be asking you to make in your life right now? [01:12:02]
7. Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement or the gospel message. How can you reach out to them this week in a meaningful way? [01:02:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Empowered to Share Boldly
The Holy Spirit's presence at Pentecost empowered the early disciples to spread the gospel in various languages. This same Spirit empowers us today to share the gospel boldly, even in the face of persecution. Our challenges can serve as divine nudges to spread God's word further. The early church faced significant opposition, yet they continued to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction. This empowerment is not just a historical event but a present reality for every believer. We are called to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us, give us boldness, and provide the words we need to share our faith effectively.
[49:40]
Acts 4:31 (ESV): "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: Think of a situation where you felt hesitant to share your faith. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to give you boldness in that situation today?
Day 2: Steadfast in Trials
Paul's unwavering faith during his trials—from his arrest to his appearances before various leaders—teaches us the importance of standing firm in our mission, regardless of the circumstances. His determination to spread the gospel, even when facing imprisonment and death, is a powerful example for us. Paul’s journey was fraught with danger and opposition, yet he remained resolute in his commitment to Christ. This steadfastness is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when it leads us through difficult and uncertain times.
[55:28]
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How can you stand firm in your faith and trust in God's plan during such times?
Day 3: Using Circumstances for God's Glory
Paul's house arrest in Rome didn't stop him from preaching and writing letters to the early churches. This teaches us to use our circumstances, no matter how restrictive, to further God's kingdom. We can evangelize through various means, even from our own homes or workplaces. Paul’s example shows that physical limitations do not hinder the work of the Spirit. Whether through writing, speaking, or acts of kindness, we can find ways to share the love of Christ and advance His kingdom, regardless of our situation.
[01:01:05]
Philippians 1:12-14 (ESV): "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."
Reflection: Consider your current circumstances. How can you use them to share the gospel and glorify God today?
Day 4: Prophetic Warnings and Obedience
Prophetic words can sometimes be warnings rather than blessings. Paul's readiness to face imprisonment and even death for the sake of the gospel challenges us to examine our own willingness to sacrifice for Christ. We must be open to God's instructions, even when they lead us into difficult situations. This readiness to obey, even in the face of hardship, is a mark of true discipleship. It calls us to trust in God's wisdom and to be willing to follow His lead, no matter the cost.
[01:08:03]
Acts 21:10-14 (ESV): "While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, 'Thus says the Holy Spirit, This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, 'Let the will of the Lord be done.'"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's leading because it seems too difficult? How can you embrace His will with trust and obedience today?
Day 5: The Ongoing Mission of the Church
The abrupt ending of the book of Acts signifies that the mission to spread the gospel is ongoing and now rests on us. We must be ready to share our testimony, stand firm in our faith, and be open to God's leading, even if it means stepping into leadership roles or facing persecution. The unfinished story of Acts is a call to action for every believer to continue the work of the early church. It reminds us that the mission of spreading the gospel is a collective responsibility that requires our active participation and commitment.
[01:04:08]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively participate in the ongoing mission of the church? How can you share your faith and make disciples in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Now, what does that mean to us? The Holy Spirit is still in the earth. And the Holy Spirit is still empowering men to spread the gospel. Amen. Hallelujah. And so we are those people who, as we gather here in church, we are reminded and encouraged. To share the gospel." [49:40] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I am praying that God will begin to interrupt our lives in Freeport-Wesleyan. And start nudging us to go. To go and spread the gospel. Right? Some people, it might just be go to the grocery. And you meet somebody there. But for some of us, it may literally mean relocating. And I want us to get comfortable with that idea. Because that may just be what God is calling you to do to impact somebody. Amen?" [52:02] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "My prayer is that we would really as believers not keep Jesus inside the nice box. But get him involved in our careers. Invite him into current situations. Ask the Lord, you know, what do we do? Do we pack up boxes to send to, you know, persons in Caracol who were affected? What do we do as believers? That we don't just keep him when we come to church on Sunday. We take our communion and we go back to the regularly scheduled program." [58:47] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have social media now. Even if you feel like your job is like... You could still, you know, shoot out a message, an encouraging post to somebody. Share a reel that is encouraging. We have a lot of brilliant ways that we can evangelize now. We don't literally have to jump on a plane. You could be right there in your cubicle and send a message to somebody in China. It's the truth. And so I want us to start to think out the box in terms of what we do with our time. Amen?" [01:02:33] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to encourage us today to take up Jesus' challenge. Because what would be the point if you gained the whole world and at the end of it, Jesus said, but I don't know you, you was ashamed to talk about me. What would be the point? So I want to encourage us today to really think about what our daily walk would look like." [01:14:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to put a pin here as a reminder that sometimes what might look like persecution is actually a nudge from God to get to the gospel. And that's why we need to spread the gospel out." [49:40] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your suffering and inconvenience may be positioning you to be an answer to somebody else's prayer. And believers should expect trials and persecutions. I know nobody would really want to hear that but I wanted to hit your spirit and hit in your soul and in your memory bank that the Lord is stressing that today. That we should expect trials and persecutions. However, it is your response to it that matters." [01:31:46] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to encourage us to stick to the principles of the Scripture. If we give people the principles the Holy Spirit is well able to speak to them. We don't want to find ourselves in the setting where we become souls. And instead of leading people to the Kingdom we're blocking them. We want to be like Paul, willing to go to the Gentiles. And stretch out a hand and introduce people to Jesus. Amen?" [01:24:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to be ready to share what we believe and why we believe it. Amen. I want to wrap up with three points that three points that I came to my mind to my spirit when I was reading over Acts 21-28 and this is me closing now. Number one, when the Spirit of God gives you counsel and instructions it is good for us to follow. As believers we are bond servants and we have to know what is our instructions." [01:29:43] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I appreciate it the fact that Paul had a very clear defense as to why he believed what he did. He shared his testimony. If you look it over and you think it over, he started off about where he was before. And we would have done this in church a number of times. How to share your testimony. You start off by talking about how you were before Christ. What your life looked like. What did you do? How did you encounter Jesus? Paul did that." [01:27:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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