Standing Firm in Faith and Sharing the Gospel
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor encouraging the congregation to stand up for Jesus and continue in their faith, despite the challenges that may arise. He emphasizes the importance of being ready to preach the gospel at any given opportunity, drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul's readiness to share the gospel with the people in Rome, Elizabeth, and even his own family. The pastor then delves into the historical account of Israel, highlighting the significance of David, whom God testified to be a man after His own heart, and Jesus, the Savior, who was raised according to God's promise to Israel.
The pastor further emphasizes the importance of Jesus' resurrection, signifying his victory over death and corruption. He contrasts this with the belief held by some Jews that salvation comes through keeping the commandments of Moses and sacrificing animals. Instead, the pastor emphasizes that justification and forgiveness of sins come through believing in Jesus. He warns the congregation not to be like those who reject the message of salvation, as prophesied by the prophets.
The pastor then transitions to the importance of missions in the Bible and how it is dear to the heart of God. He highlights the significance of the Apostle Paul's missionary work and encourages the congregation to engage in evangelism and discipleship. He also emphasizes the importance of missionaries being sent out and supported by the local church in order to have effective missions. The pastor highlights the example of Barnabas and Paul, who were chosen by the Holy Spirit for their faithfulness and dedication to the Lord.
The pastor also emphasizes the importance of rebuking those who preach a false gospel, while also being gentle and patient with those who are confused or ignorant about the things of God. He then discusses the response of the people to the preaching of the Apostle Paul, highlighting the excitement and gathering of the whole city to hear the word of God, which made the Jews envious and filled with jealousy.
The sermon concludes with the pastor focusing on the theme of finding refuge and trust in the Lord, emphasizing the protection and deliverance that comes from abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. He also encourages the congregation to be steadfast and unmovable in their faith, always abounding in the work of the Lord. He urges them to support missionaries and understand the challenges they face, while also exhorting them to continue in their own faith and prioritize sharing the gospel and discipling others.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of standing up for Jesus and continuing in faith, despite the challenges that may arise. He encourages readiness to preach the gospel at any given opportunity, drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul's readiness to share the gospel. ([12:45])
- The pastor highlights the significance of Jesus' resurrection, signifying his victory over death and corruption. He contrasts this with the belief held by some Jews that salvation comes through keeping the commandments of Moses and sacrificing animals. Instead, he emphasizes that justification and forgiveness of sins come through believing in Jesus. ([24:30])
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of missions in the Bible and how it is dear to the heart of God. He encourages the congregation to engage in evangelism and discipleship, and highlights the significance of the Apostle Paul's missionary work. ([36:15])
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of rebuking those who preach a false gospel, while also being gentle and patient with those who are confused or ignorant about the things of God. He highlights the importance of instructing those who oppose themselves, with the hope that God may grant them repentance and lead them to the truth. ([48:20])
- The pastor encourages the congregation to be steadfast and unmovable in their faith, always abounding in the work of the Lord. He urges them to support missionaries and understand the challenges they face, while also exhorting them to continue in their own faith and prioritize sharing the gospel and discipling others. ([59:10])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 14:27 - "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."
2. Psalm 91:1-2 - "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the main message that Paul and Barnabas shared with the church upon their return from their missionary journey? (Acts 14:27)
2. According to Psalm 91, what are the promises given to those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High? ([20:20])
3. How does 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourage believers in their work for the Lord? ([01:15:51])
4. What was the reaction of the Jews and Gentiles to Paul's preaching in Antioch? ([58:18])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Paul and Barnabas reported back to the church about their missionary journey? How does this reflect on the importance of accountability and encouragement within the church? (Acts 14:27)
2. In what ways does Psalm 91 provide comfort and assurance to believers facing challenges in their faith? ([20:20])
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus, as emphasized in the sermon, contrast with the Jewish belief in salvation through the law of Moses? ([56:38])
4. What does it mean to be "steadfast and unmovable" in the context of 1 Corinthians 15:58, and how can this be applied to our daily lives? ([01:15:51])
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor emphasized the importance of standing up for Jesus despite challenges. Can you share a recent experience where you had to stand firm in your faith? How did you handle it? ([12:45])
2. Reflecting on Psalm 91, how can you make dwelling in the secret place of the Most High a daily practice? What specific steps can you take to trust in God's protection and deliverance? ([20:20])
3. The sermon highlighted the significance of missions and evangelism. How can you personally engage in evangelism and discipleship within your community? ([36:15])
4. The pastor spoke about rebuking those who preach a false gospel while being gentle with those who are confused. How can you discern when to be firm and when to be gentle in your interactions about faith? ([48:20])
5. How can you support missionaries and understand the challenges they face? Are there specific ways you can contribute to their work, either through prayer, financial support, or other means? ([59:10])
6. The sermon encouraged believers to be steadfast and unmovable in their faith. What are some practical ways you can remain steadfast in your faith amidst life's challenges? ([01:15:51])
7. Think of someone in your life who might be confused or ignorant about the things of God. How can you approach them with patience and gentleness to share the gospel? ([48:20])
Devotional
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Day 1: Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Challenges
In the face of adversity, it is crucial to stand firm in our faith and be ready to share the gospel. Drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul, we should seize every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ, regardless of the circumstances. [12:45]
2 Timothy 4:2 - "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing in your faith journey? How can you use these challenges as opportunities to share the gospel?
Day 2: Embracing the Power of Jesus' Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus signifies His victory over death and corruption. It is a reminder that salvation does not come through keeping commandments or sacrifices, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Our justification and forgiveness of sins are rooted in this belief. [24:30]
1 Corinthians 15:17 - "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."
Reflection: How does the resurrection of Jesus impact your understanding of salvation? How can you share this truth with others?
Day 3: Engaging in Missions with a Heart for God
Missions are dear to the heart of God and should be a priority for us as well. Inspired by the Apostle Paul's missionary work, we are encouraged to engage in evangelism and discipleship, understanding the importance of being sent out and supported by the local church. [36:15]
Acts 13:2 - "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in missions, either through evangelism, discipleship, or supporting missionaries?
Day 4: Rebuking False Teachings with Gentleness and Patience
It is important to rebuke false teachings while being gentle and patient with those who may be confused or ignorant about God's truth. We should strive to instruct those who oppose themselves, hoping that God may grant them repentance and lead them to the truth. [48:20]
2 Timothy 2:25 - "Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth."
Reflection: Can you think of a situation where you can gently correct someone's misunderstanding about the gospel? How can you approach this with love and patience?
Day 5: Finding Refuge and Trust in the Lord
In all circumstances, we are encouraged to find refuge and trust in the Lord. We are reminded of the protection and deliverance that comes from abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. As we support missionaries and face our own challenges, we are exhorted to be steadfast and unmovable in our faith. [59:10]
Psalm 91:1 - "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
Reflection: What does finding refuge in the Lord look like in your life? How can you encourage others to trust in God's protection and deliverance?
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Quotes
"The deputy was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord and how he had this miracle that was done in front of him this false prophet being smitten with blindness but that's not what he was astonished with he was more astonished with the doctrine of the Lord and and the message of the gospel and how that's the the greater Miracle the gospel being saved by grace through faith than this this miracle that the Apostle Paul did where he smoted him with blindness and that's where the power is is being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord." ([48:20])
"If someone you know held a mic to us and said like hey say on preach the gospel like we should be able to to jump on that and preach the gospel to these people." [52:56]
"A key part of Missions is having missionaries that are sent out from the local church and there's very few people who are just of their own accord going to go out and and do missions just by themselves they need to be sent out and supported by a church in order to have effective missions." [34:05]
"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the Forgiveness of sins and by him all that believe are Justified from all things from which you cannot be justified by the law of Moses." [56:38]
"Missions is something that's very important in the Bible and it's very near and dear the heart of God if you think about just the book of Acts a lot of the book of Acts is about the Apostle Paul this missionary just going out a lot of the new New Testament is written by Paul." [29:58]
"Just go places that make sense like places that speak English, you speak the language there we have missionaries who speak the language of the place that they're going and going places where the door is open to preach the gospel there like in North Korea the door's not very open right it's a closed door so we should work on South Korea first and then Lord willing you know the Lord will open the door to North Korea." [37:33]
"The whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God and that must be very exciting right there, there's all these people wanting to hear the word of God from the Apostle Paul and you can see how this would make the Jews to be very jealous and envious against the Apostle Paul because they never got the whole city to go listen to them in their synagogue right." [58:52]
"So all these Jews were at the gates trying to get him when he comes out of Jerusalem and the disciples were there laying him uh in a basket getting him out of the city and for us as well as a church we might not be the Apostle Paul but we just might be those disciples that are just lowering him down in the basket supporting the Apostle Paul." [31:36]
"I love what he says there how it says that he's exhorting them to continue in the faith and looking at Paul's missionary journey we can see many afflictions and trials that he went through but there was a great reward and a great harvest from it many people heard the gospel they were discipled there were churches that were established his confirming the souls of the disciples." #!!01:15:19!!#
"The Bible says to be steadfast unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." #!!01:15:51!!#
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