The Development of Missions in Acts (MVBC Mission Conference 2023 #1)

Brainstorming & Prep Document

Outline of Acts:

JERUSALEM

Development in Jerusalem (1:1-6:7)

JUDEA/ SAMARIA

Development in Judea, Samaria, and Galilee (6:8-9:31)

Development/ Expansion to the Gentiles (9:32-12:24)

ENDS OF THE EARTH

Development in (what is now) Turkey (12:25-16:5)

Development/ Expansion to Europe (16:6-19:20)

Development/ Expansion from Jerusalem to Rome (19:21-28:31)

Summary Statements:

JERUSALEM

Acts 6:7 (ESV)

And the word of God continued to increase (spread), and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

JUDEA/SAMARIA

Acts 9:31 (ESV)

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Acts 12:24 (ESV)

But the word of God increased and multiplied.

ENDS OF THE EARTH

Acts 16:5 (ESV)

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

Acts 19:20 (ESV)

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

Acts 28:30–31 (ESV)

He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Main Themes: (Church growth in 3 areas: geographical, kingdom, church)

The gospel spiral (Geographical growth) (6:7; 9:31)

The growth of the Church, Word, and Kingdom. (Kingdom growth) (6:7; 12:24; 19:20)

The growth of the Church through the expansion of the Word. (Gospel growth) (6:7; 12:24; 19:20)

Title/ Theme for the week: How it started… and where it will end!/ Where am I?/ Development of Missions: A study through Acts./ Telling the story of Gospel expansion!/ An Incredible Journey! — (There and back again!)… while the story has already been written… it has not been fully lived out.... those in the early church have passed the baton to us… and we are to continue to live out this incredible story of gospel growth to the ends of the earth! The question is.... what are we to do… how do we fit into the story… what is our role in this incredible story of redemption and reconciliation?...

Wednesday message: Acts 1:8… Biblical Theology of Missions in the book of Acts. (charting the course? - Catching a vision for the mission!)

Thursday message: Acts 14.... Ministry in rural areas (Ends of the earth.... continuing to spiral outward)

Friday devotional: Acts 17.... Ministry in urban areas

Saturday devotional: Leaving a gospel legacy? Titus 2:1-8...

Sunday ABF message: Acts 13:1-3 (Missions and the Local Church) or ‌Acts 9: Preventing Gospel Drift — A conversion story

Sunday AM message: Titus 2:10 (Paul is in Rome… he has reached the gateway to the ends of the earth.... and is excited or Acts 13:1-3 (Missions and the Local Church)

Sunday PM message: Acts 9: Preventing Gospel Drift — A conversion story or Titus 2:10 (Paul is in Rome… he has reached the gateway to the ends of the earth.... now he is looking beyond.... the gospel has reached the transportation hub of the known world.... now it has the possibilities of going anywhere and everywhere!

Other possible passages to preach: Acts 14; Acts 17; Acts 20:17-38;

Notes for Charting the Course Message