2025.06.08 - Graduate Sunday

The Inclusive Gospel: All Are Invited

Bible Passage: Ac 28:23–29

Acts 28:23–28 (ESV)

23When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

24And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

25And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26“ ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

27For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

28Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

MY OPENING MESSAGE: This passage describes the Apostle Paul’s efforts to share the Gospel with the Jewish leaders in Rome, highlighting their varied responses. It ultimately emphasizes that the Gospel is meant for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.

WHAT I HOPE TO COMMUNICATE: To encourage Christians to embrace the call to share the Gospel widely, understanding that everyone has the potential to receive God's grace. I to challenge GFC to reflect on any STRUGGLES they may hold against sharing their faith with specific groups or individuals. (This is a month that celebrates SIN at it’s height. But, the GOSPEL is for everyone.)

HOW I’LL PROCEED: I will illustrate how God’s message of salvation is inclusive and emphasizes the importance of accepting His invitation. I’ll demonstrate that rejection doesn't negate the truth of the Gospel, and we are called to persevere in proclaiming it to all.

CHRIST is THE reason FOR PROCLAIMING THE TRUTH: Through Paul’s declaration to the Jewish leaders and quoting Isaiah, this passage reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise, showing His message of salvation transcends cultural and religious boundaries. The theme reflects the greater narrative of redemption in Christ, intended for every nation.

MY MAIN EMPHASIS: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a universal message of hope, calling each one to respond, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

1. Passionate Presentation Ignites Interest

Ac 28:23–24

a. Paul passionately presented the Gospel

b. He sparked a varied response from the people. Paul did this often. One other occasion was with the philosophers of the day.

c. PAUL’s life did not depend on this message. Paul already knew he was unlikely to return from ROME. He knew the lives of those listening depended on him speaking the TRUTH.

Acts 17:22–34 (ESV)

22So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.

23For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

24The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,

25nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

26And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,

27that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,

28for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

29Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.

30The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

31because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

32Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”

33So Paul went out from their midst.

34But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

PAUL HAD TENACITY...

2. Persistent Proclamation Amidst Rejection

Acts 28:24–27 (ESV)

24And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

25And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26“ ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

27For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

When Peter and John healed a lame man in Acts, they didn’t just walk by and keep talking. They boldly approached him, saying, 'Look at us!' Sometimes sharing our faith should be this direct and intentional! Just picture them as they challenged others to look up from their own lives and see the miracle in front of them. What if we did the same with our encounters?

PAUL was not afraid of CREATING some TENSION; some rejected his words and others were curious. BOTH responses were hearing the same thing, some rejected the message despite its clear truth.

HERE IS A UNIVERSAL TRUTH: some embrace Christ's salvation, others may resist. Have an unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel. Paul persisted despite rejection. When our relationship with Jesus is more important than our reputation, God can truly use us. FEAR leads to an inability to express what is known to be ABSOLUTE. JESUS Died For Us All!!

Acts 4:27–31 (ESV)

27for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,

28to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

29And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,

30while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31And 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.