INVITE: "Reaching the Individual"

Acts 8-10

This morning we come to the final message in our series on INVITE!

Last week we talked about what it would take to reach all of NWA with the Gospel—which seems an ambitious goal (and it is), but we do so because of the commands of Jesus!

Matthew 28:19 NIV84

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Mark 16:15 NIV84

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

Luke 24:47 NIV84

and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 1:8 NIV84

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

With such challenges of reaching “all nations…all the world…to the end of the earth,” it would be easy to overlook the importance of the INDIVIDUAL—to be so concerned for my city, that I ignore my next-door neighbor!

Yet even in “The ACTS of the Apostles,” where the dramatic spread of the gospel is narrated, there is great emphasis is placed on INDIVIDUALS coming to faith!

Q: “How do we reach the individual?”

A: There are THREE elements involved:

I. A Seeking Soul

Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV84

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Isaiah 55:6–7 NIV84

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

1. The ETHIOPIAN – (Acts 8:26-39)

Coming from a place of privilege, prestige, and power – (v.27a)

Seeking enough to travel – (v.27b)

Seeking enough to worship – (v.27c)

Seeking enough to study – (v.30)

Seeking enough to inquire – (v.31)

2. The PHARISEE – (Acts 9)

Coming from a position of orthodoxy & zeal!

Kicking against the goads – (9:5; 8:3)

Blinded by revelation – (v.12)

3. The ROMAN – (Acts 10)

Coming from a background of State Polytheism – (v.1)

Open to evaluate pagan worship and to embrace monotheism

Eager to lead a life of devotion – (v.2)

Willing to follow divine promptings – (vv.3-8)

II. A Gracious God

John 6:44 NIV84

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

2 Peter 3:9 NIV84

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

1. Taking the INITIATIVE

In giving us the Scriptures – (8:32a)

In sending the Spirit – (7:51)

In sending His Son – (9:5)

2. Recognizing the HUMAN CONDITION – (10:4)

3. Reaching out to the SEEKER

In sending help and using people!

III. A Willing Worker

1. Phillip – (Acts 8)

Willing to be interrupted – (v.26)

Willing to be directed – (vaguely!)

Willing to be direct – (v.30)

2. ANANIAS – (Acts 9)

Willing to risk – (vv.13-14)

Willing to trust – (vv.15-16)

Willing to embrace – (v.17)

3. PETER – (Acts 10)

Willing to deal with personal prejudice – (v.14)

Willing to do the unconventional – (v.28)

Willing to have his horizons broadened! – (vv.34-35)

Conclusion: “Are you WILLING?”