Acts: The Foundation Of The Church (part 2)

Introduction

We are in the middle of a crisis, but not the one you are thinking of.

People are dying. Some because of the corona virus, some for other reasons.

When we have a crisis like the one we are having, it highlights for me the necessity of sharing the gospel more.

I don’t know about you, but I know that I could do better at witnessing.

According to a Barna study done in 2018 only 64% of Christians believe they have a responsibility to share their faith.

Only 19% of Christians are actively seeking opportunities to tell others about Jesus.[1]

The growth of the earlier church was only possible because the believers, the Christians, understood that they had a message that absolutely must be heard!

They preached Christ with urgency, boldness, passion, clarity, and with everyone they could.

That is how we are to share the gospel.

Every believer should be sharing the gospel with passion, boldness, and persistence.

We began our overview of Acts last week, today we finish that up.

Look at v. 8.

Jesus told the disciples that they would be witnesses to Him in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Verse8 serves as an outline for the book of Acts.

We have worked our way through the book of Acts for the last three years and three months.

In 92 messages there has been a repeated theme.

The child of God is to share the gospel at every opportunity to everyone possible.

Today, as we get an overview of the entire book of Acts, our passion for the gospel will be strengthened.

As we are passionate about the gospel, we will share it with boldness and clarity.

The book of Acts has three phases of gospel expansion. Phase #1…

1. The Spread Of The Gospel In Jerusalem Chs. 1-8:3

Last week we saw the preparation, enabling, opportunity, opposition, problems, and persecution.

These all were a part of the gospel spreading through Jerusalem. As persecution rose, they moved out of Jerusalem and with this movement we have Phase #2…

2. The Spread Of The Gospel In Judea And Samaria Chs. 8:4-11:18

Philip preaches everywhere and the gospel grows, Saul is miraculously converted, and the gospel grows, Peter is used by God to heal people and as he proclaims Christ, the gospel grows, Gentiles are brought into the body of Christ, and the gospel grows.

Phase 1 - Jerusalem. Phase 2 - Judea and Samaria. Phase #3…

3. The Spread Of The Gospel To The End Of The Earth Chs. 11:19-28:31

This is the largest portion of the book.

It primarily deals with Paul and his ministry.

It is Paul’s passion to see people come to Christ that drives the gospel into the rest of the world.

As before God uses persecution in several instances to move the gospel from city to city.

Viewing the gospel as a church mandate the early church will send Paul as a missionary on multiple occasions.

There are people who need to be reached. People across the globe who have never heard of Jesus.

We have a mandate to get the gospel to them.

We must all consider how we will be involved in spreading the gospel.

There are six developments that drive the gospel into the rest of the world. Development #1…

a. God Uses Circumstances To Spread The Gospel Chs. 11:19-12:24

God can use anything to accomplish His will.

Even seemingly bad circumstances can be used in positive ways. We have yet to see how even our current crisis fits into His sovereign plan.

That is what we see here.

The gospel is…

i. Spread Through Persecution And Famine 11:19-30

Those scattered after Stephen’s martyrdom see a great number of people turn to the Lord.

Barnabas finds Paul and they minister in Antioch as the church grows there. For the first time the church begins to be called Christians.

When a famine is known to be coming to Judea, everyone sends what they can to help.

Thegospel spreads no matter what.

The gospel is even…

ii. Spread Through The Violence Of King Herod 12:1-24

Peter is arrested and then miraculously released by God.

While he is in prison many people gather for a prayer meeting.

The result of this event is the strengthening of the church.

Herod is struck down by an angel for not glorifying God.

Verse 24 is so powerful (S).

Regardlessof persecution, famine, and violence; the gospel grows.

God uses circumstances to spread the gospel. Development #2…

b. Paul And Barnabas Are Called And Sent (1st Journey) Chs. 12:25-14:28

Since the very beginning missionaries have been appointed by the local church and sent out to proclaim Christ.

On this first missionary journey we find a pattern all gospel missions have since followed.

There are three distinct stages here. Stage 1…

i. Preaching The Gospel Through The Calling Of The Holy Spirit 12:25-13:3

This is essential. It is the Holy Spirit who calls us. The church simply recognizes and affirms His call.

There are three important prerequisites to this calling.

1 - Theyare already teaching (v. 1) 2 - They are serving the Lord (v. 2) 3 - They are spending dedicated time with the Lord (v. 2)

Someone who is not already doing these things will not be called to go out and preach Christ.

Stage 1, you must be called by the Holy Spirit. Stage 2…

ii. Preaching The Gospel In Cyprus And Pisidia 13:4-51a

Having been called and sent, they must find places and opportunities to proclaim Christ.

They preach in the synagogues. Go where the people are.

Here in v. 9 Saul begins to be called Paul.

God uses miraculous blindness to bring people to Himself.

Paul builds common ground with his audience as He preaches Jesus to them.

Even when faced with persecution we learn that the Word of the Lord spread (v. 49).

Stage 3…

iii. Preaching The Gospel In Pisidia And Strengthening The Disciples 13:51b-14:28

They have been called and sent, they have taken advantage of opportunities, now they encourage and strengthen those who have believed.

Pauland Barnabas teach us here that opposition is no reason to stop preaching.

Because there was opposition in Iconium, they stay longer and preach more boldly!

As they encourage those who have believed they exhort them to faithfulness, teaching that trials and difficulties are part of the Christian life (v. 22).

Part of strengthening a local church is ensuring that it has good leadership. Specifically, a plurality of elders.

This is the pattern. A missionary is called by the Holy Spirit, seeks opportunities to share, and strengthens the believers.

There are our first two developments as the gospel goes out to the world.

Circumstances, missionary journey #1. God uses these developments to spread the gospel. Development #3…

c. The Jerusalem Council Defines The Gospel Ch. 15:1-35

As the church grows and an ever increasing diversity of people become part of the body of Christ, tensions mount.

This will be true in any group of people.

We are all different. This is a strength of the church that can also be a source of contention.

God uses the leaders He has placed to deal with tension.

As we look at this passage we see a four step process to defining the gospel. Step 1…

i. The Demand To Define The Gospel vv. 1-5

Some, still clinging to tradition, demand the Gentiles become more Jewish.

A council is called to address this issue.

This is a vital concern. Does the gospel require outward conformity?

Are works necessary for salvation?

These are questions that must be answered.

Step 2…

ii. The Decision To Define The Gospel vv. 6-21

Before any decision is made, all the facts are gathered.

The council is not inventing how one is saved. They are affirming what the Holy Spirit has already revealed.

This is made clear with Peter’s statement in vv. 8-9 (S).

God has already accepted the Gentiles with no additional requirements.

Salvationis always and only by grace through faith.

James agrees with Peter and the decision is made to write to the Gentiles about practical Christian living.

We have the demand, and the decision. Step 3…

iii. The Decree To Define The Gospel vv. 22-29

The leadership of the Jerusalem church doesn’t just send out a decree, they send out godly men to deliver it.

The decree is simple and direct.

It outlines some practical standards and that is all.

The demand, decision, and decree. Finally, Step 4…

iv. The Delivery To Define The Gospel vv. 30-35

Once the decision has been made, people need to know about it.

The result of this delivery is rejoicing.

So we have seen circumstances, a missionary journey, gospel definition. All used by God to further the gospel message. Development #4…

d. Paul And Silas Commended To Spread The Gospel (2nd Journey) Chs. 15:36-18:22

Having got the definition of the gospel out of the way, the way seems clear for more gospel preaching.

Paul and his companions travel to two geographical areas and spread the gospel. Area #1…

i. Preaching The Gospel In Macedonia 15:36-17:15

Though the gospel has been defined and conflict seems resolved, we have an enemy.

Paul and Barnabas, who have worked together off and on since Paul’s conversion, have a serious disagreement.

Both are wrong. Yet even in this seeming tragedy, we see the Lord redeem it for His glory.

Now two teams go out instead of one.

Luke, the author of Acts, follows the work of Paul.

It is on this journey that Paul meets Timothy.

We learn in ch. 16 that the churches are strengthened and increase in number daily.

Though there is persecution, arrest, beatings, and mistreatment, the gospel goes out and churches are planted.

Godblesses faithful, persistent, preaching.

Area #2…

ii. Preaching The Gospel In Achaia 17:16-18:22

In a now famous encounter Paul teaches those in Athens about their “unknown God.”

What is sometimes missed in this account is Paul’s motivation for speaking in the first place.

He was so burdened by their idolatry that he couldn’t keep silent! This should be us!

Leaving Athens Paul worked as a tentmaker in Corinth while speaking in the synagogue every week.

When he faces opposition there, he begins sharing in a man’s house next door to the synagogue.

For a year and a half Paul preaches after the Lord tells him there are many who will be saved there.

Nomatter what he faces, Paul remains faithful in his preaching.

In our lives there will be good times and bad times. Regardless, we are called to be faithful.

Circumstances, missions, definition, and a second mission.

God is at work! The gospel is spreading!

Development #5…

e. Paul Strengthens The Churches (3rd Journey) Chs. 18:23-21:25

After spending some time in his sending church of Antioch, Paul leaves once again to strengthen the churches.

Paul is not content to leave these new congregations to their fate.

He visits them and leaves them encouraged and more able to face what lies ahead.

God uses three means to strengthen these churches. #1…

i. Strengthening The Churches Through Proper Instruction 18:23-19:41

Apollos is instructed and he then instructs others.

Look at verse 28 (S).

God uses the faithfulness of Aquila and Priscilla to strengthen Apollos who then strengthens the church.

In Ephesus Paul is used to baptize men in the name of Jesus.

He preaches for over two years, first in the synagogue and then in a school.

God works miraculously through Paul so that the gospel can grow.

As the gospel grows and lives are transformed, the opposition grows as well.

A massive riot takes place.

Inthe midst of blessing and growth, there will be opposition. This is true in your personal life.

Be prepared for it.

The church is strengthened through the means of proper instruction. #2…

ii. Strengthening The Churches Through Practical Teaching 20:1-38

Paul encourages churches through his teaching.

He encourages those at Troas through raising a young man from the dead.

The Ephesian elders are encouraged as Paul gives them some reminders.

Rememberhis example vv. 18-19, 25-26, 33-35

Remember his teaching vv. 20-21, 27, 32, 35

Remember his focus vv. 22-24, 31, 35

The Ephesian elders are encouraged as Paul warns them.

Payattention v. 28

Spot the wolves v. 29

Check your motives v. 30

With these practical instructions, Paul heads to Jerusalem.

It is not enough to preach the gospel to the lost.

We must also teach believers how to live out Christianity on a practical level.

However, don’t just talk about it. Live it.

The church is strengthened through the means of proper instruction and practical teaching. #3…

iii. Strengthening The Churches Through Perfect Commitment 21:1-25

Paul is committed to following God’s leading to arrive in Jerusalem.

He is working hard to get there.

Yet he is still committed to the fellowship of the body of Christ.

Even when it is revealed that Paul will face arrest and suffering in Jerusalem, he remains committed to the will of God.

He is ready to face imprisonment and even death.

When they arrive in Jerusalem, Paul places himself under the leadership of the elders there.

He is committed to the body of Christ and willing to follow.

Churchesare strengthened when their leaders are committed to the will of God and not their own agenda.

So far we have seen 5 developments in the spread of the gospel to the world.

Difficult circumstances can by used by God to spread the gospel. The gospel being defined helps it to grow. Three missionary journeys have moved the gospel forward. Development #6…

f. Paul Is Called To Preach The Gospel In Rome Chs. 21:26-28:31

This is the final section of the book.

Last year we spent 5 weeks talking about how God sovereignly worked through Paul’s circumstances.

Nomatter the difficulty we face, God is in control. The corona virus does not have God nervous.

When He calls us to a task or ministry, He will equip us to do it.

Until He is finished with us, we are safe and secure.

God brings Paul to Rome through 4 specific situations. Situation #1…

i. The Arrest That Will Lead Paul To Rome 21:26-23:22

Paul is being obedient to the leadership of the local church.

As a result, he is arrested and beaten. All because the Jews have made assumptions about him.

Whengiven the chance, Paul preaches the gospel to those who were just trying to kill him.

That is faithfulness.

That is gospel passion.

That is the heart we all should have.

Paul gives them his background and testimony.

When they hear he was called to go to the Gentiles, they demand his death.

Paul uses his Roman citizenship to avoid being whipped and gain an audience with the Sanhedrin.

When it becomes clear that he will not get a fair trial, he divides the council.

After the argument that comes from this a plot is hatched to assassinate Paul.

God allows his nephew to hear it and uses this whole situation to get Paul to Caesarea where the governor is.

In the midst of all this, God finally tells Paul what He is up to.

Look at verse 11 (S).

What may look like a horrible situation to us, may be God placing us where the gospel is needed.

Rome was pretty much the capitol of the world at this point. The gospel needs to go there!

God is sending Paul.

That’s Paul’s first situation. His arrest. Situation #2…

ii. The Accusations That Will Lead Paul To Rome 23:23-24:27

Having been brought safely to Caesarea Paul waits 5 days for people from Jerusalem to arrive and accuse him.

The only truth in their accusation is that Paul believes in Jesus. Everything else they say is a lie or a blatant distortion of the truth.

Paul sets the record straight and even admits to his deliberate division of the Sanhedrin.

Paul has several opportunities to give the gospel to Felix.

Ultimately, Paul is kept in prison for two years when Felix is replaced as governor. Two lessons here.

Inthe face of false accusation, speak the truth in love.

PreachChrist at every opportunity.

Situation 1 - arrest. Situation 2 - accusation. Situation #3…

iii. The Audience That Will Lead Paul To Rome 25:1-26:32

When Festus replaces Felix, the Jews renew their attacks on Paul.

The new governor wants to start things off right with the Jewish leadership, so he consents to hear their accusations.

25:7 tells us that they add more accusations against Paul which they couldn’t prove.

Paul, knowing God has called him to Rome, appeals to Caesar.

Faithsteps into God’s will even when the future is uncertain. Do what God calls you to do.

Through an interesting series of events, God gives Paul the opportunity to preach Christ in front of a Governor, a King and Queen, and all the leaders of the city!

Being in prison for two years sounds bad, but God has used it for His glory!

Neverunderestimate God’s power to redeem our circumstances.

Paul takes them through his whole life story while giving a very clear gospel presentation.

Alwaystake advantage of gospel opportunities.

Don’t fall victim to the fear of man.

Situation 1 - arrest. Situation 2 - accusation. Situation 3 - audience. Situation #4…

iv. The Adventure That Will Lead Paul To Rome 27:1-28:31

One would think that God calling Paul to Rome would lead to smooth sailing and easy times all the way there.

God has other plans.

There is an island of people that need the gospel. So God shipwrecks Paul on it.

In the middle of this storm, danger, and fear, God tells Paul not to be afraid because He isn’t done with Paul yet.

This makes me think of everything our country is going through right now.

Godhas a reason, plan, and purpose. Our responsibility is to trust Him and serve faithfully. Our memory verse for the month is John 16:33. Let me read that and explain it.

Everyone arrives safely on the island, Paul is miraculously preserved, and he heals everyone who is sick while they are on the island.

Once they sail on and head toward Rome, God provides fellowship to encourage and strengthen Paul.

Arriving in Rome Paul is given a private dwelling where he welcomes the Jewish leaders.

He preaches Christ to them.

When they argue and fight, he preaches Christ to everyone else.

Godhas a place for you. He has a ministry for you.

He may get you there in a roundabout way, but He will get you there.

Along the way, preach Christ. When you get there, preach Christ. No matter where you are, no matter what you face, preach Christ!

Conclusion

There we have it. The gospel spreading from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and finally to the end of the earth.

Just a few thoughts to walk out with and we are done.

The gospel is God’s good news to a lost and dying world.

Three things here:

1 - Thegospel is God’s.

Therefore He defines it. We simply accept what He says.

2 - Thegospel is good news.

People need to hear about salvation from sin and the gift of eternal life! This life is not all there is! When we die, there is an afterlife. How you will spend it depends on what you believe about Jesus Christ.

3 - Theworld is lost and dying.

The gospel is desperately needed. It is the only solution to sin and death.

The gospel has been entrusted to us.

This is a huge responsibility.

In light of what has been entrusted to us, how should we respond?

3 realizations.

1 - Believers are called to share the gospel.

This is a truth we must accept. The gospel mandate is an individual mandate. Every single one of us is called to share the gospel.

In fact, God has already placed you in a position to reach people. You have access to people I will never meet. The same goes for me.

2 - Believers must be equipped to share the gospel.

While reading Scripture can do this, I believe it is the responsibility of the local church to make sure each person it ministers to knows how to share the gospel.

There are many methods. Your best starting place is your own salvation testimony. If you go on our website to the sermons tab, look up Sunday school and personal evangelism. We go through several methods there.

3 - Believers need passion and motivation for sharing the gospel.

This comes from two sources. It comes from a proper understanding of God’s Word. It comes from spending time with people who need Jesus. So. 1 – Be in the Word. 2 – Get to know unsaved people.

Final thought on Acts:

Preach Christ everywhere, to everyone, with passion, boldness, and clarity.

[1] https://www.barna.com/research/sharing-faith-increasingly-optional-christians/. Accessed 3/20/20