November 13
Be Jesus to the far away
Acts 8:4-8
Being Jesus to the far away means:
Having confidence in our call v.4
2 Corinthians 5:20
Having compassion in our heart v.5a
Compassion = Love in action.
2 Corinthians 5:14
Having clarity in our message vv.5-6
“heard” = means we MUST share the message.
“saw” = means we MUST live the message.
Results in:
Seeing changed lives v.8
The gospel received, results in great joy!
Acts 2:46-47
November 13
Be Jesus to the far away
Acts 8:4-8
ESS: As we grow in our love for Jesus, we’ll grow in our love for others.
OSS: To challenge the listener to pray for and engage those far away with the gospel.
Intro: Story of Desmond Doss (Pic) http://www.adventistreview.org/assets/public/news/2016-09/Adventist-Desmond-Doss-Harry-Truman-1.jpg
Kept praying…. “Please Lord, help me save one more.”
When all said and done…army estimated 75 men were lowered from the cliff and lives spared.
President Harry Truman awarding Desmond the Medal of Honor
App: we love stories like this because we love seeing something amazing accomplished by seemingly ordinary, everyday people.
Three truths we must keep in mind: (build if possible)
1. Deep inside, all of us long to have a life that makes a difference.
2. The message of Jesus is the most important message in the world.
3. God has chosen to do His eternal work through everyday people.
God wants to accomplish the extraordinary through ordinary people like you and me.
And this is why we must….be UNITED under the vision that God has given us. To become more like Jesus, so we can be Jesus to the overwhelmed, the under-resourced, and the far away.
This morning we’re talking about “Being Jesus to the far away.”
Acts 8:4-8
4 So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the message of good news. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
Being Jesus to the far away means:
Having confidence in our call v.4
4 So those who were scattered went on their way…
So I read that and I’m thinking, “Yeah they did”…Stephen had just been killed…I’m getting out of here…going to blend in, be safe, and just chill. NOPE! Here is the rest of that verse… …preaching the message of good news.
That’s amazing! These guys knew WHO they were and WHY they were. The had an incredible confidence in their call.
e?a??e????: to communicate (Proclaim) the good news—‘to tell the good news, to announce the gospel.’
‘I have been sent to speak to you and tell you this good news’
-The idea of a “Herald” = Proclaiming…the announcement of a king.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
Having compassion in our heart v.5a
5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria…
Compassion = Love in action.
Remind of the story in John 4
Samaritans were considered – heretics and half breeds.
Jews did not dare associate with them…anyone from Jerusalem would go to great lengths in order to travel around Samaria.
Illustration:
Crazy things I did while dating Steph….Cards, letters, etc.
Love will drive you to do the “Craziest things”….and that same love must drive us to share the gospel.
2 Corinthians 5:14 “Christ’s love compels us…”
Having clarity in our message vv.5-6
5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing.
“heard” = means we MUST share the message.
“saw” = means we MUST live the message.
The gospel is something that is heard and seen.
What does this look like? (HOW?) Phillip gives us a great idea of what it looks like at the end of Acts 8.
- As you go… (Meaning everywhere you are…look for opportunities) “desert road…”
- Ask questions… “do you understand what you’re reading”
- Share the message… “Phillip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus.”
- Trust God with the rest…
Since the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, we should proclaim it in every situation where we find ourselves.
Results in:
Seeing changed lives v.8
The gospel received, results in great joy!
46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47
Do you know anyone today who could use GREAT JOY? Do you know anyone in need of GREAT JOY?
Sure we do…that’s why we must BE JESUS TO THEM.
We have this incredible opportunity to be UNITED! One church, multiple locations…UNITED under ONE MISSION, with ONE VISION….To Become more like Jesus, so we can be Jesus to the overwhelmed, the under-resourced, and the far away.
If not YOU then WHO?
If not THIS then WHAT? (Will you give your life to…)
If not NOW then WHEN?
Why?
Because life is too short, eternity is too long, and the gospel is too good not to share.
...Refer to the opening story…. “Lord would you help me save just ONE more.”
Closing: (Cards…)
Write a letter to someone who is far from God…and write it as if you were watching them be baptized. The culmination of years of prayer and sharing the gospel…resulting in life change.
Commit to prayer every day that God will allow you to share the gospel…and one day share this card with your friend.
Don’t stop praying…sharing…living…= then watch God work.
Finally, = Celebrate their special day by giving them this card.
Closing story:
I used this illustration three years ago at camp….it has been overwhelming to hear the stories of students who come up to me and say… “I got to give my Dad his card this year!”; or to have Student pastors share stories of students seeing their friends come to faith and be able to give them their cards. Absolutely amazing!
This could just be another little gimmick that you throw in your bible or car and never look at it again….but for some it will be the beginning of a journey of “Being Jesus to the Far away”.
Let’s pray.
