Sharing Jesus with others will result in a variety of responses. Paul’s experience in three different communities shows us that some people will resist the Word of God, some will receive the Word of God, and others will ridicule the Word of God. When sharing Jesus with others, God wants us to be faithful to the Word of God and leave the results up to Him. --- God can do amazing things through ordinary people who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit was given to all believers and the church was born. The church is God's chosen instrument in the world for sharing the good news about Jesus Christ. The book of Acts is all about the unhindered movement of God throughout the world as the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed through the church. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the early church was an unstoppable movement that proclaimed the Kingdom of God and Jesus Christ as the only way to eternal life. Today, the church empowered by the Holy Spirit is called to continue God's redeeming work in the world by fulfilling God's mission of making Jesus known to the ends of the earth.
Acts of the Apostles 17:10-15 NLT
That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. But when some Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and stirred up trouble. The believers acted at once, sending Paul on to the coast, while Silas and Timothy remained behind. Those escorting Paul went with him all the way to Athens; then they returned to Berea with instructions for Silas and Timothy to hurry and join him.
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Sermon Points:
1. Read the Word of God.
2. Study the Word of God.
3. Be transformed by the Word of God.
4. Share the Word of God.
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Supporting Texts:
Acts 17:1-9
Hebrews 4:12
2 Timothy 2:15
2 Timothy 3:15-17
Romans 1:16-17
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Challenge: The Word of God is central to sharing Jesus with others. Paul and his missionary team was turning the world right-side up by bringing the Good News about Jesus to others through the teaching of God’s Word. As Christians, we are to continue the work of turning the world right-side up by using the Word of God to share Jesus with others. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” Keep learning and sharing the Word of God with others as you point people to Jesus.
