Foundations
for Effective Outreach
2013-11-17
Act 13:38-44
38
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness
of sins is proclaimed to you, 39
and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could
not be freed by the law of Moses. 40
Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: 41 "'Look, you scoffers, be
astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will
not believe, even if one tells it to you.'" 42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be
told them the next Sabbath. 43
And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts
to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them
to continue in the grace of God. 44
The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
Here is the 1st recorded
sermon Paul preached. At this time he is almost 50 yrs. old
· 1st recorded presentation
of Gospel to Roman world.
· Antioch in Pisidia: Roman
colony in southern Galatia in Asia Minor = Turkey.
o
Strategy:
Gospel flow throughout Asia Minor thru new believers.
The synagogue provided a ready-made spiritually
interested Jew/Gentile audience & as a Jew, Paul could often gain an
audience while speaking. Acts 13:14-16
· Like Paul….be proactive: set up
opportunities to share Gospel by:
·
let
them know your a Christian in natural, unforced ways: such as buttons/cloths, or
verbally.
o
Talk
about church, what you learned in the Bible, and testify how faith helps you.
§ Key: delight yourself in Jesus Christ &
you’ll speak of Him. Luke 6:45
· Just doing evangelism with out loving
good deeds will be seen as a recruitment/project.
o
Listen
to your friend's problems –offer to pray for them (immediately).
§
Offer
to help in appropriate ways.
· Simple acts will organically lead to
deeper friendship & spiritual discussion
Paul faced the leading religions of
his day (no “new” religion today) with the Word of God
· It's not psychology, love, politics,
life issues.
o
It
doesn’t even mention miracles, Jesus Christ’s teachings or Jesus' good life.
§
Paul
began w the law & prophets, which were just read.
· Jewish historical figures leading up
to coming of Messiah. 13:16-25
o
Acts
13:23 is the Only place in Acts Paul called Jesus Christ "Savior."
· Then rejection, crucifixion, & resurrection
(dominated early preaching) of Christ. 13:26-37
· Concluded with the solution to the failure
of Old Testament Law to save. (common thread) 13:38-39
o
Appeal
to believe in Jesus Christ as a culmination of history, fulfillment of all
Messianic prophesy & justifier of sinners.
Paul had an advantage: he knew his
audience & what they believed spiritually.
· Paul began where his listeners were
(just as in Athens. Acts 17:22-23), put things in appropriate context, & led
them kindly & respectfully toward Gospel.
Foundational evangelistic principle:
identify which spiritual “islands” your friends are on in order to more
effectively present Gospel. Hawaiian Islands map
· Learn their beliefs about Bible, Jesus
(virgin birth, hypostatic union, sinless life, atoning death, resurrection,
never die again & seated in heaven), man, sin, heaven/hell.
o
Don’t have a negative reaction to unorthodox beliefs, but ask why they believe
that.
Outreach/evangelism is a lifestyle
and a process, not a special event.
·
Pray
regularly for them & ask for opportunities to share your story and the Gospel.
o
Then,
like Paul, put yourself in situations to be an answer to your prayer.
§
Invite
neighbors into your home or a church event, eat with co-workers, car pool.
· As you Biblically love and care for
people, pray for them & display the fruit of Spirit.
o
God
will open the door to share & you’ll be a co-laborer with the Holy Spirit
who is ultimately responsible salvation….not us. 1 Cor 3:6 & 9, John 6:44
