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Week of November 3, 2024

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Southwest Church of Christ

To the Ends of the Earth

November 3, 2024

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Main Scripture Reference(s)
Acts 28:16-31,

To the Ends of the Earth

November 3, 2024 / Bryan Fojtasek / Acts 28:16-31 / Southwest Church of Christ

Welcome to Southwest!

Last Week: Paul and Silas share the Gospel with the jailer in Philippi.
Key Verse from the Series: Acts 1:8

1. Today’s Message: “To the Ends of the Earth” (Acts 28:16-31)

Paul preaches under house arrest in Rome.
Main Idea: We can be faithful witnesses of Jesus in every situation through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Acts 28:16-22 (Paul’s Challenges)

Paul’s Mission: Preach the Gospel all over the world — and especially to the Gentiles.
Unfortunately, Paul’s circumstances make it almost impossible for him to do that.
He needs some divine intervention to open doors (see Colossians 4:3).

(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

“When Life Gives You Lemons… Make Lemonade!”

But what if the situation is truly beyond all (human) hope of redemption?
What if we reach a situation that feels like a Red Sea moment — no obvious path forward?
Answer: We pray for God to open !

How God Opened Doors in Acts:

When the church was persecuted in Jerusalem, God opened a door for them to preach in Samaria.
When the church was rejected by the Jews, God opened a door for them to preach to the Gentiles.
When the disciples were thrown in prison, God opened a door for them to preach to the jailers (and write letters to the church).

Key Point: Nothing is impossible for God.

God’s promise of salvation was fulfilled through a savior on a Roman cross and a servant in a Roman cell.
God always finds a way to shine a of hope in the midst of our darkness.
Paul’s story is an inspiring example for all of us who feel constrained by our circumstances — God can still bring good things out of our darkest days.

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Scripture: Acts 28:23-31 (Paul’s Ministry)

The Gospel was preached with all boldness and without hindrance.
Ironically, Luke says this even though Paul is locked up as he preaches.

How Was The Gospel Able to Go Out Despite All the Challenges the Church Faced?

Flashback to Acts 1: Only 120 disciples, and all of them were in Jerusalem. But Jesus says they will be his worldwide witnesses.
Flashback to Luke 1: Unwed teenager in Nazareth (who is still a virgin). But God says she will give birth to a savior.
God’s impossible-sounding promises come true through the power of the Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:35, Acts 1:8).
Key Lesson in Acts: The things that seem impossible for us are more than possible when the of the Spirit is at work in our lives.

(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

2. The Key to Their Success:

God poured out his Spirit.
Christians answered the call.
Today, the Spirit is still leading the way. But are we willing to answer the call?

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3. Application:

Pray for God to Open the Right Door.
Be Faithful on the Mission Field Where God Has Planted You.
Make Some Lemonade for Jesus.

Don’t Know Where to Start? Consider These Three Options:

Children’s Ministry — Volunteer to help. Kids need at least five caring adults who are pouring into their lives.
Youth Ministry — Info session today in the youth room, right after church, about how YOU can get involved in blessing these students.
World Bible School — “To share Jesus with the world by motivating and equipping a global network of Christians to use interactive Bible studies effectively.”
World Bible School Prayer Time and Info Session — This Wednesday (11/6) at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall.

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Reflection Questions:

What do we learn about God, Jesus, or his plan for our lives?
What does this story teach us about people?
Was there a line from the story that seemed especially significant to you?
What do you feel God calling you to know, believe, or do through this passage?
What kind of mission field has God planted you in? How can you be a faithful witness in that context?
Who is the one person that comes to your mind when you think about people in your life that need to be introduced to Jesus?
Why is it so important for us to rely on the power of the Spirit, rather than human strength and wisdom?

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