Text: Acts 28:11-31 | Listen to Message

You’re Part Of The Story

 

The book of Acts ends somewhat abruptly with lots of loose ends and no real conclusion – and that’s because Luke intends for his story “to be continued…”

The Church’s mission, in every generation, is to advance the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. Having inherited this mission ourselves, we have the opportunity to write new chapters of this story through our own witness to Christ today.

To that end, here are a few pieces of encouragement:

First, remember that the Good News of Jesus is inherently powerful and effectual. Though we can’t predict when or how or how much the seed of the Gospel will bear fruit, we know it will bear fruit. After all, it’s the seed of the Savior-King who conquered death itself! So sow profligately…and pray for God to do what only He can do!

Second, remember you’re never alone and it’s not up to you to make the mission a success. Jesus promised his Spirit would be with you always, until the end of the age. The same Spirit who empowered Paul, the world’s greatest missionary, empowers you and guarantees the success of your mission for him.

Finally, remember that the Gospel itself is indomitable. At the end of Acts, Paul is restrained but the Gospel isn’t. It’s almost as if the more the Gospel is resisted, the more it advances. The more the darkness tries to stamp out its fire, the more its embers spread to ignite more hearts with a passion for Christ.

So whatever else your life could be about, it must be about this. Be strong in the Lord and be quick to speak the freedom and hope and grace of Jesus into the brokenness of others. Let the Spirit write new and amazing stories of salvation through you!

Sermon Notes & Application Questions