Pastor Jeremy Collins offered what Pastor Paul characterized as a memorable and watershed sermon for FPCB. Feedback about the sermon agreed with this assessment. Why does this sermon stand out? Churches can be subject to “mission drift,” focusing on all kinds of things—good things—but not the main thing: telling people about Jesus and making disciples. You are encouraged to listen to the four-part sermon and its conclusion.
The Gospel Has Different Outcomes
Acts 14 is similar to Jesus’ parable of the Sower, where the “seed of the gospel” was sown on different kinds of ground, producing different results.
In Iconium (vs 1-7), some people put their faith in Jesus, and others did not.
In Lystra (vs. 8-18), people were amazed at Paul’s healing of a lame man. Instead of turning to Jesus, the people worshipped Paul and Barnabas. People can witness the power of the gospel, but instead of banking their affections and allegiance to Jesus, they worship the men who deliver the gospel. Paul and Barnabas strongly rejected the worship they received from the Lystrans.
In Derbe, (v 21) the gospel resulted in many new disciples!
Opposition to the Gospel is GREAT
In Acts 14:8, a group of Jews went to Lystra to kill Paul. They stoned him and dragged his lifeless body out of the city. The other disciples gathered around him, and Paul was revived. He survived and continued to the city of Derbe to preach the good news about Jesus.
Question: How Important Is the Gospel to You?
Can you imagine believing in the power of the gospel so strongly that there would be nothing to stop you from speaking the truth about Jesus? Truth be told, many of us are uncomfortable with sharing the gospel. Many of us fear being rejected or accused of offending people.
Reflection: Who Is Encouraged by Your Faithfulness?
Faithfulness, in the face of opposition, encourages other believers. Luke’s report in Acts 14:21-22 proves this principle:
“... (Paul and Barnabas) returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
In closing, a calling is a God-given conviction about your life’s direction. Whether you see it or not, your faith in Jesus claims your life. The gospel puts a claim on your life to share the gospel! Listen to what Holocaust survivor, Victor Frankl said, “Those who have a “why” to live can bear with almost any “how.” Our church’s main mission is to share the gospel and make disciples. Our work will produce different outcomes and opposition. And though we may wonder how we can continue, we must live into our “why” for living. Christians who know their purpose and live into it, no matter what comes their way, will encourage other believers and lead new believers to follow Jesus. Amen!
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