God’s People: Shaped by Evangelism - November 17, 2024
Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
November 17, 2024
MISSIONS 2024
Together . . . to the People
November 3 - 30, 2024
Preaching Voice: Apostle
God’s People: Shaped by Evangelism
Acts 11:19-30
Theme for 2024: Together
Theme for Missions 2024: Together . . . to the People
We believe EVANGELIZING LOST PEOPLE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH FOLLOWER OF JESUS! Believers are to share the Gospel message with those who are lost. We begin in our own communities; however, Jesus commanded us to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. We are to join our efforts with other believers to ensure all nations hear the good news of Jesus. (Matthew 10:32; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16-17; Colossians 1:6)
CONTEXT: The early church was scattered from Jerusalem due to the growing persecution. There were some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene who came to Antioch and began to share the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles! A church was established, and God used this church to launch the first worldwide mission effort in Christian history.
ANTIOCH: The city of Antioch was a diverse, cosmopolitan Greek city founded by Seleucus Nicator, a general who served with Alexander the Great. By the first century, it was a thriving, cosmopolitan, diverse Roman city with residents from across the known world.
CHURCH AT ANTIOCH: The church established in Antioch reflected the cultural diversity of the city. The cultural competencies displayed in this church enabled it to be effective in evangelizing the community.
EVANGELISM: The church at Antioch engaged in evangelistic efforts that were effective and impactful. Jews and Gentiles alike responded to the message about the Lord Jesus.
THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL:
-universal in its scope
-effective in its impact
-sturdy in its composition
-holistic in its transformation of people
