Sermons

To the End of the Earth

November 27, 2022 Preacher: Pedro Samuel Series: Acts - The Gospel in Motion

Topic: Christian Living Scripture: Acts 28:1–31

Today we conclude our sermon series in Acts. The Book of Acts (as we see in ch.1:1-2) is the story of “all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day that He was taken up to heaven”. The work that He began was to be completed by His disciples, who were to be His “witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (1:8). As we come to the end of Acts, Luke leaves us with the apostle Paul preaching the gospel in the capital of the empire, “with all openness, unhindered.” And so, in one sense, the mission was accomplished, with the gospel going to the ends of the earth.

1. Protecting, Providing & Empowering. (v.1-16)

2. Proclaiming the Gospel to all People. (v.17-31)

Here’s a pretty good summary of the book of Acts: The Saviour went up; the Spirit came down; the church went out; and the lost came in. The church is still to go out, and the lost will still come in.

Notice the very last word of the Book of Acts is unhindered. Paul was bound but the gospel was unhindered. For two thousand years the good news of Christ has been preached in this world. Many have tried to stop the progress of the gospel but it will go forth unhindered and it will be victorious (II Tim. 2:9).

Getting Started

1. What is your favourite snake encounter? Share your most unforgettable moment.

Read Acts 28:1-31

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. God provided for His servants through the unusual hospitality of the natives on Malta. Practically, what did these natives provide for the apostle Paul?

4. In chapter 28v4, we read; “When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” While these natives had no exposure to the gospel of Christ, they were religious and had an understanding that sin in the universe will be judged by God or gods. Where do you think they got this understanding from?

5. Notice the very last word of the Book of Acts is ‘unhindered’ – without hinderance. Paul was bound but the gospel was unhindered. For two thousand years the good news of Christ has been preached in this world. Many have tried to stop the progress of the gospel but it will go forth unhindered and it will be victorious (II Tim. 2:9). Agree/disagree: Missions is the ultimate reason the Lord has left the church on earth.

The Heart of the Matter

6. Is world missions supposed to be the responsibility of all Christians, or only of those whom God so calls?

7. Luke may have mention the detail of the figurehead of the Twin Brothers (28:11) on the ship to contrast pagan superstitions with the true protection that believers have through God’s providence. What are some ways that God’s providence has trumped superstitious luck in your own experience?

8. How can a person know where he or she fits in to God’s purpose in the Great Commission?

More in Acts - The Gospel in Motion

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Weathering Tempests

November 13, 2022

Crazy for Jesus

November 6, 2022

Responding to the Resurrection.