Living by The Word: The Gospel on the Move 10/27/24

"The Gospel on the Move" (Acts 13:13-52)

This message discusses the expansion of the gospel through the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas as detailed in Acts 13. Here, the gospel transcends cultural boundaries, emphasizing the role of intentionality, resilience, and the power of the message.

Key Points

1. The Missionary Plan

   • Teamwork: Paul and Barnabas, with John Mark and other companions, worked as a team, reflecting the importance of collective effort in missions.
   • Targeted Approach: Their missionary journey was purposeful; they headed to Pisidian Antioch, a key strategic city in Asia Minor for gospel outreach.
   • Strategic Method: Paul and Barnabas began in synagogues, where their audience had a foundational understanding of the Old Testament, facilitating their message’s reception.
   • Clear Goal: The mission’s purpose was clear—to preach the good news of forgiveness and salvation in Jesus.

2. The Missionary Message

   • Historical Foundation: Paul recounted Israel's history, emphasizing God’s promises, especially the promise of a Messiah from David’s lineage.
   • Fulfillment in Christ: Paul highlighted how Jesus fulfilled prophecies, including John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus’ crucifixion, and especially His resurrection as proof of His messianic role.
   • Call and Warning: Paul presented the gospel as an offer of salvation through faith in Christ, with a warning to accept or face judgment, referencing Habakkuk 1:5.

3. A Backbone for Missions

   • Bold Proclamation: Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly, even amidst opposition.
   • Scriptural Conviction: Paul relied on scripture, using passages like Isaiah 42 and 49 to affirm his mission to Gentiles.
   • Trust in God’s Will: They acknowledged that salvation is ultimately God’s work, referring to “those appointed to eternal life.”
   • Perseverance in Suffering: Despite rejection, expulsion, and John Mark’s desertion, they continued joyfully, undeterred in their mission.

Scripture References

• Acts 1:8 - Jesus' charge to spread the gospel.
• Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:3; Acts 16:10 - Used by Paul to demonstrate fulfillment of messianic promises.
• Galatians 3:11 - The righteous live by faith, not the law.
• Luke 9:5, 10:11 - Shaking the dust off as a sign of rejection.
• Philippians 4:3; Luke 10:20 - Assurance in the “book of life.”

Practical Application

1. Missions Require a Message: True missions involve communicating the gospel, not merely charitable actions.
2. Scripture Offers Eternal Life: The word of God is central to the message of salvation.
3. Truth’s Dual Nature: The gospel unites believers but also creates division when rejected.

This message underscores the essence of missions: a clear plan, an unwavering message of salvation, and the courage to persist amidst opposition, reflecting both the joy and challenges inherent in gospel ministry.