Empowered Witness:  “Breaking up is hard to do”

Acts 15:36-41 (ESV)

When has a “break up” actually resulted in good in your life?

_________________________________________________________

• Breaking up is hard

            What often causes “break ups”?

            ___________________________________________________

• God brings good       
  • New opportunities
  • New people
  • Possible reconciliation

            Is there someone with whom you need to reconcile?  What are you willing to do?

            ___________________________________________________

“Let me tell you about Jesus” – Challenge!

What are the biggest challenges (obstacles) to people trusting in Jesus?

_________________________________________________________

Relational Evangelism:

1. Build Bridges
2. Share the Good News
3. Challenge to Respond

Paul’s Audiences

            Acts 13:14-52                                           Acts 17:16-31

            Antioch in Pisidia                                      Athens

            - The Synagogue                                        - Cultured Pagans

            - Churched & Blind                                   - Philosophical Lost

Challenges:

1. Pride

• Self-Affirmation

Misguided Worship

• Materialism

Hardened Hearts

• Tolerance

Love People

Impact our Community

Make Disciples

Relational Evangelism:

1. Build Bridges
2. Share the Good News
3. Challenge to Respond

Paul’s Audiences

Acts 13:14-52                         Acts 14:8-18               Acts 17:16-31

Antioch in Pisidia                    Lystra                         Athens

- The Synagogue                      - Pagan Polytheists       - Cultured Pagans

- Churched & Blind                 - Spiritual Seekers        - Philosophical Lost

Share the Good News:

1. Speak the language
2. Persuade with reason
3. Be clear and concise

“Let me tell you about Jesus” – Building Bridges

What comes to mind when you think of evangelism?

_________________________________________________________

Relational Evangelism:

1. Build Bridges
2. Share the Good News
3. Challenge to Respond

Paul’s Audiences

Acts 13:14-52                         Acts 14:8-18               Acts 17:16-31

Antioch in Pisidia                    Lystra                         Athens

- The Synagogue                      - Pagan Polytheists       - Cultured Pagans

- Churched & Blind                 - Spiritual Seekers        - Philosophical Lost

Relational Evangelism:

1. Building Bridges
2. Show respect
3. Understand their beliefs

Who is God calling you to reach with the Gospel?  How can you build or strengthen bridges with them?

_________________________________________________________

Acts 12 shows us that God's plan is unstoppable.  It also provides at least 4 truths related to God's plan:

1. Suffering Strengthens
2. Deliverance is Divine
3. Humor Helps
4. Enemies are Eliminated

God's plan is unstoppable.  Hang on to God no matter what each day offers.

The early church experienced barriers to growth.  One was prejudice.  The Jewish Christians struggled to accept Gentile Christians.

Prejudice is still a barrier to the Gospel today.  

Acts 10-11 teaches us that when it comes to breaking down barriers:

1. God calls all
2. Vision requires seeing
3. Prejudice is unacceptable
4. The Truth will prevail

God doesn't see color, culture, disabilities, status, age, etc.  God see people who need His Son.  So should we.

In Acts 9:10-19, God called Ananias to go to Saul.  Ananias had concerns, but went.  Eyes were opened! 

When God calls:

1. "Yes" is the answer
2. Scary may happen
3. Jesus has your back
4. Eyes are opened

Don't be afraid to say "Yes" to God!

Do you know a person who is a lost cause?  Are you a lost cause?

On the road to Damascus Saul met the risen Christ.  His encounter teaches us there are no lost causes when it comes to Christ.

1. There's no heart God can't change
2. There's no sin God can't forgive
3. There's no person God can't use

Stephen was one of the first Jesus Freaks.  People didn't understand him.  They lied about him.  And yet, the truth shone through.  Stephen was martyred for his faith, but God showed up.  Jesus took him home.

Will you do whatever it takes to be a Jesus Freak?

A timely message on church division, church struggles, God's providence, growing in faith, growth, praise, and Stephen.

Scripture basis:  Acts 6:1-7