The Gospel Expands

The Gospel Story 
The Gospel Expands 
Acts 8

God uses ordinary people to make an eternal difference in the lives of other people.

Some Principles On Being Used By God To Point Others To Jesus

1. Go where people are. (4-5)

““You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13–16, ESV)

2. Be Sensitive and Obedient to the promptings of the Spirit. (26-27, 29) 

Notice what he did not say:

• Not Me
• Not Now
• Not There

3. Start where a person is. (30)

The Ethiopian was:

• Responsible
• Religious
• Responsive

4. Use God’s Word. (35)

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

5. Expect and Invite people to respond to God’s love and good news. (36-38)

“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”” (Matthew 9:37–38, ESV)

“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:35, ESV)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)

6. Sharing our faith is not primarily an Event, but a Lifestyle. (39-40)

The single greatest contribution you can make to another human being is an introduction to the God who loves them! 

Everybody is going to spend forever somewhere!

Paul’s Prayer Request:

“At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:3–6, ESV)

A Place To Begin

B.L.E.S.S. Practices – See Bookmark

Making It Personal:

• Have you personally turned from your sin, trusted in Christ’s provision through the cross and surrendered your life to His rule and reign?
• When is the last time you personally lead someone to faith in Jesus Christ?
• When is the last time that you tried?
• How can you begin to be more intentional about practicing the B.L.E.S.S. habits or practices? Who can you partner with to help encourage one another in these practices?
• Who can you share these truths with?

Ready to take your Next Step?

• Text Next to 803-637-8484
• Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps”