Acts presents what Jesus set as a priority and everything that happened to discourage it. In other words, Jesus identified the main thing, but there were many obstacles and challenges along the way. This is a great reminder to us to keep the main thing, the main thing even in the face of pressure or difficulties.

In Acts 11, we see that God uses unnamed believers from Cyprus and Cyrene to start a missionary movement that changes history. Considering that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, how might He want to use your unique skills, relationships, or experiences right where you are to help advance the Gospel?

As we look at Paul’s life in the book of Acts, we see ups and downs—heartache, shame, and restoration. Perhaps you can see yourself in this story because Jesus has called you out of our broken world so that you can go back into it to bring about positive change. One particular area to focus on is your oikos—the relational world that God has placed in your life.

As Christ-followers, we see in Acts that any opposition we face—while not pleasant—makes sense. Jesus taught it, and the Bible records it. Acts is much like the Bible’s playbook for what to do with our faith in Jesus. That is to believe it, hold tight to it, and spread and share it with others.

As we see in Acts, for those who seek to live a Christian life, credibility and compassion matter. We’re called to live changed lives, marked by moral consciousness, selfless compassion, and a passion to spread the love of Jesus.

Last week, we missed a moment that was human and needed the gospel. So, we’ll address and explore that in this sermon. We’ll also see that the book of Acts is both comfortable with miracles and is obsessed with sharing the gospel — a powerful reminder and encouragement for us.

If you’re willing to follow, God will guide you in the expansion of the Gospel, which at times may lead to a redirect in your life. This will build resilience of your faith even in the face of diversity. And, as you see in Acts 16, you never know the influence and impact you may have on another person.

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As we begin our Acts series, you’ll see that the Book of Acts is preoccupied with Gospel advancement. Watch for God to move in the miraculous, the Church to move in conflict, and individuals to move to their oikos.