Audio Sermons

Not Ashamed of the Gospel (I)

Sunday, 16 July 2023

Building up the Church of Christ:

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Life B-P Church Worship Service, 16^th July 2023

Text: Acts 13:13-52

We must have full confidence in God’s Word to accomplish God’s work. (Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”)
During their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch in Pisidia, the capital of southern Galatia.
When Paul was requested to speak at the synagogue he took the opportunity to preach the Gospel.

1. The Wonders of the Gospel

a. It Rests on God’s Personal Involvement in History (vv.17-22)

God worked in the lives of real people in real places in real time.
Israel’s history is summarised from God’s choice of Abraham (2000 BC) to God’s raising up of King David (1000 BC).

Application: Is your faith in God based on objective verifiable facts or on subjective stories and legends?

b. It Records how God’s Promises were Fulfilled in Christ (vv.23-37)

God promised to provide a Saviour for Israel. (Jeremiah 23:5,6)
A forerunner would announce His coming. (vv.24,25; Isaiah 40:3)
Jesus fulfilled every messianic prophecy, including those about His condemnation and death. (vv.27-29; cf. Isaiah 7:14; 53:4-6)

Application: How seriously do you take the Word which is preached to you every Sunday? (v.27)

His resurrection from the dead is the climax of God’s promise. (vv.32,33; cf. Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:3; Psalm 16:10)

c. It Reveals God’s Plan to Save All Men through Christ (vv.38,39)

The Law of Moses could not save anyone from sin. It only shows that all have sinned and stand in need of God’s forgiveness.
The Good News of Christ saves all who believe in Jesus. It provides the only means to justify sinners once and for all.

Application: Have you believed in Jesus alone for salvation, or are you still trusting in your own ability to keep God’s laws?

2. The Impact of the Gospel

a. Judgment to Those Who Hate It (vv.40-41,45-46)

All men are warned through it about the awful judgment that is coming for their sins. (v.41; cf. Habakkuk 1:5)
All who reject it prove themselves to be unworthy of eternal life. (v.46)

Question: Why do men hate and reject God’s Word? (v.45)

b. Joy to Those Who Love It (vv.42-44,52)

3. The Application of the Gospel

a. Be Ready to Proclaim It Widely. (vv.47-49)

The Lord has commanded us to witness for Christ unto the ends of the earth. (v.47, cf. Acts 1:8)
Since He has ordained some to eternal life, there will be positive responses wherever the Gospel is proclaimed. (v.48)

b. Be Willing to Suffer for It. (v.50)

c. Be Diligent to Obey the Lord who Entrusted Us with It. (v.51)

Questions for Reflection:

1. What can you do to experience the full impact of the Gospel in your life?

2. What can you do to help others experience the full impact of the Gospel in their life?

3. Are you willing to suffer rejection and persecution for the sake of the Gospel of Christ when it comes?