Welcome to week 1 of our new series "Re(discovering)-Church: A Journey THROUGH Acts TOWARD Acts"!
In this message, Pastor Justin dives into Acts 1:1-3, helping us reflect, challenge ourselves, and accept the truth that we all know a "Theophilus"--a relationship with someone who doesn't know Jesus as Lord--and they're waiting for us to present the Word and Testimony of Christ to them for their salvation!
We will come to this conclusion through 3 simple challenges/truths:
1- WE MUST MAKE THE LOST OUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!
*Ownership of sharing the gospel starts with "I"
-- v. 1 "I TOLD YOU..."
***Like Luke, it doesn't take a pastor, evangelist, or prophet...it just takes someone available and willing to take responsibility!
*The information you hold and share is IMMENSELY valuable!
-- v.1 "IN MY FIRST BOOK..."
***Gospel of Luke records 10 POWERFUL & HISTORICAL FACTS about Jesus! So does your testimony--it is a gospel, in and of itself!
2. WE MUST PERSONALLY INVOLVE OURSELVES INTO THE LIVES OF THE LOST
*We must be intentional in our interactions
-- v. 1-2 communicates the purpose of the gospel of Luke: to bring Theophilus into relationship with Jesus by telling him "about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven..."
***The only way we can take advantage of the opportunities we have is by being intentional!
3. OUR PERSONAL INVESTMENTS HAVE GREATER IMPACT THAN WE KNOW
*Luke's intentional actions are shown through a gospel that took much time and energy to write. A gospel that would be a scroll 25 ft long!
-- between Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1, the title used for Theophilus is removed. This suggests a change in relationship into a brotherhood in Christ!
***The only way our impact grows beyond our measure and understanding is by taking the responsibility to be intentional in sharing the gospel!
We HAVE to be!
THEOPHILUS IS WAITING!
