“At Their Reach” Acts 24 Today’s message is about keeping Jesus at a reachable place, many times we share Jesus at a high standard that people so I can’t reach that so why even try. Today we will learn to find out what is going on with the people we are sharing Jesus with and to speak into their life’s by know their interests. By sharing Christ this way they learn that Jesus is reachable. Amen We left with Paul being questioned by the Jewish council which turned into a riot. (Roman arrest) Paul was sent to Caesarea for his protection, there was news of a plot to kill Paul. Over forty men had made a vow not to eat or drink anything until Paul was killed. Let’s pick up the story in chapter 24 Acts 24:1-9 Jewish leaders bring in the smooth talker 1. Tertullus a lawyer of those times. 2. Sweet talker I front the right people. 3. Accuses Paul of three things. a. Being a trouble maker. b. A ringleader of an unrecognized religion. c. Someone who desecrated the temple. Acts 24:10-16 Paul states his case 1. I know you. a. Judged Jewish affairs for many years. b. I’m not worried as I make my defense. c. In fact you will be able to figure this out. Paul is wise to know who he is speaking to. Gang we need know who we are talking to, where they come from, their life style and their interest.
Paul knew about Felix, we need to be prepared to share Jesus. We can’t just wing it. A verse that used to justify winging it is. Isaiah 55:11 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. We need to be prepared to share. Knowing who we are and sharing will make a difference. What’s the big deal? 1. If people see that you really care about them they tend to listen. 2. If you teach them how to resolve their problems they’ll come back. 3. Letting them know that you worry about them, makes them feel they are worth it. Kehau’s job People with different needs, different personality all lacking Jesus in their lives. How do we know what to share? We need to listen! James 1:19 Ask the people, “What is it that they want out of life?” Some people are looking for… 1. Forgiveness/Death Here we can share John 3:16. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 2. Love/sense of belonging Here we can share John 10:10. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. 3. Family/friends. Here we can share John 1:12.
12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 4. A way to overcome fears. Here we can share Matthew 10:29-31. 29 Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. 5. Be prosperous/successful. Here we can share 1 John 4:4. 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won your fight with these false prophets, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Be careful not to talk too much, we don’t want others to feel like what they have to share means nothing or very little to us. A good illustration is the story of the women at the well. (John 4) Jesus asks for a drink. Why ask me for a drink. If you knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water. What 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Jesus did? Asked a Question? Had a conversation. Revealed her life. Not condemning her. Received her with open arms. Jesus promises her a new life. Willingness to repent and believe. Place of worship was in person not a place. (Answered her question.) 9. V-26 declared that He is the Messiah.
Results V-39 Many people were saved because of this lady’s words. (Testimony).
Let’s remember not to make Jesus unreachable. Remember to always share Jesus “At Their Reach”. PRAY SALVATION TITHES/OFFERING http://ourmedia.org/ia/details/jrkellerattheirreach