MEETING AGENDA
- OPENING PRAYER – Ask one person to open the meeting in prayer.
- GROWTH QUESTIONS – Ask everyone the Growth Questions.
- ATTENDANCE – Take attendance through the DG Attendance System.
- TODAY’S LESSON – Go over this week’s DG lesson.
- GIVING – Encourage everyone to give on the App.
- CLOSING PRAYER – Ask for prayer requests and pray.
BE A BOLD WITNESS
TODAY’S PASSAGE:
Acts 28:25-31 (NLT) – 25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he spoke to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet, 26 saying, ‘Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. 27 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ 28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.” 29 [After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.] 30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
- Paul quoted Isaiah to show that God’s salvation was not just for the Jews but for all people, including the Gentiles.
- Some of the Jews in Rome rejected Paul’s message, but he didn’t let their response stop him. He declared that the Gentiles would accept the Good News.
- This reminds us that God’s love and salvation are for everyone. We are called to share the Gospel with everyone, regardless of their background or initial response.
Romans 10:12-13 (NLT) – 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
- When we’re aware of it, we will see that God puts people in our paths to share the gospel with.
- The Jews’ rejection of Paul’s message didn’t discourage him. Instead, it opened the door to share the Gospel with others who were ready to receive it.
- We may face rejection when we share our faith, but that doesn’t mean we’ve failed. God can use our faithfulness to reach others we might not expect.
- Our job is to be obedient in sharing the message, trusting God with the results.
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT) – 14 But thank God! … Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
- This verse reminds us that God uses our efforts to share the Gospel everywhere we go, no matter if we face opposition or not.
- Despite being under house arrest, Paul continued to welcome visitors and boldly proclaim the Kingdom of God for two years.
- The phrase “no one tried to stop him” shows that God’s power enabled Paul to share the Gospel unhindered, even in difficult circumstances.
- Like Paul, we are called to live boldly for Christ, sharing the Gospel no matter our situation, trusting that God will make a way.
Philippians 1:14 (NLT) – 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
- Could it be that others are watching to see how you respond under pressure? Let’s strive to be people that share the good news of Jesus boldly, even under pressure.