Encouragement through Sharing the Gospel

Encouraging Others to Move Forward in Christ #8
Encouragement through Sharing the Gospel
Acts 18:5-11 Page # 1111

I.  Be Encouraged: All of us have fears.
     1. Our eternal “hope” can eliminate all fears.
        1 Peter 3:15
        2 Corinthians 3:12

     2. No “hope” should cause the lost to have fear.
        Hebrews 10:31
        Matthew 12:31-32
        Luke 16:19-31

“10 Reasons Why Friends and Family Struggle to Believe the Gospel” by Chuck Lawless

1. They have never really heard the gospel.
2. They struggle understanding the Bible.
3. They see the gospel as too good to be true.
4. They see hypocrisy in the church.
5. They hear other messages more loudly.
6. They are enjoying their sin.
7. They believe time is on their side.
8. They still fail to see their lostness.
9. They cannot understand the preaching.
10.They are overwhelmed by Christian follow up.

II. Be Encouraged: Any believer can speak the gospel truth.
III.Be Encouraged: We are not responsible to save anyone.

“…for I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:10b

“…the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.” Acts 16:14

“All that the Father gives Me will come to me…” John 6:37

“….no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.” John 6:65

“I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” John 10:16

 Faith Sheet
Transformation Verse - When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3

Main Points: All of us have fears that cause us to be silent with the gospel when we could be bold because of our great hope for eternal life through Christ.  We can be confident that God is sovereign with His salvation for His people.

 #1 - Reviewing this past Sunday  
Encouraging Others to Move Forward in Christ #8
Encouragement through Sharing the Gospel
Acts 18:5-11

1. Read Acts 18:5-1. Share the message with someone.
2. Does the certainty of your own salvation encourage you to keep
    sharing the gospel even when it’s rejected?  Why or why not?
3. Read Luke 16:19-31 and Hebrews 10:31.   Do you believe our
    burden for another person’s eternity could encourage us to
    overcome our fears by God’s grace? (Explain)
4. Which one of the resources shared in this message encouraged
    you to share the gospel? 

#2 - Preparing for next Sunday
Encouraging Others to Move Forward in Christ #9
The Encouragement and Blessing of Unity 

1. Read John 17.  What words in this passage point toward unity
2. In John 17:11 what is the purpose of the Father keeping us in
    Jesus?
3. What are some reasons that you or others do not have unity
    among believers?
4. Read John 10:16.  What is God’s plan for all of His “sheep”?
5. Take some time to pray that God would break down our barriers
    and promote unity within the body of Christ.