Sermon 9.22.24
September 19, 2024

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Craig Smith • The Expansion of the Church • September 22, 2024

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:19-21)

Stages of multiplication…

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Tim. 2:2)

• Start as the

Reveal Answer
– “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands…What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 1:6, 13)

• Grow into the
Reveal Answer
– “Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:14-15)

• Become the
Reveal Answer
– “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.” (2 Tim. 4:5-6)

If you’re going to launch people to expand the mission, you need…

  • To invest
    Reveal Answer
    – “Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Prov. 20:6)

    • A
    Reveal Answer
    for people – “‘And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’” (Matt. 16:18)

    • A willingness to
    Reveal Answer
    with God – “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” (Acts 16:6-7)

    • A commitment to step
    Reveal Answer
    so they can step
    Reveal Answer
    – “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’” (Luke 10:1-2)

    “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14)