[1] #288, Scattered, Sunday 09-23-2007, Pastor Mark Boucher

Text: Acts 8:1-8
Theme: Everything depends upon what you do with what you have been given.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Some say, “I would like to have lived in the first century.”
   1. To have seen Jesus, the disciples.
   2. To have witnessed the day of Pentecost, the growth, the miracles.
2. There’s more to this “picture” of the first century.
   1. Stephen had been killed.
   2. Saul had risen up like a wild animal.
   3. The church was scattered.
   4. What if Acts had ended at 8:3?
   5. Those in relationship with God discover a dynamic truth …
   6. “For the believer in Jesus, adversity opens the door to opportunity.”
   7. Adversity, persecution was not the end, but can be a new beginning.
   8. Everything depends on what you do with what you have been given.
3. Those who were scattered, in turn scattered the Gospel.
   1. Scattered (v 1 & 4) speaks of seed throwing.
4. Acts 1:8, Jesus prophesied the growth of His Kingdom. (From Jerusalem, to Judia, Samaria, world)
   1. It would have been comfortable to stay.
   2. Jesus allowed persecution, the believers handled it well

The example of the early believers helps us to know what to do and not to do with the seed.

1. We must not allow ourselves to live by excuses.
   1. What are some excuses the early believers could have used?
   2. “I have too many problems to share the Gospel.”
   3. “We just got kicked out of Jerusalem. We’re homeless and jobless.”
   4. “People won’t listen to me because my life isn’t perfect.”
2. The truth is:
   1. Every person has “problems” and challenges in life.
   2. Our witness involves trusting God in the problem.
   3. The truth is our problems can result in great glory to God.
   4. “I don’t know enough about the Gospel and theology.”
   5. “We’re just new Christians, not apostles.”
3. The truth is:
   1. As a new believer, you have the greatest opportunity.
   2. You will never know all the answers.
   3. You have Christ’s holy Spirit in you.
   4. “I don’t have many Christians around me.”
   5. We must live by our faith, not our excuses.
   6. “Just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17
   7. What does a person of faith do?
   8. You share what you have.
4. “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
   1. Acts 8:4
   2. Preaching is not up front in your face.
   3. Preaching is sharing the good news.
   4. Be ready to give it away.
   5. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
   6. Pray for open doors.
   7. Carry tracts or keep them near.
   8. Share wherever you go.
5. “Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went.”
   1. Acts 8:4
   2. The Great commission is “go into all the world.”
   3. People need what you have.
   4. Some people are ready.

CONCLUSION:

• The example of a bag of grass seed.
• Deadness .vs. seed.