The Challenge of a Changing World
Dr. Larry Reeser
February 8, 2009
Scripture
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 11:22-27 – 22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.27During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. 30This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 13:1-3 – “1In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
Acts 13:46-47 – Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ” ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Opening Questions
What are some ways you have seen the world change? Has it changed for the good or the bad?
How has the Church (universal – not just Westwood) changed to meet the ever-changing world?
Digging for Truth
1. Dr. Reeser said that 72,000 people die everyday who have never heard the Gospel. How does this make you feel?
2. Dr. Reeser said that we live in the most un-churched county in the state of Alabama. How does this make you feel? What are you doing about it?
3. Read Acts 1:8. What is your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the Earth?
4. Read Acts 11:22-27. List what attributes were evident in the Church at Antioch?
5. Read Acts 11:23. What are tangible ways to give evidence of the grace of God? Are these evident in your life?
6. Dr. Reeser said that passion for God will precede and produce compassion for men. What does this mean to you?
7. Dr. Reeser challenged us to find our place in the Kingdom. If you are willing share with the group what you feel is your place in His Kingdom. Are you currently fulfilling your role?
Closing Thought
What is God calling you to do as a result of today’s study? God’s plan for the world is redemption. There is not one person or people group whom God does not want to reach. The amazing part is he has written you into his story to be his mouthpiece of grace down the street and around the world. There is much work to be done. Are you willing to go?
