How can we "tell the people the full message" in today's context? Setting the Scene “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” — Acts 5:20 • The angel’s command came after the apostles were jailed for preaching Jesus. • “Full message” (Greek: rhēmata tēs zoēs tautēs) points to every truth about the resurrected Christ and the new life He gives. What the Full Message Includes • The Person of Jesus: truly God and truly man (John 1:1,14). • His sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and promised return (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:11). • Salvation by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). • The call to repent, believe, and follow (Acts 2:38; Luke 9:23). • The indwelling Spirit empowering holy living (Romans 8:9-11). • The Church’s fellowship, ordinances, and mission (Acts 2:42-47; Matthew 28:18-20). • The hope of eternal life and bodily resurrection (John 11:25-26). Why We Must Speak the Whole Truth • Commanded by Christ (Mark 16:15). • Only the full gospel “is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). • Partial truth distorts and deceives (Galatians 1:8-9). • Love for God and neighbor compels clarity (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Practical Ways to Tell the People Today 1. Daily Conversations – Share personal testimony of new life in Christ. – Bring Scripture naturally into dialogue; e.g., quote John 3:16 when discussing hope. 2. Digital Platforms – Post clear gospel summaries; avoid vague “spiritual” terms. – Use short video or podcast devotions that walk through passages like Romans 3–8. 3. Community Engagement – Serve tangible needs (food banks, tutoring) while verbally explaining the reason for hope (1 Peter 3:15). – Offer free Bible classes that move verse-by-verse through a Gospel. 4. Public Worship & Teaching – Preach expositionally; let the text set the agenda (2 Timothy 4:2). – Incorporate full-orbed gospel in songs, readings, and communion liturgy. 5. Printed Material – Distribute Scripture portions, tracts, and readable study Bibles. – Include contact info for follow-up discipleship. 6. One-to-One Discipleship – Use tools like the “Romans Road” or “3 Circles” to cover sin, substitution, and surrender. – Read entire books together (e.g., Gospel of Mark) to show Christ in context. Guardrails for Faithful Witness • Stay anchored in Scripture; avoid trendy adjustments (Psalm 119:160). • Speak truth in love—gracious tone, uncompromised content (Ephesians 4:15). • Pray for boldness and clarity, as did the early church (Acts 4:29-31). • Rely on the Spirit’s power, not persuasive flair (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Encouraging Examples • Philip explaining Isaiah 53 to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:35) shows Scripture-centered clarity. • Paul before Agrippa stressing repentance and faith (Acts 26:22-23) models completeness. Expect Opposition, Embrace Joy • Like the apostles, God’s messengers may face resistance (Acts 5:40). • Rejoice in suffering for His name (Acts 5:41) and press on; eternal outcomes outweigh present costs (2 Corinthians 4:17). Closing Charge Stand, speak, and saturate every sphere with “the full message of this new life,” confident that God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). |
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