How can we "move about freely" in sharing the Gospel today? \Setting the Scene: Acts 9:28\ “So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.” (Acts 9:28) \What “Moving About Freely” Meant Then\ • Physical access—doors once closed to Saul were literally opened • Spiritual liberty—the Holy Spirit replaced fear with boldness (Acts 9:17) • Relational acceptance—the disciples embraced him, giving credibility (Galatians 2:9) • Public proclamation—his speech was “bold,” not cautious or cryptic \Barriers That Keep Believers Stationary Today\ • Fear of rejection or ridicule (John 12:42-43) • Self-doubt about knowledge or giftedness (Jeremiah 1:6-8) • Isolation from like-minded believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Cultural or legal pressures that tempt silence (Acts 5:28-29) \Keys to Moving Freely in Our Day\ Identity Confidence • Remember whose you are: “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) • Boldness flows from adoption, not performance (Romans 8:15-16) Spirit-Empowered Courage • “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8) • Daily yielding to the Spirit replaces timidity with courage (2 Timothy 1:7) Gospel Clarity • Know the message: Christ died, was buried, rose, and was seen (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) • A clear Gospel keeps conversations focused and confident Relational Bridges • Saul’s freedom grew from accepted fellowship; seek partnerships today • Hospitality, service, and genuine friendship prepare hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:8) Obedient Speech • Speak even when culture frowns: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) • Trust God with results; faithfulness, not applause, is the measure (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) \Practical Pathways for Daily Life\ Steward Your Routine • Workplace lunches, neighborhood walks, online interactions—all are open doors Carry Scripture • A pocket Bible or app allows on-the-spot reading (Isaiah 55:11) Use Testimony • Share personal rescue stories; they disarm objections (Revelation 12:11) Ask for Opportunities • Begin each day: “Lord, show me whom to bless.” He orchestrates meetings (Proverbs 16:9) Practice Short, Clear Statements • “May I share the best news I’ve ever heard?”—simple, gracious openers Support One Another • Small groups that pray for names and celebrate conversations fuel momentum (Philippians 1:5) \Encouraging Snapshots from Scripture\ • Peter and John—bold amid threats (Acts 4:13) • Philip—swift obedience in the desert road (Acts 8:26-35) • Lydia—opened her home, igniting church growth (Acts 16:14-15) • Aquila and Priscilla—used workplace and home to disciple Apollos (Acts 18:2-3, 26) \Final Thoughts\ Freedom to share is not found in favorable circumstances but in a yielded heart. As Saul walked confidently through Jerusalem’s streets, so believers today can move through offices, campuses, coffee shops, and digital spaces—unhindered, Spirit-filled, and bold—proclaiming the unchanging Gospel. |
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