How can we actively share God's promise with those "far off" today? The Promise in Acts 2:39 “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.” (Acts 2:39) Who Are the “Far Off” Today? • People geographically distant—unreached nations, remote villages, migrants, refugees • People culturally distant—those of other worldviews, languages, lifestyles • People spiritually distant—family members, co-workers, neighbors who feel alienated from God Why the Promise Still Stands • God’s Word endures unchanged (Isaiah 40:8) • Christ’s atonement is sufficient for every generation (Hebrews 10:14) • The Spirit continues to draw people to repentance (John 16:8-11) Cultivating a Heart for the Distant • Meditate on God’s compassion: “The Lord is…patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” (2 Peter 3:9) • Pray regularly for unnamed nations and specific individuals • Ask the Spirit to remove prejudice and fear (Acts 10:34-35) Practical Ways to Share the Promise Personal Engagement – Tell your own testimony; people relate to stories – Offer to read a Gospel together; let Scripture speak – Practice hospitality; invite outsiders to your table (Romans 12:13) Community Outreach – Support or start language classes, food banks, job-skill workshops – Partner with campus, prison, or hospital ministries – Welcome internationals through host-family programs Digital Reach – Share clear, Scripture-centered posts and videos – Facilitate online Bible studies across time zones – Provide audio Bibles and gospel apps for oral cultures Global Participation – Intercede by name for unreached people groups (Ephesians 6:18) – Fund Bible translation and missionary efforts (Philippians 4:15-17) – Consider short-term or vocational missions; go where the church is absent (Matthew 28:19-20) Scriptural Anchors for Our Confidence • Ephesians 2:13: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” • Isaiah 57:19: “Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal them.” • Romans 10:14-15: “How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? … ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Dependence on the Holy Spirit • Boldness: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) • Discernment: He directs when, where, and how to speak (Acts 16:6-10) • Confirmation: He seals converts and unites the church (Ephesians 1:13-14) Living as Visible Evidence of the Promise • Consistent holiness (1 Peter 1:15) • Tangible love that crosses barriers (John 13:35) • Persevering hope that points beyond this world (1 Peter 3:15) By embracing these patterns, we join Peter’s first-century audience in extending God’s unfailing promise to “all who are far off” today. |
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