Somewhere out there, sometime this week, God has people waiting for us. Because the gospel mission is God’s mission. Salvation is His plan. Building the church is His responsibility. Are we listening when he says, “GO!” Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Hopeful: The Book of Acts
TEXT: Acts 8:26-40
TITLE: God’s Plan, Our Participation
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: God has a plan—Are we listening?

SERMON EXCERPTS:
”As important as it is to live for Jesus, people must hear about Jesus. We must open our mouths and tell of the good news of Jesus. Faith comes by hearing, not watching. And how will others hear if we do not open our mouths and tell? Live for Jesus by all means. But don’t stop there—let’s open our mouths and tell others about Jesus.”

“When they ask, Can I, Do I move people’s questions about God and the Bible to the good news of the Gospel? Whether it’s Creation. End Times. Genealogies. Good morals. Can I, Do I connect it all to Jesus?”

“Key to our sanctification and witness, like Phillip, is allowing our lives and well-laid plans to be interrupted and directed by the Spirit for the sake of the salvation of others—yes, even spontaneously.”

“For some of us, our personalities may make it more difficult, but it never ABSOLVES us from obeying the voice of the Lord. And when we use personality, busyness, or effectiveness as an excuse, we end up quenching the Spirit in the moment and missing opportunities to experience His grace and witness His glory.”

QUOTES:
Eckhard Schnabel - “Christians must not miss the promptings of God’s Spirit to initiate spontaneous conversations in unforeseen circumstances”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 55:8
Isaiah 52:10
Isaiah 54:10
Isaiah 55:1-3
Isaiah 56:3-8
Luke 24:27
Proverbs 16:9

APPLICATION:
Three simple ways to prepare your heart to listen and speak:
1. Remind yourself—Whatever reason you are where you are, the GREATEST reason is to bear witness to Jesus.

2. Pray—Lord, fill me with your Spirit to be your instrument, use me as you will.

3. Engage redemptively—More than your sympathetic ear, enthusiastic interest, or stimulating conversation, they need Jesus. Listen and connect the dots.