To the Ends of the Earth | Acts 9, 11-13

What process does God use to take the message of the gospel to the ends of the earth?

In the book of Acts, Paul’s journey is the paradigm God uses to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth as…

I. Unbelievers become believers: Conversion (Acts 9:1-25 [33 AD], Gal. 1:15).
     a. Conversion: God calls us to be saved – Ananias
     b. Baptism and church membership: where do you belong? (Acts 26:16-18).

II. Believers become disciples: Commitment (Acts 9:26-31, Gal. 1:18-20).
     a. Commitment: God calls us to be saints – Barnabas.
     b. Abiding in the word and discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20, John 8:31-32).

III. Disciples become disciple-makers: Commission (Acts 13:1-3 [AD 46]).
     a. Commission: God calls us to be sent – Church in Antioch.
     b. Leadership in missional stewardship: our time, talents, and treasures devoted to the fulfillment of the mission Dei (Acts 20:24).

The gospel makes it to the ends of the earth
when unbelievers grow to become believers, believers grow to become disciples,
and disciples grow to become disciple-makers.
Before we are ready to go, we must be ready to grow.
Are we ready to grow?

1. Perhaps you have trusted Jesus recently; have you taken the next step in your growth journey to be baptized and become a committed member in your local church?
2. Perhaps you have been following Jesus for a while; are you abiding in the word and embracing the freedom of an obedient community? At DFBC we have a thriving family of discipleship ministries that are ready to help you grow.
3. Perhaps you already are a committed disciple; are you ready to multiply the spiritual DNA God has given you by serving in your local church and being open to God’s calling wherever he may lead?