Reading: Acts 17v1-9 -Thessalonica was an important, strategic city for the Gospel. -Paul proclaimed and explained the Gospel. (Unfolded/opened) -Paul and Silas had a BIG impact, across cultural and class boundaries. -Persecution arose – People again paid off to “protect God”. -The people of God and power of the Gospel turns the world of the wicked upside down. Inventions And Events That Have Turned The World Upside Down… They are drastic – no middle ground – They change “everything.” Change or get left behind! Think about your life – are there things that have happened, hopefully some positive events, that “changed everything”? Why Did The Apostles’ Ministry Make Such An Impact? 1) Paul & Silas went where there was an audience. Large, important cities & taught regularly in the temple Where would we go today to find willing audiences? 2) Apostles shared the good news freely and boldly without discrimination. -Paul’s message and teaching were accessible to all kinds of people; Jews, Greeks, rich, poor, men & women. -He heard their questions and explained and proved to them the validity of his claims. (Not debating – “unfolding/Opening”) -Paul persuaded them. (Not the same as imposition or manipulation.) -He challenged them to respond. What good is it to witness without at some point challenging people to “Taste and see that the Lord is good”? 3) Paul’s successful preaching produced believers… AND enemies. -As with Jesus, there is no middle ground allowed with Paul. (John 16 v1-4) -For some, hearing the Gospel was positive, for others it was a treasonous attack against their whole culture. -Paul and his friends eventually fled the city because they were concerned for their own safety, and they wanted to take some of the heat off the local Christians there. (1 Thess. 2 v1-20: “We were TORN AWAY from you…”) If living out your witness and declaring your faith does not create some opposition – you have to wonder if your witness is missing something. You can’t be a witness without evidence. What We’ve Learned Through ACTS Church on Fire “What is the church?” & “What is the church for?” The church is redeemed human beings empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of the Gospel. Our Mission is to make disciples as we faithfully follow Jesus together.