Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
One of the themes that will appear over and over again in Acts is that when the gospel of Jesus Christ is preached, there is confrontation.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a confrontational gospel.
Why? That’s what we are going to discover today.
Why is the gospel so confrontational?
From this text we learn two reasons the gospel is confrontational.
Last week we learned about the call and commissioning of Barnabas and Saul.
As they embark on the first ever missionary journey we find them Preaching The Gospel In Cyprus And Pisidia 13:4-51a.
Preaching The Gospel In Cyprus And Pisidia 13:4-51a
As they are preaching in Cyprus they end up Confronting a false prophet in Paphos vv.
4-12
Confronting a false prophet in Paphos vv.
4-12
It is in this encounter that we find our two reasons why the gospel confrontational.
We must understand these reasons if we are to be able to stand firm in confrontation.
When confrontation is endured, gospel opportunities are revealed.
Reason #1…
1.
The Gospel Is Confrontational Because It Is True vv.
4-8
Is everyone aware that most people in our society deny the reality of absolute truth?
What I mean is that people say something can be true one day, and not the next.
Or true in one situation and not in another.
Let me give you an example.
If you were to ask me if I had any gum and I have some in my pocket, but I say no, is that wrong?
Yes! Why?
Because it is lying.
But what if my child keeps asking and asking and asking for a piece of candy, so I say it’s all gone, just so it will end.
But really, there is more candy.
Is that wrong?
Yes!
Because it is still lying!
As believers we learn in scripture that lying is always wrong! says (S).
According to Jesus, everyone is our neighbor.
So we are to always speak the truth.
Yet we live in a culture where many teach that lying is acceptable in certain situations!
The gospel of Jesus Christ is absolute truth.
This reality brings confrontation.
There are two examples of this in our text.
As absolute truth, the gospel brings confrontation because…
a. Truth challenges tradition vv.
4-5
READ vv.
4-5
In v. 4 Barnabas and Saul are sent out.
They travel from Antioch (S) to Seleucia (S) and sail to Cyprus.
On Cyprus they arrive in Salamis and preach there (S).
John or Mark from 12:25 is assisting.
This word just means that he is under their authority.
Ministering with them as well as to them.
We need to focus on two things here.
What are they preaching?
And.
Where are they preaching?
v. 5 – John or Mark from 12:25 is assisting.
First, What are they preaching?
The Word of God.
Word = logos meaning message.
So they are preaching the message of God.
We have been over this a couple times but it is so vital that we will keep going over it whenever it comes up.
What is the message they are preaching?
The gospel!
What is the gospel?
The good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again!
The good news is that the blood of Christ has made a way for sinners to be forgiven.
It has allowed enemies to be reconciled and those estranged from God to have a right relationship with Him.
How? (S).
This is the message they are preaching!
It is the only message they are preaching and it is the only gospel!
If we preach anything else, we are not preaching the good news, we are preaching a false gospel that leaves people condemned, without hope, and headed to an eternity of torment separated from God.
Barnabas and Saul are preaching the gospel.
Secondly, Where are they preaching?
Here things get interesting.
A synagogue is a Jewish place of worship.
This would be the equivalent of walking into a Mormon temple or into a kingdom hall where Jehovah’s Witnesses meet and preaching the clear, unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ!
Now, if I had the opportunity I would do it.
And verses like this one are the reason why.
We do need to understand that historically synagogues had an open door policy regarding visiting rabbi’s or teachers.
Later in we find out that Saul was taught by Gamaliel who is described in as “a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people.”
Saul is a Rabbi, a teacher who was well-known and had access to the synagogues.
What we find in Acts is Saul using that position as a platform from which to preach the gospel.
In the book of Acts we find that the greatest opposition to the gospel comes from the Jews.
Through the course of history that changes, but that is what we see in Acts.
They are so opposed to the gospel because it challenges the traditions they had accepted.
They wanted a conquering king first.
They wanted physical deliverance more than spiritual freedom!
There is opposition to the gospel because it is true.
It challenges traditions with the truth.
Absolute truth in a culture of relativism demands confrontation.
As we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are going to face confrontation because what we preach is truth that challenges tradition.
When confrontation comes, meet it with the loving declaration of truth.
Two questions.
Do we know our message?
Are we, as individual believers, prepared and equipped to share the gospel with others?
Will we proclaim the gospel anywhere?
What if God calls us to Africa, or Mexico?
What if He calls us to Utah, or (gasp) Chicago?
Will we preach Christ even in pagan centers of worship?
The gospel is confrontational because it is?
True! Truth challenges?
Tradition.
As absolute truth, the gospel also brings confrontation because…
b.
Truth challenges position vv.
6-8
READ vv.
6-8
This man is with the proconsul.
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