— Acts of the Apostles — BIG IDEA Jesus’ church is scattered to reach & include every race, rank & religion. God’s church thrives under a wave of . Acts 8:1–3 (NLT) A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. God scattered his witnesses everywhere to preach this Good News “wherever they went”. Acts 8:4–8 (NLT) 4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. RESPONSE? Crowds listened intently in Samaria. Acts 8:6,8 (NLT) Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. … 8 So there was great joy in that city. A Samaritan sorcerer. Acts 8:13 (NLT) 13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. An African government official. Acts 8:26–28,35,38 (NLT) 26 As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. God’s church is for every race, rank and religion. The message is the same for everyone, the was not. “There is no one anywhere that God cannot reach with His spirit-filled witnesses.” WHAT NOW? Share your Jesus story with those who seem unlikely to come to faith. Expect to change methods without changing the message. To be a “beyond our borders” church full of generous disciples, let’s “live to give.” CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. God’s gospel & church are for every different race, rank and religion. Is there any particular kind of person who you struggle to believe could be saved? (Ex. Occultist, addict, gov’t official, trafficker, Red Sox fan, ethnicity, family member, etc.) 2. What might our church family need to do differently in order to expand beyond our borders & include everyone? 3. What aspect of the vision for our church to LIVE TO GIVE is most inspiring to you?