“Sharing the Gospel” was a thought-provoking sermon given by Pastor Geoff Wilson during the Sunday morning service on May 7, 2023. It was part of the “Acts: Faith in Action” series, specifically series #14. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the Gospel and finding comfort in God during times of burden and worry. The content centered around the theme of humbling oneself under God’s hand and casting all cares upon Him. It highlighted the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8:26-40, emphasizing the need to be sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit in sharing the gospel. Ultimately, the sermon challenged listeners to reflect on their own ability to share the gospel with others and to be knowledgeable about the scriptural basis of the gospel message.
Sermon Title and Speaker
Sharing the Gospel – Pastor Geoff Wilson
Last Sunday morning, May 7, 2023, our congregation had the privilege of listening to an impactful sermon by Pastor Geoff Wilson on the theme of sharing the Gospel. As part of the ‘Acts: Faith in Action’ series, specifically series #14, Pastor Geoff centered his message around Acts 8:26-40. The sermon was uploaded by Refuge Calvary Chapel and featured an uplifting worship set, with songs credited to Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Worship, Bethel Music, and Kari Jobe.
Theme of the Sermon
Importance of sharing the Gospel
Finding comfort in God during times of burden and worry
First Peter 5:6-7 verse
Humbling oneself under God’s hand
Casting all cares upon Him
In his sermon, Pastor Geoff highlighted the profound importance of sharing the Gospel with others. He emphasized that when we take the time to share our faith, we not only fulfill the Great Commission but also bring hope and salvation to lost souls. Moreover, Pastor Geoff discussed how sharing the Gospel allows us to find comfort and solace in God during times of burden and worry. He drew upon the powerful words of First Peter 5:6-7, encouraging the congregation to humble themselves under God’s hand and cast all their cares upon Him.
The Speaker’s Prayers and Requests
Praying for God’s care
Asking for burdens to be lifted
Seeking a closer relationship with God
During the sermon, Pastor Geoff shared his personal prayers and requests with the congregation. He mentioned how he often prays for God’s care to encompass each member of the church, asking that burdens be lifted and that everyone experiences the peace and joy that comes from a close relationship with God. Pastor Geoff also expressed his desire to seek a closer relationship with the Lord, understanding that the best way to inspire and lead others is by cultivating a deep spiritual connection with God.
Announcements
Women’s luncheon
Youth events
Men’s breakfast
Picnic
Supporting a ministry through eating at a restaurant
Workshop for discovering gifts
Before delving further into the sermon, Pastor Geoff took a few moments to announce upcoming events within the church community. He mentioned an exciting women’s luncheon, where the ladies of the congregation can gather for fellowship and encouragement. Additionally, Pastor Geoff highlighted various youth events and a men’s breakfast, aiming to provide spaces for meaningful connections and spiritual growth. Lastly, he shared details about an upcoming picnic and an opportunity to support a ministry by simply dining at a local restaurant. Pastor Geoff also mentioned an upcoming workshop designed to help individuals discover and utilize their spiritual gifts.
Emphasizing Evangelism
Importance of evangelism and sharing faith
Core value of the church
Reference to the book ‘Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness’ by Jerry Cook
Role of the church in believers’ lives inside and outside the church walls
Returning to the theme of the sermon, Pastor Geoff emphasized the immense importance of evangelism and sharing our faith with others. He stressed that evangelism should be a core value of the church, as it reflects the heart of God and His desire for all to be saved. Pastor Geoff referenced the influential book ‘Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness’ by Jerry Cook to further illustrate the significance of sharing the Gospel. He reminded the congregation that the church plays a vital role in the lives of believers both inside and outside the church walls, serving as a source of love, acceptance, and forgiveness for all who seek the truth.
Letter from Eric
Interaction with Bryant
Bryant’s doubts about going to heaven
Sharing the gospel with Bryant
Reassurances of God’s love and forgiveness
Moving forward, Pastor Geoff shared a heartfelt letter from a member of the congregation named Eric. The letter detailed a conversation Eric had with his friend Bryant. Bryant expressed doubts about going to heaven and struggled with understanding God’s love and forgiveness. Eric, recognizing an opportunity to share the Gospel, engaged in a compassionate dialogue with Bryant, explaining the foundational truths of God’s mercy and the salvation available through Jesus Christ. Eric offered reassurances of God’s boundless love and forgiveness, comforting Bryant and pointing him towards the hope found in Christ.
Sharing the Gospel in Acts
Transition to Acts chapter 8
Spread of the gospel to the ends of the Earth
Being sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit
In alignment with the sermon’s theme, Pastor Geoff transitioned to Acts chapter 8, highlighting the incredible accounts of sharing the Gospel found within this portion of Scripture. He spoke about how the early Christians obeyed Jesus’ command to spread the Gospel to the ends of the Earth, ultimately changing the course of history. Pastor Geoff stressed the importance of being sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit, just as Philip exemplified in his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. Through Philip’s obedience, the Gospel reached new territories and transformed lives.
Philip’s Obedience
Instructions from an angel
Philip’s successful ministry in Samaria
Importance of listening and being obedient to God’s voice
Creating space in our lives to hear from God
Pastor Geoff then delved into Philip’s obedience in Acts chapter 8. He narrated how Philip received instructions from an angel to go south, leading him to encounter the Ethiopian eunuch and share the Gospel with him. Pastor Geoff highlighted the remarkable success of Philip’s ministry in Samaria and emphasized the importance of listening and being obedient to God’s voice in our own lives. He encouraged the congregation to create space in their lives to hear from God, fostering a deeper relationship and a greater sensitivity to His leading.
Conclusion
Call for Christians to share the gospel
Bringing joy to others through faith
To conclude the sermon, Pastor Geoff issued a poignant call to all Christians to actively engage in sharing the Gospel. He urged each member of the congregation to step out in faith and courageously proclaim the Good News, knowing that through their efforts, joy and hope would be ignited in the hearts of those who receive the message. Pastor Geoff reminded everyone that the responsibility to share the Gospel is both a privilege and a commandment from our Lord, meant to bring transformation and salvation to a broken world.
In summary, Pastor Geoff Wilson’s sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the Gospel, finding comfort in God during times of worry, and humbling oneself under God’s hand. Through a multitude of announcements, the church community was informed of upcoming events and opportunities for growth and fellowship. Pastor Geoff’s emphasis on evangelism, along with his reference to Jerry Cook’s book, encouraged the congregation to prioritize sharing their faith and embodying God’s love and forgiveness. Furthermore, Pastor Geoff shared a touching letter from Eric, highlighting the transformative power of sharing the Gospel in someone’s life. Drawing from Acts and Philip’s obedience, Pastor Geoff urged the congregation to listen and be obedient to God’s leading, creating space in their lives to hear from Him. Finally, he concluded the sermon by calling Christians to actively share the Gospel and bring joy to others through their faith.