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The Transforming Power of the Gospel – A Great Company of the Priests

The Transforming Power of the Gospel – Short sermon outline by G. E. Watkins highlighting the priests in Acts 6:7 who converted to Christianity despite incredible odds against them.

Introduction: Acts 6:7

1. Sometimes few words are needed to speak volumes.

2. Our text is one such instance.

3. It speaks of Old Covenant priests obeying Jesus.

4. There’s one point and an application I’d like to make.

DISCUSSION: In this lesson on the transforming power of the Gospel let us note:

I.   The Unmitigated, Raw Power of the Gospel.

1. These priests were the least likely to obey by worldly standards.

1) All members of the same extended family.

2) Their leaders were dead set against Jesus and His teachings and were proven willing to kill to maintain the status quo.

3) They had to face loss of livelihood if they converted.

4) Loss of position as well.

2. God had preached to them. The Power of God was applied.

1) When Zacharias saw the angel in the temple.

2) They saw the 12 year old Jesus answering the rabbis.

3) They heard Jesus’ teaching and saw His miracles.

4) They witnessed the tearing of the veil from top to bottom at the death of Christ.

5) They heard the sound from Heaven and heard the apostles speaking in tongues and saw the cloven tongues like as of fire on the Day of Pentecost.

6) They witnessed the healing of the man at the Beautiful Gate. (The Chief Priests couldn’t deny the miracle.)

3. These wonders were designed by God to create faith (John 20:30-31).

4. The power of the Gospel is such that, no matter the circumstances, when it contacts a good and honest heart, there is conversion (Rom. 1:16; Jer. 23:29; Heb. 4:12).

II.  The Application – From Whom Do We Withhold the Gospel?

1. From the Northeast because it’s a “Difficult Field.”

2. From our friends? “Wouldn’t be interested.”

3. Europeans? “Won’t believe.”

4. Young people? “Too worldly.”

5. Old people? “Set in their ways.”

6. Family? “Won’t listen.”

7. The Powerful? “Don’t think they need the Gospel.”

8. The Lowly? “Need food, not piety.”

9. We’re running out of people to preach the Gospel to.

10.The determining factor is a good and honest heart (Luke 8:15).

CONCLUSION: The transforming power of the Gospel:

1. We have reason to believe in it.

2. Our own stories testify to it.

3. Let’s go forth to the world believing it.

Notes for a Wednesday night devotional.