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The Audacious Claim of the Gospel — 8/30/2024 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Dave Harvey, President of the Great Commission Collective. Speaking from Acts 20:17-25, Rev. Harvey shares that the uncertainty we face in following God is a daily reminder of our dependence on Him.
Notes
This chapel was led by Dave Harvey, president of the Great Commission Collective, with a focus on Acts 20, painting a picture of Paul’s journey.
Paul's Journey
Around AD 57 Paul was facing major uncertainty. Paul had to go to Jerusalem, unknowing what was up ahead. The only thing he did know was that imprisonment and danger awaited him. Sometimes, God calls us to go to places with uncertainty. We may not always know what is up ahead in life, but we must keep moving forward, but there is a catch.
Harvey described the importance of moving forward by declaring, “To go forward, you must accept a cost.”
Following the Lord is not easy, and you may face trials and danger. This is exactly what Paul experienced. Despite this, there is hope. God makes three audacious claims. We are called to:
- Go forth uncertain
- Prepare for difficulty
- Value the Gospel above all
We need to have hope even amidst uncertainty. Harvey stated, “We must trust Jesus with our salvation, and we must trust Jesus along the way until we are home with Him.” We must prioritize the Lord first and follow Him even when we don’t know what’s to come.
So, does this mean we need to board a plane and go across the world right now? Not necessarily. God called Paul to go to Jerusalem based on his current life circumstance. Right now, God is calling you to further His kingdom based on your life circumstance. Maybe it’s to make a new friend and get to know someone in your class or at work. Maybe it’s asking a nonbeliever you know out to coffee. Look at your life and see where you can further His kingdom.
Harvey ended on an encouraging note by stating, “I wish that I could stand here and tell you that the day of risks and costs are over. But I sense it’s just the beginning. And so, constrained by the spirit we are going to Jerusalem not knowing what awaits us.”