Focused Ministry – (The One)

Acts 8: 4-8, 26

4  Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.    
5  Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.    
6  And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.    
7  For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.    
8  And there was great joy in that city.

26  Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. 

Introduction:

A focused ministry is about building people, not about building buildings, organizations or companies.

Vs. 8 – There was great joy in that city. vs. 4,5

Vs. 26 –

Story of Dr. Jerry Falwell and Larry Flint

Examples of Jesus ministering to the one

John 3 – His one on one with Nicodemus, the beggar

John 10 – His one on one with His sheep, washing the feet of His disciples one by one

Luke 15: 4-10

4  "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?    
5  "And when he has found [it,] he lays [it] on his shoulders, rejoicing.    
6  "And when he comes home, he calls together [his] friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'    
7  "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.    
8  " Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds [it?]    
9  "And when she has found [it,] she calls [her] friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!'    
10  "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Conclusion:

Obedience trumps vision every time
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