Proclaiming the Gospel to Our World

Proclaiming the Gospel to Our World

By Phud Chambers

August 23, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

2. Read Acts 19:1-20 together as a group and discuss your initial observations.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

3. What does this passage teach us about the difference between religious sincerityand saving faith in Jesus Christ?

4. Paul spent the equivalent of $200,000 to $300,000 of his own money renting the Hall of Tyrannus for two years of daily gospel ministry — what does this level of personal sacrifice reveal about his priorities, and what does your own investment of time and resources say about yours?

5. The sermon draws on 2 Corinthians 2 to describe the gospel as a fragrance that smells like life to some and death to others — how does this theological reality both challenge and comfort you as you engage in evangelism?

6. After the incident with the sons of Sceva, verse 17 says fear fell on the people and the name of Jesus was extolled. How does God sometimes use unexpected or even chaotic events to bring people to reverence and worship?

7. Why is the burning of the magic books such a significant demonstration of repentance?

8. The sermon emphasizes that every believer has the same Holy Spirit that Paul and Billy Graham had — how does this truth either encourage or convict you when you consider your own engagement in sharing the gospel with those around you?

Respond: Choose one or two of these applications from Sunday’s message to put into practice this week.

–Make sure your faith is in Christ—not merely in religion. Spend 10 minutes this week writing out what you are trusting Jesus to accomplish for your salvation.

–Don’t try to use Jesus—submit to Jesus. Identify one area where you are trying to control the outcome and intentionally surrender it to Christ in prayer each day this week.

–Expect genuine faith to produce genuine repentance. Identify one specific sin or habit you need to put away and take one concrete step to remove it this week.

–Take God’s Word seriously. Set aside at least 15 minutes on three different days this week to read Scripture and write down one thing you need to obey.

–Trust God’s power rather than your own methods. Pray for one opportunity to share Christ this week and intentionally step into that conversation when God provides it.