Not in a Corner (PM)

Scripture Reading:  Acts 26:26 “…this thing was not done in a corner.”

Introduction:

A.  The word “corner” suggests different things to different people.

1.  The intersection of two walls, a limited space, a place to hide clutter, a section of the world are a few things that come to mind.

B.  “This thing” Paul mentions is the gospel of Christ.

C.  In our text Paul is convinced that Agrippa knows about the gospel because it was not limited or confined.

1.  It was not limited to a geographical area or to a nationality of people.

Discussion:

I.  The gospel is not to be used the way we sometimes use corners.

A.  We use corners to hide things.

1.  The gospel is not to be ashamed of (Romans 1:16).

2.  If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost (2 Corinthians 4:3).

B.  We use corners to store things away.

1.  We store things seldom used, because we are afraid to throw them away.

2.  We need the gospel every day (John 15:5; Hebrews 3:13).

C.  We use corners to punish children.

1.  The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

2.  The gospel is not to be presented with the attitude, “I’m right and you’re wrong.” (1 Peter 3:15)

D.  We use corners as a challenge to our home decorating skills.

1.  Home decorators have many ideas for improving appearance of corners.

2.  Many have ideas for improving the gospel (Galatians 1:8-9).

3.  That corner space is boring. It needs something.

II.   Since the gospel is not limited to a corner many wonderful things have happened and continue to happen.

A.  Because the gospel is not limited to a corner, the world is a better place.

1.  Benevolence occurs because of people who have the love of Christ. (John 13:35)

2.  Our world is filled with ungodliness but imagine its’ condition without the influence of the gospel (Romans 1:28-32).

B.  Because the gospel is not limited to a corner, the name of Jesus is well known. Acts 4:12; Ephesians 5:20          

C. Because the gospel is not limited to a corner, you know what to do to be saved.

1. How blessed we are to know “this thing.”

Conclusion: 

When those on Pentecost asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?,” the answer was not whispered or spoken in fear but clearly, so all could hear.

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.