and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 9:15 “… This man [Saul of Tarsus] is my chosen instrument  to proclaim my Name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

Acts 13: 42-52 * Paul & Barnabas face Jewish opposition * “We now turn to the Gentiles!” * The Gentiles are “glad” to receive the Gospel & massive church growth occurs

Isaiah 49:6 “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant     to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

that closely resembles the city of Corinth. If you take the business and financial traits of New York City and combine it with the open sinfulness and depravity of Las Vegas… that closely resembles the city of Corinth.

Acts 18: 1-6 * Paul reunites with co-workers in Corinth * He tries in vain to preach to fellow Jews * Similar to Acts 13, Paul walks away from their abuse and “goes to the Gentiles”

“The Call and Responsibility Mark 6:11 / Luke 9:5 Matt. 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” Ezekiel 33: 1-7 “The Call and Responsibility of a Watchman”

Acts 18: 7-11 The “Next Door Revival” Breaks out in Corinth

and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you Isaiah 60: 1-3 “1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,   and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light,     and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

In this depraved city, the Gospel of Jesus truly was “good news.” Like in many corners of our area and in our world today, Corinth was surrounded by sin’s “darkness.” In this depraved city, the Gospel of Jesus truly was “good news.”

1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 Paul reminds the Corinthians of their past sinful lifestyles; only to emphasize the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.

Acts 18: 9-10 in a vision: “Do not be afraid; 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid;  keep on speaking, do not be silent.  10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

There are many people all around us, that have great difficulty believing that God cares about them at all. The Gospel of Jesus Christ shouts, “Yes!” But… so many live their whole lives without someone personally sharing this “good news” with them.