1. The Unhindered Harvest
Acts:
The Unhindered Harvest

2. Acts 9:32-43 Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

3. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed.” Immediately he got up.

4. And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

5. Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.

6. And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.

7. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, “Do not delay in coming to us.”

8. So Peter arose and went with them
So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.

9. But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

10. And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

11. And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.

12. Where we are at Acts 8 Persecution scattered
Philip went to Samaria preaching
Peter and John followed
Peter last seen in Samaria (area north of Israel)

13. Where we are at Acts 9:1-31 A break from the flow to introduce Saul
Testimony of conversion and early ministry

14. Back to Peter The gospel is on the move Samaria south and west
Lydda
Joppa
Gentile Country

15. How the gospel spreads Without specific agenda Simply as he was going
Not looking for a miracle

16. “Those actively involved in ministry are usually the ones to whom God grants the most ministry opportunities…

17. …being wholeheartedly active in ministry places one in strategic opportunities.” (MacArthur, pg. 281)

18. How the gospel spreads Without discrimination Aeneas…unbeliever
Dorcas…believer

19. How the gospel spreads Nameless and faceless heroes Caring
Giving witness

20. How the gospel spreads Attention on Christ Dependence on Christ
A willingness to be awkward

21. Reaping the Harvest Every moment a ministry Every member a minister
Good deeds need to lead
Reaping the Harvest

22. Acts 9:31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up;

23. and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.