The Church that is not silent - Acts 28:30-31

The Church that is not silent – Preaching

Preaching Outline in Acts 28:30-31 – And Paul stayed two whole years in his own dwelling which he had rented, and received all who came to see him; preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching with all freedom the things pertaining to the Lord Jesus Christ, without any hindrance.

Introduction to Acts 28:30-31

Rome: a center of power and culture

Rome at the time was the greatest center of political, economic and cultural power in the ancient world. It was a metropolis marked by imposing grandeur and an influence that extended to every corner. However, it was also a place where the values of the Kingdom of God were constantly challenged by the pagan customs and traditions of the time. Despite being imprisoned in Rome, Paul continued to preach the gospel without being intimidated. He was in the world, but he was not of the world.

Development

Like Paul, we as the Church are part of a society dominated by values that are opposed to God’s. The Bible warns us to “love not the world, but the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15). The Bible warns us to “love neither the world nor the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15). Unfortunately, some ministries have allowed customs, fads and practices contrary to the Word to contaminate the sacred environment of the Christian faith.

It is essential that the Church remains pure and sanctified, living according to the true doctrine of Christ. We cannot allow entertainment, the search for human approval or a lack of commitment to holiness to drive the Holy Spirit away from our congregations. We need to be light in the midst of darkness, bringing hope and transformation to the people around us.

PAUL: The voice of the Holy Spirit

Paul, a man led by the Holy Spirit, continued to preach the gospel even when trapped in a rented house. His preaching about the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus Christ show the fundamental mission of the Church: to be a mouthpiece for the message of salvation in the world and to condemn sin.

The purifying and empowering influence of the Holy Spirit in the Church is essential in these last days. He prepares the Body of Christ for the Lord’s return. Those directed by the Spirit have the light of life revealed to them and do not stray from the path of the Lord Jesus. As he said: “He who follows me shall not walk in darkness”.

The Church and each one of us must be attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, always seeking God’s will through prayer and fasting. Only in this way can we fulfill God’s purpose and reach lives with the gospel.

TWO YEARS: A time of prophetic preparation

Paul’s two-year imprisonment in Rome was more than captivity; it was a period of preparation and prophetic fulfillment. During this time, he wrote letters that continue to impact millions, such as Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.

In the same way, we are living in a prophetic moment. The foretold signs of the times are happening before us: wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution and growing apostasy. Everything points to the imminent return of Christ. But we can only discern these signs when we are filled with the Holy Spirit and grounded in the Word.

The church, as a living body driven by the Holy Spirit, has a responsibility to welcome all souls with compassionate love. However, it must also zealously protect the purity of the salvific message. In these dark times, where corruption spreads, the community of God’s servants must shine as a beacon of hope.

Each member possesses unique gifts capable of strengthening unity and promoting the glory of the Creator. However, the brothers allow themselves to be seduced by worldly pleasures, forgetting the urgency of the harvest. Unnecessary divisions threaten to undermine the harmony built under the Lord’s leadership.

Paul, in his wisdom, welcomed everyone into his dwelling, regardless of origin or belief. His example should inspire the modern church to reach out without judgment. Giving the truth to those who seek the light, regardless of their faults, is a mission that cannot be neglected.

Giving the truth requires delicacy and patience so as not to discourage the fragile heart. Welcoming with unconditional love promotes the healing of the soul’s wounds. We must light the way without imposing burdens that only Christ can carry. United by the Spirit, we are a beacon pointing to the Heavenly City.

ANNOUNCING THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Paul called for the kingdom of God, which means much more than material prosperity or passing blessings. The kingdom of God represents righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). It is a life transformed by God’s grace and destined for eternity with Him.

The Church’s message must focus on the gospel of salvation. We must proclaim that Jesus Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6) and that only through Him can we attain eternal life. This message is not just about individual benefit, but aims to impact families, communities and nations.

TRANSMITTING REVEALED DOCTRINE

Paul not only preached, he also instructed. He passed on the doctrine revealed by God, clarifying the mysteries of the gospel and guiding new converts in the faith. Doctrine is essential to the Christian life, as it sanctifies us and prepares us for the rapture.

Unfortunately, many confuse doctrine with legalism or formality. However, true doctrine is living and dynamic, capable of transforming hearts and minds. It helps us discern between right and wrong, between what pleases God and what offends Him.

The Church needs to return to valuing biblical teaching, investing in studies, discipleship and theological training. Only in this way will we be able to resist the heresies and deceptions that plague the world today.

WITH COMPLETE FREEDOM

Paul preached “with all freedom”, without worrying about the consequences or the opinion of men. He knew that his mission was to glorify God, not to please the world.

The Church must faithfully resist the influence of this corruptible world. We must not seek human approval or conform to transient social standards. On the contrary, we must shine as exceptions, living as mere visitors on this earth (1 Peter 2:11).

Suddenly, we will be on high with the Lord Jesus. May we live each day in this real expectation, proclaiming the gospel with bravery and boldness.

THE CHURCH TRANSMITS WHAT IT RECEIVES FROM HIM

The Church must not invent messages or follow worldly trends. It must transmit what it receives directly from the Lord Jesus by divine revelation. God’s Word is sufficient to instruct, correct and build up His people (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Our message must be elevated, pointing to greater heights, not to baseness. It should feed the soul, comfort the afflicted and lead the lost to salvation. A word anointed by the Holy Spirit has the power to transform lives and change destinies.

MESSAGE THAT SATISFIES THE SOUL

Finally, Paul preached “without restraint”. Despite the adverse circumstances, he fulfilled his calling with excellence. In the same way, the Church must overcome obstacles and continue to preach the gospel, regardless of difficulties.

The Church’s message is powerful because it comes from God. It satisfies the soul, brings peace to the heart and gives hope to the hopeless. When we preach the gospel with sincerity and passion, people are touched by the Holy Spirit and experience God’s transforming power.

Conclusion of Acts 28:30-31

Dear brothers and sisters, the Church of Christ cannot remain silent. We live in a world that urgently needs to hear the message of the gospel. Like Paul, we must preach the kingdom of God and teach the things that belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, without fear or hesitation.

May our ministry enlighten those in the shadows, heal the wounded in body and soul, and bring the good news of redemption. May we defend the oppressed, give voice to those who cannot be heard, and teach the way of truth and justice. May we be living examples of the love and compassion preached by Christ. And when our journey in this world comes to an end, may we hear the words we so long for: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; possess the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”.