The mechanics of preaching the gospel involves the following: 
1. Begins with reliance upon God
2. Causes people to walk after living, Creator God
3.  Shows believers miracles of conversion to be encouraged to walk through tribulations 
To sustain the work of preaching the gospel, good theology and equipping believers is necessary as follows:  
1. Begin with the pure doctrine of grace without works
2. Energized by the free gift of God through the Holy Spirit for anyone who believes in Christ
3. Founded upon the foundation of Old Testament promises
4. Taught good theology of grace to other Christians
5. Expanded by encouraging and strengthening others to join you in the work
6. Followed God’s direction for right ministry partner

Mechanics in Preaching the Gospel
Paul and Barnabas spoke in such a manner that many Jews and Greeks believed in a Iconium synagogue. The disbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. They spent a long time speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord with signs and wonders bearing witness to the word. The city was divided and after being  mistreated, they fled to the surrounding region and continued preaching the gospel (Acts 14:1-7). Preaching the gospel faithfully with reliance upon God produces miracles and persecution.

A lame man began walking after Paul cried out when he saw his faith to be made well. Paul and Barnabas said they were just men who preached the gospel so people could turn from vain things to a living, creator God after the multitude called them by the name of their gods. They said God permitted nations to go their own ways but still gave witness by providing rains and fruitful seasons (Acts 14:8-18). Preaching the gospel causes people to walk after a living, Creator God instead of vain things. 

The Jews from Antioch and Iconium stoned and dragged Paul out of the city. The next day, he and Barnabas preached the gospel in Derbe, made many disciples and returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch strengthening the souls of the disciples while encouraging them to continue in the faith through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God. They appointed elders in every church having prayed with fasting and commending them to the Lord. They reported to the church in Antioch of how God opened a door of faith to the Gentiles and spent a long time with the disciples (Acts 14:19-28). Preaching the gospel shows disciples how God opens the door of faith to unbelievers so they can walk through tribulations. 

Theology in Preaching the Gospel
Some men from Judea taught that you must be circumcised according to Moses to be saved. After Paul and Barnabas  debated them, the brethren decided they should go to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. Both on their way to Jerusalem and after they got there, they described in detail the conversion of the Gentiles and all God did with them. Certain Pharisees said one must observe circumcision and the Law of Moses (Acts 15:1-5). Preaching the gospel requires the pure doctrine of grace without works.

After much debate among the apostles and elders, Peter said  God used his mouth so the Gentiles could hear the gospel, believe and receive the Holy Spirit. Since God made no distinction between Jew and Gentile cleansing their hearts by faith, why would you place a yoke upon them since everyone is saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts 15:6-11). Preaching the gospel demands no distinction since anyone who believes Christ receives the Holy Spirit. 

After the multitude listened to Barnabas and Paul relate the signs and wonders God did through them among the Gentiles, James shared how the Prophets wrote that God will rebuild the tabernacle of David so the Gentiles may seek the Lord. James also said they should not trouble the Gentiles who turned to God but urged them to only “abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood” (Acts 15:12-21). Preaching the gospel is built upon the foundation of the God’s promises in the Old Testament. 

Equipping in Preaching the Gospel
It seemed good to the apostles, elders and whole church to choose Silas and Judas to go along with Paul and  Barnabas to Antioch. They sent a letter to the brethren in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia from among the Gentiles saying that it “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than the essentials James suggested” (Acts 15:22-29). Preaching the gospel involves teaching other Christians good theology about God’s grace.  

When the congregation at Antioch heard the letter, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. The prophets, Judas and Silas, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with the latter remaining there. Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch with many others teaching and preaching the word of the Lord (Acts 15:30-35). Preaching the gospel involves encouraging and strengthening others to join with you in the work.  

Paul said to Barnabas that they should visit the brethren in every city where they proclaimed the word  to see how they are. Paul and Barnabas separated from one another because the latter wanted to take John Mark. Paul said no because Mark deserted them in Pamphylia. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and he traveled through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches (Acts 15:36-41). Preaching the gospel involves following God’s direction for the right ministry partner. 

Which of the following mechanics of preaching the gospel encourages or challenges you the most? 
1. Begins with reliance upon God
2. Causes people to walk after living, Creator God

3.  Shows believers miracles of conversion to be encouraged to walk through tribulations 
Which of the following ways to sustain the work of preaching the gospel through good theology and equipping believers encourages or challenges you the most?   
1. Begun with the pure doctrine of grace without works
2. Energized by the free gift of God through the Holy Spirit for anyone who believes in Christ
3. Founded upon the foundation of Old Testament promises
4. Taught good theology of grace to other Christians
5. Expanded by encouraging and strengthening others to join you in the work

6. Followed God’s direction for right ministry partner


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