Acts 16:31, They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

Acts 16:25-30

• The Gospel spreads best through relationship.

“About 85% of people who come to faith in Christ do so through the influence of a family member or friend.” – Various studies

“About four-in-ten U.S. adults say people who do not believe in God can go to heaven.” – Pew Research Report, November 23, 2021

“48% of U.S. adults believe a person who is generally good, or does enough good for others, will earn a place in Heaven.” – Barna Research Group, August 4, 2020

“45% of U.S. adults are NOT OPEN to talking with a stranger about the Christian faith.” – Lifeway Research February 22, 2022

Winning the Battle

Matthew 12:14-21

Why Matthew Challenged the Israelite Religious Community?

• They were MORALISTIC – They accused the sinful action of others while excusing their own.
• They were SEPARATISTS – The hurting felt condemned by them not cared for.
• They were INDIVIDUALISTS – They passionately pursued God’s blessing personally. But they didn’t care about helping other people.

1. We must bring a DEMONSTRATION of REDEMPTION.

Matthew 12:14-15, ¹⁴. . . the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. ¹⁵ Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.

 Messianic Psalms: Psalm 2, 8, 16, 22, 23, 24, 40, 41, 45, 68, 69, 72, 89, 102, 110, 118

Psalm 2:1-4; Acts 4:23-26

2) We must DEFEAT the ENEMIES WORK in PEOPLE’S LIVES.

Matthew 12:16-20, ¹⁶ He warned them not to tell others about him. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ¹⁸ “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. ¹⁹ He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. ²⁰ A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory.

Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:28; Matthew 9:36-38

3) We must DEFINE GOD’S HOPE in PEOPLE’S LIVES.

Matthew 12:21, “In his name the nations will put their hope.”