Introduction:  Acts 14.1-7
    They went out as a team to preach the Word. God has ordained the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
    The Word they preached influenced a "great multitude". God wants to reach the masses. God likes crowds of people. Be bold.
    Let's see how they spoke to influence "great multitudes".

1. Faith. They spoke from a heart of believing God. Their lives were committed to God. They were walking in dependence on God. So, they spoke the Word of His grace, of how we are saved by grace, through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

2. Bold. Boldness comes from being filled with the Spirit, and living a lifestyle of walking in the Spirit in dependence on God through Jesus Christ. Having constant Spirit filled fellowship is a key here.

3. Clear. Speak so people can hear you clearly. Slow down. Make sure they are hearing you clearly. Faith comes by hearing the Word--not by getting excited or by being entertained by the fervency or charisma of a minister. Speaking very clearly and distinctly is more important when you are dealing with people of different races, cultures, or languages.

4. Signs and wonders. God gave testimony unto the Word of His grace and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. People giving testimonies of what God has done for them builds faith.

5. Persistence. They preached in spite of the opposition. In fact, the opposition made them go a "long time". They did not give up, they just "got going"--going to the next cities and to all the region round about.

6. Obedience. Jesus has given the Word to preach the gospel to every creature and to all nations. If some don't want it, don't get hung up on them--NEXT!--go on to find those who will receive. We speak in obedience to Christ's command.

7. Division. Lk.12.51-53. God's message will cause division. If there is going to be division, make sure it is because of the truth, and not because of some tangent we are on. "Buy the truth and sell it not" (Prov.23.23). There was disputing and division all through the book of Acts. It's the truth that will truly set people free. Preach the whole truth in the wisdom of God's timing, which, remember, will often cause an uproar. Don't be afraid of causing an uproar.

Conclusion:
    Speak the Word of God so that all people can clearly get the message. Plant the full gospel seed. Then, they can intelligently make the decision to either get in or get out.
    God can do more with 12 consecrated ones, than with 1200 half-baked bench warmers.
    Speak the Word. Turn God loose in this world of darkness and watch the sparks fly!
    Many will receive the light of Life.                                                 Acts 29 Discipleship Training,11-9-99