September 20, 2026
If I’ve Got to Run, I Might as Well Get Busy
Acts 8:1-5; John 1; Acts 6; Isaiah 28; 1 Kings 18; Acts 4; Jeremiah 15; 1 Peter; Psalm 16
The sermon focuses on the Christian life as a spiritual race, urging believers to bring the same determination they once gave to destructive pursuits into serving God. Its central refrain is: “If I got to run, I might as well get busy.”
From Acts 8, the preacher reflects on believers scattered by persecution who continued sharing the good news. Philip’s witness in Samaria shows that the gospel must reach people others avoid or dismiss, bringing hope to communities marked by pain, sin, and hardship.
The message celebrates the joy and new life found in Jesus and calls the church to be a visible blessing in its neighborhood. Believers are urged not to grow weary or hide their faith, but to share Christ with family, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone in need of hope.
The sermon closes with prayer for renewed strength, boldness, healing, and deliverance, and invites listeners to turn to Christ or return to him. Its final appeal is to let God use his people to carry the gospel wherever they go.
Key takeaways
- Run wholeheartedly for God, not for destructive pursuits.
- Persecution did not stop the scattered believers from sharing the gospel.
- Philip took the message of Jesus to Samaria, a place others avoided.
- The gospel offers hope to people and communities in deep need.
- Salvation and lasting joy are found in Jesus Christ.
- Let your faith be visible in your neighborhood and daily life.
- Share Christ with family, neighbors, coworkers, and strangers.
- Do not grow weary in doing good.
- Ask God for boldness when you feel unsure what to say.
- Offer your words, hands, and feet for God’s purposes.
- Turn back to God and seek his renewal, healing, and strength.
- Day 1Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:24
Run the Race Before You
Following Jesus is not a race for applause or comparison. It is a life of faithful perseverance, with our eyes fixed on Christ. The sermon reminds us that the energy and determination we once spent pursuing harmful things can, by God’s grace, be redirected toward serving him. We do not earn salvation by running; we run because Christ has saved us and called us to follow. Some days our steps may feel small. We may be tired, discouraged, or aware of old habits tugging at us. Still, God calls us to lay aside what weighs us down and keep going in faith. Ask him to show you what is hindering your walk, and take the next faithful step. You do not run alone: Jesus is both the focus of the race and the one who sustains you.
- Reflect
- What is one burden or distraction you need to entrust to God so you can follow Jesus more faithfully?
- Prayer
- Jesus, help me lay aside what hinders me and run faithfully with my eyes fixed on you.
- Day 2Acts 8:1-5; Acts 8:4
Faithful Even When Scattered
Acts tells us that persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem. Their circumstances were painful and uncertain, yet wherever they went, they shared the good news. This does not mean suffering is easy or that every hardship has an obvious purpose. It does show that God can sustain his people and use their faithful witness even in difficult places. We may feel scattered by changes at work, pressures at home, loss, or uncertainty about what comes next. In those places, we can ask what loving faithfulness looks like today: a word of hope, patient kindness, prayer, or simply remaining steadfast. We are not called to force a conversation or pretend hardship does not hurt. We are invited to be ready to speak of the hope we have, trusting God with the results. Wherever you find yourself, God is present and able to work through ordinary faithfulness.
- Reflect
- Where in your life right now could you bear quiet, faithful witness to the hope of Christ?
- Prayer
- God, meet me in my difficult places and make my words and actions a gentle witness to your hope.
- Day 3John 1:43-46; Acts 8:5-8
Come and See
When Philip met Jesus, he soon invited Nathanael to “come and see.” Later, in Samaria, Philip proclaimed the Messiah, and people heard the good news. Philip’s example shows that witness can begin with a simple invitation and grow into a life of service. We do not need to have every answer or speak with perfect confidence. We can share honestly what Christ has done, listen carefully to another person’s story, and invite them to explore Jesus for themselves. The sermon also reminds us not to look down on people or places others avoid. Every person bears dignity, and every neighbor needs compassion rather than contempt. Ask God to help you see people as he sees them: not as labels or problems, but as people he loves. A small, sincere invitation may open a door; God is the one who brings faith and growth.
- Reflect
- Who could you invite to learn about Jesus, or serve with Christlike compassion, this week?
- Prayer
- Lord, give me a humble heart, attentive ears, and courage to invite others to come and see you.
- Day 4Acts 8:6-8; Psalm 16:11
Joy That Holds Fast
The good news in Samaria brought great joy, Acts says. This joy did not depend on life becoming effortless; the believers had known fear, persecution, and upheaval. Christian joy is not denial of sorrow, nor a promise that every problem will quickly disappear. It is gladness rooted in God’s presence and the salvation he gives through Jesus. Circumstances can change suddenly: a plan can fall apart, a relationship can hurt, or a loss can weigh heavily. In such moments, we can bring our honest grief to God and remember that he remains near. The sermon speaks of a joy deeper than substances, possessions, or approval. That joy is a gift, not a performance we must maintain. Make room today to remember God’s faithfulness, receive his comfort, and give thanks for one sign of grace. Joy can coexist with tears because our hope rests in the Lord.
- Reflect
- What helps you remember God’s presence when circumstances are difficult?
- Prayer
- God, be near to me in joy and sorrow, and root my hope in your faithful presence.
- Day 5Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 1:16
Let Your Light Be Seen
Jesus calls his disciples the light of the world and tells them to let their light shine so others may see their good works and glorify the Father. The sermon challenges us not to hide our faith, but to live openly as people changed by Christ. This need not mean being loud, harsh, or eager to win an argument. Faithful witness can look like honest speech, practical care, forgiveness, hospitality, and a willingness to name the hope Jesus gives when the moment is right. Our neighbors, coworkers, relatives, and friends are not projects; they are people to love. We cannot change hearts by our own power, but we can point to the Savior who forgives and restores. Ask God for boldness shaped by humility and compassion. Then look for one concrete way to serve someone nearby. Our lives can make the love of Christ visible, giving glory not to us, but to God.
- Reflect
- What is one practical way you can make Christ’s love visible to someone around you?
- Prayer
- Father, help me live and speak with humble courage so others may see your goodness.
Open together
- 1.When have you had to keep going through a difficult or uncertain season?
- 2.Who first shared the good news of Jesus with you, or helped you grow in faith?
- 3.What does being “busy” for God mean to you in everyday life?
Observation
- 1.In Acts 8:1–4, what happened to the church in Jerusalem after Stephen was killed?
- 2.What did the scattered believers do as they went from place to place?
- 3.According to verse 5, where did Philip go, and what did he proclaim?
- 4.How does the sermon describe the Samaritans’ relationship with the Jewish people?
- 5.What response and result are described when Philip preached and people saw signs of God’s work?
- 6.What does Acts 4:12 say about salvation?
Interpretation
- 1.How did persecution both threaten the early Christians and spread the message of the gospel?
- 2.What might Philip’s ministry in Samaria teach us about reaching people others avoid or look down on?
- 3.Why does the sermon connect receiving the good news with sharing it with others?
- 4.How does the hope of salvation relate to the “great joy” described in Samaria?
- 5.What is the difference between simply being active and serving God with the Spirit’s guidance?
- 6.How can Christians show compassion for people who are struggling without reducing them to their problems?
Application
- 1.Where might God be calling you to share hope through your words or actions this week?
- 2.Is there someone or a group of people you tend to avoid or judge? What could a compassionate next step look like?
- 3.What has God brought you through that you could share as a testimony of his grace?
- 4.When you feel discouraged or busy with difficulties, what might help you keep serving faithfully?
- 5.Do you feel hesitant or embarrassed to identify as a Christian? What support or prayer would help you grow in courage?
- 6.Who in your neighborhood, workplace, school, or family could use practical care or an invitation to hear about Jesus?
If You Have to Run, Share Hope
0:42Wherever life takes you, carry the hope that changed your life—and share it with someone who needs it.
Somebody's Daughter, Somebody's Mom
0:57A heartbreaking encounter reminds him to see the person behind the suffering.
Joy That Doesn't Depend on Life
0:58Real joy can survive a hard day, a loss, or even a broken van mirror.
Be a Light Right in the Mix
0:59Instead of asking to be removed from a struggling community, he wants to be there as a source of peace and hope.
The Gospel Is a Message
0:52The gospel isn't just a method—it carries a message of love, forgiveness, and a response of faith.
Don't Write Off Your Neighborhood
0:52People may see a neighborhood as hopeless, but the speaker argues that its people still deserve hope.
Hope in the Middle of the Mess
0:57You can still live in a troubled place and have hope, a future, and a promise.
What Are You Running For?
0:57If you could chase the things that hurt you, imagine what happens when you put that same determination toward God.
Scattered, but Still Spreading Hope
0:42Even as persecution scattered the believers, they kept sharing the good news wherever they went.
Let your determination serve God and reach others. Ask the Lord to show you one step you can take today, and join us in running this race with purpose.
#IfIGotToRun #VictoryOutreachWestlake #RunForGod
Even in hard seasons, we can share the hope Jesus has given us. Look for someone who needs encouragement, and tell them what God has done in your life.
#IfIGotToRun #VictoryOutreachWestlake #ShareYourFaith
Lasting change is not something another person or a job can give us. Bring your need to God, and come worship with us as we look to Him for hope.
#IfIGotToRun #VictoryOutreachWestlake #HopeInGod
The joy God gives is not dependent on substances or circumstances. If you are searching for that kind of joy, come and hear more about the hope found in Jesus.
#IfIGotToRun #VictoryOutreachWestlake #JoyInTheLord
A church can offer a place of hope and care in a hurting community. Consider how you can be a welcoming presence this week, and join us as we serve our neighbors.
#IfIGotToRun #VictoryOutreachWestlake #LightInTheDarkness
We are called to carry God’s love beyond our own circle. Think of someone who needs encouragement, and come be part of a community reaching out with the good news.
#IfIGotToRun #VictoryOutreachWestlake #ShareGodsLove