Timeless Truths. Mission Possible Lesson 2 - What It Takes to Make a Difference

27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”

29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross.[a] 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”

Acts 5: 27-32 (New Living Translation)

Q. What BARRIERS did the early Christians have?

A. Distance - a long way between cities. Language - populations with diverse dialects and mother tongues. Finances - there were few rich believers.

INTRODUCTION

Shortly after the resurrection, Jesus gave His disciples some amazing instructions.

“Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 (KJV)

It sounds like Jesus was sending them on a mission Impossible. 

How could this group of underachievers honestly be expected to go into all the world?

THREE THINGS HAPPENED THAT TURNED THE TIDE FOR THE DISCIPLES

1.  The resurrection of Jesus. 
      It
     demonstrated God’s power.
     made them bold.

2.  The power of the Holy Spirit. 
      Christianity

        is not just following a creed.
        is an experience that brings God’s direction to us.

3.  God’s strategic timing. (vv. 27-32)

      Pentecost was not on that day by chance.
      More than 3000 believers left Jerusalem ready to

              receive the apostles in their home towns.

HOW TO BE DIFFERENCE MAKERS IN OUR WORLD – Based on Peter and the other apostles.

A.  We need to talk about Jesus more than everything

      else. (v 28)

• Jesus is the answer to any problem in life.
• After introducing people to Christ, discipleship is mandatory.

B.  We need to honor God above anyone else. (v29)

• The apostles chose God over the religious establishment.
• God calls you to be a man/woman of integrity.
•  

C.  We need to love people more than anything else. 

  (v32)

The greatest among you will be your servant. Matthew 23:11

• The church needs to be like this.
• After the resurrection, the disciples realized The Way was real and set themselves to lead others to Christ.
• The church demonstrated love by selling possessions, feeding the poor, and loving everyone, regardless!

How are you showing love?

What are you doing to serve others, bless others, and minister to others?

God loves you…

…and so do I!

The next Timeless Truth: Mission Possible Lesson 3 - The Road to Greatness

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