A Church with a Mission Missions Month Week #4 Message Acts 4:7-13 April 24, 2016 © April 24, 2016 Bo & Cindy Lee Bo & Cindy Lee

REVISITING JERUSALEM After the resurrection of Jesus, before he returned to Heaven, his disciples were still pretty much clueless: 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” – Acts 1:6 But when the Holy Spirit came, they would be given power to do a great task: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. – Acts 1:8

REVISITING JERUSALEM Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait on the Holy Spirit, so they did: 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said… - Acts 1:14-15 The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost and Peter preaches boldly: 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. – Acts 2:41

REVISITING JERUSALEM Acts 2: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

REVISITING JERUSALEM Peter and John go up to the temple to pray (Acts 3). They meet a lame man. First time any of the Apostles healed anyone. Crowds gather after this miracle, so Peter begins to boldly tell them about Jesus. Peter and John are arrested, and held overnight Who knows what will happen to them? They saw that Peter and John were common, but that they had been with Jesus. The rulers warned them, but Peter and John said they must obey God.

REVISITING JERUSALEM They rejoined the brothers and sisters (4:23): They rejoiced and praised God. They prayed. The whole house was shaken. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to be bold. After another encounter where they were beaten: They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name. They continued to teach and preach about Jesus in people’s homes and the temple daily (5:42).

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They were dependent on THE HOLY SPIRIT. They prayed with their hearts. 1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” – Luke 11:1 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places to pray. – Luke 5:16 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. – Luke 18:1

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They were dependent on THE HOLY SPIRIT. They prayed with surrender. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and again his Anointed’ – 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They were dependent on THE HOLY SPIRIT. They prayed with surrender. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:24-31

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They were dependent on THE HOLY SPIRIT. They prayed with surrender. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. – Psalm 2:8

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They were dependent on THE HOLY SPIRIT. How can we live that way?

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They experienced tremendous JOY and UNITY. They rejoiced, even in suffering. They met often in each other’s homes. They willingly shared and submitted for the common good. The seven willing to serve; consider Peter and John. How can we live that way?

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They were BOLD in every opportunity. Why? They had been with Jesus. Peter’s transformation: seen in his values and character From ease to hardship 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” – Matthew 17:4

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They were BOLD in every opportunity. Why? They had been with Jesus. Peter’s transformation: seen in his values and character From ease to hardship From betrayal to loyalty From failing to overcoming 40 and when they called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. - Acts 4:40-42

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH They were BOLD in every opportunity. Why? They had been with Jesus. Their view of Jesus How can we live that way?

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.What does Spirit dependence look like in your life? 2.What would it take for us to live with profound joy and unity? 3.What else in you needs to be transformed?