1. We might be in awe of God as we see how He empowered the early followers of Christ though the Holy Spirit to preach, persevere through persecution, and then praise him.

2. We might, as a church, see how we ought to function as the church of God, the bride of Jesus from the example of the early followers.

3. We might, as individuals, be empowered by that same Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel and change the world.

6 Considerations for Being Used by God

Not in our own Power

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. …that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power Not in our own Godliness

There is no one righteous, not even one Romans 3:10

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:21-22

God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power Not in our own Godliness

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power Not in our own Godliness Not in our current Thinking

Repentance: Changing of the mind that leads to a changing of the feet (behavior).

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power Not in our own Godliness Not in our current Thinking

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power Not in our own Godliness Not in our current Thinking Not in our current Behavior

…so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:5

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power Not in our own Godliness Not in our current Thinking Not in our current Behavior Not according to our Plan

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power Not in our own Godliness Not in our current Thinking Not in our current Behavior

6 Considerations for Being Used by God Not in our own Power Not in our own Godliness Not in our current Thinking Not in our current Behavior Not according to our Time Not according to our Plan