GROWING TOGETHER 6 month checkup

OPEN UP AND SAY …

GROWING TOGETHER – the next step leap

ACTS 9:26-30 Saul needs help to join the church (understandable after persecuting them for so long!)

I. GROWTH SPURT 1 Acts 9:31 A MULTIPLYING CHURCH Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

PEACE led to being edified (growing up) Characterised by Characterised by WALKING in – the fear of the Lord (wisdom) and – the comfort of the Holy Spirit The result was fruit – the church grew Applies to - a healthy church

II. GROWTH SPURT 2 Acts 9:32-35 MAKE YOUR BED!

ACTS 9:32-35 Characterised by – Bedridden (8 years) – Paralysed GROWTH SPURT! - “Arise and make your bed.” The result was The result was – HE AROSE IMMEDIATELY! Applies to – Paralysed Christians

Where did Peter learn this? Mark 2:10-11 “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Peter said, “Jesus heals you!” The man got up to do his part! To the spiritually paralysed, bedridden Christian, "Jesus heals you!” Now do your part!

III. GROWTH SPURT 3 Acts 9:36-43 Get up!

ACTS 9:36-43 Characterised by – Good & charitable deeds – Many admirers & grateful friends – Unfinished work GROWTH SPURT! - “Tabitha, arise.” The result was The result was – Opened eyes, sat up, got up (Peter helped her)! Applies to – Unsaved (‘good people’)

Where did Peter learn this? Mark 5:41-42 “Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. Jesus said, “ I say to you, arise!” To the spiritually dead, Jesus says, “Arise”

IV. BONUS GROWTH SPURT PETER – John 14:12 Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” BUT The miracles led to conversions (not personal fortune & fame) Acts 9:35 ‘…all who saw turned to the Lord’ Acts 9:42 it became known… and many believed.

CONCLUSION – How is your 6 month checkup? 1.Are you a healthy Christian, walking in the fear of God & comfort of the Holy Spirit? Are you multiplying (growing together!)? 2. Are you a paralysed, bedridden Christian? Make your bed! Jesus says ‘arise’ today and do your part. 3. Are you a dead do gooder? Arise! Jesus says ‘arise’ today. 4. Are you a ‘wannabe’ Peter? Do it! Jesus says you can. (John 14:12, Phil 4:13)

Question of the year: What is your next step leap to… Grow together … as a disciple?