‘Passion for a purpose- Why did Jesus die?
To create a people bold in word and deed
By Adrian Warnock
Audio version
http://jubilee-church.org/sermons/2004/05/purpose-for-passion-why-did-jesus-die.htm
The missional community was succeeding……
Acts 4 A Church in transition
A growing church now 5,000
- but we don’t know everyone
- I don’t get as much time with Peter and John as I used to
- Its not so friendly any more
- I remember the good old days when we could all fit in the upper room
A new phase
The leaders of the nation had noticed them- and were puzzled ‘How did you do that?’
Persecution.
Two of them were arrested
‘Ah yes. They killed Jesus. I wonder who’s next
That was how the leadership changes of the early church would have been announced= our lead elder was killed last week, so brother John has kindly agreed to take on the overall leadership. We are trusting in God that he will spare him from persecution at least for a season.
The response of the Apostles
A bold declaration - This Jesus who you killed healed this man….
there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
The response of the people
Astonishment- ‘when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.’
Do people recognise that we have been with Jesus?
Their mouths were shut
We cannot deny the miracle……
So lets just all repent and belive….
NO
Told them not to speak of it
But they said we obey God
WE CANT HELP SPEAKING ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD
Ant with his mobile phone
A newly wed
People who have seen a great match
Why not us??????
What have we seen and heard?
The impact of the cross is what drove them, then the outworking of that in their lives
We tend to focus too much on the miracles- they are more likely to come when we are pre-occupied with Jesus and his gospel
The churches response
They went to their friends - lets gather together
The response of the whole church mirrored the response of the leaders- this is the wonderful thing at the moment.
They prayed
Not worrying aloud, rather getting a clear view of Jesus.,…..
DO the MATHS
A SOVEREIGN LORD + A TERRIBLE SITUATION (JESUS DEATH) = A GLORIOUS PLAN AND PURPOSE FULLFILELD
If that is true for that equation, it is true for minor troubles also.
It is certainly true about the changes we face……
Great growth coming. Great change. Great opportunities and need for people to rise up to the challenge, turn out and see salvation.
They say GOD, look on the threats and make them go away. NO
Sometimes we pray the wrong thing…..
Rather see thir threats and help us
BOLDNESS in WORD AND ACTION
A view of the cross does this
GOD WE WILL SPEAK BOLDY. YOU ACT
We HAVE GREAT NEWS of a WAY OUT of the mess we are in of forgiveness, etc….
BUT people are blind and need GOD to open their eyes.
Miracle of new birth= blindeness healed Resurrection
BUT WE do want to see miracles
AND For that we need the Holy Spirit…… .
