The Foundation of Something New

Series: Now What! (With Enthusiasm)

Title: The Foundational Piece to impacting your community. (Needs wordsmithing)

Bullseye: The foundation we need to impact our community. (Needs wordsmithing)

Identification:

Information:

Main Scripture: Acts 1:12-16

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. 13 When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David.

Outline: As Followers of Jesus…here are 5 foundational pieces we need to impact our communities for the Kingdom. (needs wordsmithing)

1. Can’t hold onto past failures or mistakes.

· Scripture: John 21:17-19, 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

o Jesus is telling Peter to quit wallowing in your mistake of denying me and start feeding my sheep. In other words, “Birth the Church”

o We are not written off because of our failures and mistakes.

o Repent and move forward.

2. Pray to receive the Holy Spirit.

· Scripture: Acts 1:7, 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.

3. It’s time to go public with our (your) faith.

· Scripture: Acts 1:8 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.

4. Gather and be united in prayer.

· Scripture: Acts 1:14, 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

· Scripture: John 17:9-12, 9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.

· Scripture: Galatians: 3:26-29

5. We are called to strengthen our brothers and sisters.

· Scripture: Acts 1:15-16 15 During this time, when about 120 believers[a] were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them.

o (The moment when Peter turned from his failure to strengthen his brothers.)

· Scripture: Luke 22:31,32 31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So, when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

o (The moment Peter was told by Jesus after he fails, repent, and strengthen your brothers.)

Application: How do we apply these 5 foundational pieces to our lives?

1. When we Fail, listen to Jesus’ voice.

a. Identify what Jesus’ voice sounds like vs, the enemy’s voice.

b. Pray against what the enemy is telling you.

2. Actually Pray to receive the Holy Spirit.

3. Be intentional on telling your story

a. On how you came to know Jesus and what he is currently doing in your life.

4. Make every effort to spend time with other believers in prayer.

5. Encourage your brother and sister.