Unstoppable
Notes
Transcript
Review ALL IN series. Purpose for the series: how where we are as The Shed is where they were then…
17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy.
18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.
19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said,
20 “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.”
21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach.
Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought.
22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported back,
23 saying, “We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside.”
24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this.
25 But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).
27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them,
28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross.
31 “He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
33 But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them.
34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.
35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men.
36 “For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
37 “After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.
38 “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown;
39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”
40 They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.
41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Title: Unstoppable
Pray
Summarize the last message in the series a few weeks ago: “Think Bigger” (Peter’s shadow, surrounding cities bringing sick to Peter, constant adding to their number)
What we are seeing in these passages as the origin of the Church unfolds is a shift in perspective…
The paradigm that had led to this moment is being upended in light of the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah…
Elaborate on the history of Israel through the centuries until the arrival of the unexpected Messiah
Make mention of just coming through the celebration of that arrival - Christmas
Now, Jesus has come and revealed Himself as the One who would deliver us from sin…
And the few devoted followers that walked with him for over 3 years have now become leaders in a movement who call themselves “The Way.”
What began as a handful of men following a teacher who was something more has now become a growing influence reaching the highest ranks in the known world…
This calls for a shift in paradigm we see in these verses as the movement begins to grow at a rate that requires the action of its leaders…
Peter has already drawn a line in the sand with Ananias and Saphira… been used in signs and wonders so that even His shadow healed people… 3000 are saved in one instance and 5000 in another…
The church is growing leaps and bounds, but there’s a problem…
When things are going well, there’s always the jealous…
17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy.
Who do they think they are? They’ve only been doing this a few years! They only trained with Jesus for like 3, and now they are changing everything!
And these weren’t just jealous random people, this is the High Priest and the Sadducees!
This is the thing we have to guard ourselves against… That we would love our sense of familiarity more than the truth…
The High Priest and the Sadducees enjoyed their power and prestige…
What was happening with the church was converting so many people, they even started seeing their own priests being converted…
So they were jealous…
And here’s the scary part for the early church… not only were they jealous, but they had control and influence…
18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.
They had the kind of influence that could put people in jail without question.
There’s been talk and apprehension in the church of the West today about the growing influence of the culture…
“What happens when…”
“What about the persecution…”
“Will they take away our rights…”
“Should we be preparing for worse times…”
What if they get to the point where they can put us in jail for our faith…
Here’s what I know…
19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said,
20 “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.”
Even if God has to send an angel in the middle of the night, HIS PLAN WILL PREVAIL!
His plan is UNSTOPPABLE!
His Church is unstoppable!
When God sets forth His Word, nothing can come against it and win…
“UNSTOPPABLE…”
Look at Gamaliel’s advice:
38 “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown;
39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”
This is what it looks like when God is in the plans…
Whether by angel or earthquake, fire or rain, a shout or a whisper God’s plans will prevail…
18 “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
On this rock … I … will build MY church…
Not the disciples… not the priests… not the authorities… not even good strategies or plans…
I will build MY church…
God builds a church… His Spirit empowers plans… His anointing determines strategy…
Explain the humor in God’s choice to use an angel to disrupt the plans of the sadducees…
When God speaks, no weapon…
Isaiah 54:17 (NASB95)
17 “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper;
And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.
Word for 2025: A Year of Growth
Growth in Discipleship
Growth internally
Growth in numbers
Growth in finances
We grow disciples in here that embody Jesus out there.
This is the year that we will start to see things God has been setting in motion for years come to light and bear fruit…
Over the next few weeks, we will be rolling out some things that God has been showing us…
