World Changers!

Introduction

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Introduction

I don’t know about you but I want to change the world. I think from the time we were young we had dreams about changing the world. When I was young I would dream I was a superhero or police officer. Always the good guy. Wanting to make a difference in the world. Something in us has us wired to want to make a difference in the world we live in.

Do you wan to make a difference in the world today?

No matter your age you can and should be a world changer. From the youngest in this room to the oldest.

The world today is in desperate need of world changers. People are fighting over politics, race, war, and a whole host of other things. But the answer to all of these problems is ignored. Largely due to the church being asleep and being apathetic.

What if the church did today what the church in ACTS did? What if Paul and Peter were walking down our streets today?

4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’[a]

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Acts 4:4–21 NLT

4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000. 5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. 15 So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves. 16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” 21 The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God

I want to you to notice some key words in this text. We are going to focus on a few of them.

Boldness

Ordinary Men With No Special Training

Miracles

Let me give you another section of scripture before we really dive into this.

Acts 5:22–32 NLT

22 But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the men were gone. So they returned to the council and reported, 23 “The jail was securely locked, with the guards standing outside, but when we opened the gates, no one was there!” 24 When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. 25 Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!” 26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”

BOLDNESS

Id say boldness was even a bit of an understatement wouldn’t you? In the face of being stone (killed) these men stood up in boldness and proclaimed who Christ was.

You see this was a direct affront to the Jewish leaders that had seized them. They were being called murders by the apostles. This naturally made them mad.

Now Peter wasn’t always bold. He was once the wussy guy who denied Jesus 3 times in the face of death for knowing him.

But now “FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” he is proclaiming the truth of Jesus’ death and Resurrection to the very people that put him to death.

What changed?

Peter was Baptized in the Holy Spirit. The promise Jesus had made before he left had come true. All of the disciples were Baptized in the Spirit in the upper room. With it came extreme boldness and power.

Acts 2:2–21 NLT

2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. 7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. 13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” 14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy. 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. 21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

THAT is where Peter’s power and boldness came from, and from THAT day forward until he was killed for his faith Peter was a world changer.

Ordinary Men With No Special Training

Many people never talk to others about Jesus. People think that is the Pastor’s job. Or the evangelists job.

The Great Commission Is YOUR Job

Matthew 28:18–20 NLT

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

-22

The “Church” (which incidentally isn’t this building) was always meant to be an equipping ground to make you ready to go out and do the great commission.

All over the Bible people are sent from the church. You were never ment to sit in a pew every Sunday, sing a few songs, hear a good message and go on your way.

Some people go to church. Check it off their list and then they don’t think about Jesus until next Sunday. They live Monday -Saturday as if they didn’t know the truth of Jesus.

Jesus should cause life transformation. Jesus should change the way you life. Jesus should make you a world changer.

If you have no desire to talk to others about Jesus I would ask why?

You don’t have to have a Bible degree to share about your “best friend” to others.

Use what you learn each Sunday and go out and be a world changer.

*** Insert EA Testimony***

You may say that is because I am a Pastor. No in that group I am just another person. They hold no authority to the word Pastor. Many of them don’t even know who Jesus is much less have Him as their higher power.

Anyone in this room, if you know Christ should be able to minister in a similar manner.

You don’t have to even know the Bible to go up to someone obviously hurting and offer to pray for them. YES even somewhere in public.

I have prayed for people in the gas station before.

Prayer changes things.

*** Insert John’s Healing Testimony***

Had I not stepped out John may have not had that touch from God and may still be in pain.

YOU can be a world changer and make a difference.

YOU MUST be a world changer.

Most of the world is lost dying and going to hell. Family members are lost dying and going to hell. Why does this not spur us to action?

Miracles

The easiest way to show someone Jesus is by them encountering him through an experience. I have seen people healed as I mentioned above. That guy although he was an atheist turned Christian had his faith increased by that experience.

You may say what if I pray for someone and they don’t get healed? BUT what if they do?

A favorite author of mine says to up the RISK.

“As Christians we believe in the miracles of Jesus, but do we actually believe God will be in us in the same way? Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” ( NLT). Sometimes we act as though Christ has set an unattainable bar that we must meekly edge toward from a million miles away. “But He’s Jesus,” we offer lamely.” ― Robby Dawkins, Do What Jesus Did: A Real-Life Field Guide to Healing the Sick, Routing Demons and Changing Lives Forever

“somehow the Western Church has fallen asleep to the reality of God’s power in our lives. Rather than ministering grace with authority and authentic love, which brings real transformation, we get caught up in rules and judgmentalism.” ― Robby Dawkins, Do What Jesus Did: A Real-Life Field Guide to Healing the Sick, Routing Demons and Changing Lives Forever

Who in this room believes God heals?

Who in this room believes God can heal someone through someone laying hands on a person and praying for them?

James 5:13–15 NLT

13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

That to me says healing can happen.

Now who believes that someone could be healed through YOU praying for them?

Ok not as many? Why not? Think about it. Jesus said we would do GREATER works than He did.

He healed didn’t He?

He freed the demonically oppressed right?

If we believe the Bible to be 100% accurate and I hope you do. These Things are all true!

If Jesus did these things and said we would do even greater it would stand to reason that WE through the power of the Holy Ghost can and should be doing these things.

Conclusion

So what is stopping you?

Is it not having Boldness?

Is it not being trained?

Is it not believing that Jesus is going to follow through?

Whatever it is I am here to tell you today that you can have Boldness, You can speak with intelligence even while not having an MDiv. And you can have a life of miracles flow through you .

So why not start today?

After you leave church I want to to one pray for a divine appointment. Does everyone know what that is? (Explain)

After that I want you to watch today for someone God will lead you to. Maybe this person needs to be told about Jesus. Maybe this person just needs a person to pray with them about a situation in their life. Whatever the case. Get over your fear and step out in faith.

God will bless your obedience.

Turn up the RISK and do what Jesus did!

Tell your family about Jesus (even if they get annoyed), Tell your friends about Him.

You may be laughed at. That’s ok. Over in Iran and China people are being killed for sharing their faith. Being made fun of isn’t so bad in light of that right?

Wake up sleeping church. Stop being apathetic. Get ready to move mountains.

Salvation Call

The Romans Road

The Roman Road provides a detailed map for our salvation and eternal fellowship with God. Just follow these steps: 1. We must acknowledge God as the Creator of everything, accepting our humble position in God's created order and purpose. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." 2. We must realize that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness. None of us are worthy under God’s standards. “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” 3. God gave us the way to be forgiven of our sins. He showed us His love by giving us the potential for life through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 4. If we remain sinners, we will die. However, if we repent of our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will have eternal life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 5. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you are saved. “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 6. There are no other religious formulas or rituals. Just call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved! “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” 7. Determine in your heart to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life today. "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen."

The Roman Road: Are You Ready? The Roman Road shows you the path – are you ready to accept God’s gift of Salvation now? If so, believe in what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross, repent of your sins, and commit the rest of your life to Him. This is not a ritual, just a prayerful guideline for your sincere step of faith:

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”"

Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ()

If you decided to receive Jesus today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.Get baptized as commanded by Christ.Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.Find a local church where you can worship God.