When it all falls apart

New series: Tackling the issues: We are going to get real practical, at least for us. Dealing with real things in our life, real struggles, real topics, etc.

Today, I want to preach on “When it all falls apart.”

This is a common experience for so many of us. Can you relate?

Life is going great. You are experiencing breakthrough, then Bam!

Turn to we are going to skip around a tiny bit to get the essence of this story and what’s going on.

Read

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John and Peter heal a crippled beggar. A crowd gathers around and they preach the Gospel to this crowd, with much effectiveness. Great day!

The are promptly arrested by the Jewish leaders. No longer a great day!

Remember- the Jewish leaders had just put Jesus to death. Why? He did miracles and refused to honor them, dnd follow their man-made rules.

Now the Apostles are doing the exact same thing!

Nothing has changed: they want to stomp this movement out.

So the religious leaders threaten them harshly.

These aren’t empty threats. They just killed Jesus.

Great day turns to garbage real quick! It’s all falling apart.

We see their unique response- we can easily learn from it.

First thing they do:

Share with the brothers.

No one was alone. No lone wolf Christians.

Later in the chapter 4- They were of one heart and soul. They had all things in common, and no one went without.

Utopia, man. To be truly known and truly loved. It is the power of God’s church and his body.

Today, I see people go to church. When asked how they are, “they are blessed”

They never share the realities of their struggles and their life.

Here is the secret: Church isn’t about attendance, it’s about being known.

(Story of my wife and I in struggle- we called the church)

Do you share?

Do you care to listen to others and be apart of their lives?

Next they go to God together:

Prayer- “ they raised their voice to God”

Sometimes you are just going to feel stuck! You won’t have answers. You will feel lost.

Don’t neglect going to God with it. He has wisdom from above.

Us getting this building- There were struggles and conflict. We went to God, it felt impossible. But He made a way for us.

James stepped up.

Finally, they get Kingdom perspective:

Their prayer could have easily been, take the struggle away. There is times for that, but they sought God’s wisdom.

The reality was God’s word needed to be spread, regardless of the threats of these men.

Truth always sets us free from the lie:

The lie was, their freedom and well-being was the most important thing.

Truth- eternity was most important.

What are the lies surrounding your situation?

If it’s hard, it’s not worth it?

God has abandoned me.

God doesn’t care.

This is bad for me- Can’t be.

All things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purposes.

Jesus promises us there will be trouble in the world, but He overcame the world.

Your troubles therefore are in submission to Jesus.

Eternity- breaks us out of being stuck in this situation.

Ponder on eternity with me.

What would happen if you laughed at the struggle?