Vision Sunday
Text: Acts 4:13-22
Message: “A Christ Centered People”
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“Nostalgia for the past and fear for the future are equally out of place for the Christian. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!” — Lesslie Newbigin
- A Clear Connection (v. 13)
“Now 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.”
Acts 4:13
- A Distinct Difference (v. 14-17)
“But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” — Acts 4:14-17
- A Greater Guide (v. 18-22)
“So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.”— Acts 4:18-22
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10
TAKEAWAYS: What’s next? Our focus as a church is on being…
- Outward, not Inward
“Do we really believe God is pleased when we focus on spiritual needs to the neglect of the physical, mental, and social needs of our neighborhoods?”
— Jonathan Brooks
- Aligned, not Misaligned
- Equipping, not Holding
- Sending, not Keeping