"They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers." Acts 1:14
The Early Church:
*Anointed and Full of the Holy Spirit
*Preached the Word Boldy
*Miracles, Signs and Wonders
*1000s saved and were being added to their numbers
*One purpose
What changed?
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
We've dropped the ball somewhere along the linee because Jesus Christ hasn't Changed. The Father and the Spirit haven't changed. God's gifts are still perfect.
Maybe we've slidden away from having passion for Christ into man made stuff, rules and regulations.
We need to go back before we can go forward.
"How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore." Psalm 133:1-3
Unity is anointed.
They were unified in prayer. Have faith. Have belief -- Pray with faith.
"He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."
2 Chronicles 20:15
God, do your will. Praying this is part of our worship.
"When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them." Acts 4:24
All prayed. All worshipped.
How often do we pray, "God use us"?
How often do we ask God to let His power come through us? Our prayer needs to be purposeful and directional.
We need to be united in vision and purpose.
Our church needs to be a place where:
-- we worship in Spirit and in truth.
-- We grow and become more like Jesus.
-- We encourage and build each other up.
-- We minister and serve.
Reach out to the lost no matter the cost!
Some people have no hpe. We can give them hope. If we're truly heart-broken about someone, we will reach out. If you see pain and hurting, bring them to Jesus.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one-- 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23
Like heart, like mind, like action.
Do we have this relationship with Jesus? Do we share?
Endless pot of blessing to share.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19
We don't have time to be tired. Our role is to preach the gospel and make disciples. If I want it done I must do it.