Resource Details

Scriptures Used
Matthew 4:17 (NIV 84); Matthew 5:1 – 10, 22, 28, 32, 40, 44 (NIV 84);
Matthew 6:3 – 4, 6, 15, 24 (NIV 84); Matthew 7:21; 2 Timothy 2: 20 – 21 (NIV 84)

Message Notes:

Repent = Change your mind

"With a new ruler comes a new set of rules, a new economy, new hope, new destiny, new values, new justice, new vision, new identity, new responsibilities, new privileges, new rewards, and a new day."  Buddy Owens

"Not what I have, but what I have not, is the first point of contact, between my soul and God." Charles Spurgeon

5 Distinctives of the Early Church
From Tim Keller

1. The early church was multi-racial and experienced a unity across ethnic boundaries that was startling.
2. The early church was a community of forgiveness and reconciliation.

ACTION PLAN: The early church were eyewitnesses to the death and resurrection of Jesus and so they were deeply aware that it provided forgiveness from God and reconciliation to him to those who believed. Since God has forgiven you of so much, how much more should you also forgive those that have hurt you. If you are still experiencing hurt stemming from an action of another person, choose to forgive them and be reconciled. Ask God to heal your heart of the hurt and give you the grace towards that person to offer forgiveness. Consider attending Celebrate Recovery to help in healing your hurts. www.celebraterecovery.com.

3. The early church was famous for its hospitality to the poor and the suffering.
4. It was a community committed to the sanctity of life.
5. It was a sexual counterculture.

"Christianity radically asserted that your faith in Christ became your new, deepest identity, while at the same time not effacing or wiping out your race, class, and gender. Instead, your relationship to Christ demoted them to second place."  Tim Keller

There is power in a consecrated church.

Next Steps:
Read Matthew 5–7 and Romans 12 this week.
Ask yourself, "Where does my life not currently align with the way of Jesus?"

ACTION PLAN: To prepare yourself for what God wants to teach you through the next sermon series, "Be Transformed", this week read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 through 7 and Romans 12 every day. While reading those chapters, ask yourself the question, "Where does my life not currently align with the way of Jesus. Use a journal to record what you learn from these chapters.