Embracing Unorthodox Faith for Miraculous Transformation
Summary
In today's message, we explored the concept of being an "unorthodox church," drawing inspiration from Acts chapter 5. The early church was characterized by its powerful, spontaneous, and miraculous nature, which was contrary to the traditional and expected norms of their time. This unorthodox approach led to explosive growth and a vibrant community of believers who lived with an eternal perspective, expecting the miraculous as a regular part of their gatherings.
We examined why the modern church often looks different from the New Testament church. While cultural, technological, and political differences play a role, the core issue lies in the church's tendency to conform to societal norms rather than embracing the unorthodox nature of the early church. The early believers defied conventional religious practices, lived with unorthodox faith, and expected God to move powerfully among them.
The message challenges us to return to this unorthodox approach, focusing on the mission to reach lost people and not being afraid to expect the miraculous. We must not compromise on preaching the truth and allowing the Holy Spirit to move freely. The church's primary mission is evangelism, and we are called to be bold witnesses of Jesus, sharing the new life that He offers.
We also heard a powerful testimony of God's healing power, reminding us that miracles still happen today. The story of Kevin Deloney, who experienced a heart attack during church and was miraculously healed, serves as a testament to God's continued work among us. This reinforces the call to be an unorthodox church that expects and embraces the miraculous.
In conclusion, we are encouraged to break free from the constraints of traditionalism and embrace the unorthodox nature of the early church. By doing so, we can experience the power of the Holy Spirit and see lives transformed. Let us be bold in our faith, unafraid to step out and share the gospel with those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unorthodox Faith and Expectation: The early church operated with an unorthodox faith, expecting the miraculous as a regular occurrence. This challenges us to break free from traditional constraints and embrace a faith that anticipates God's powerful intervention in our lives and communities. [07:06]
2. The Mission of Evangelism: The primary mission of the church is evangelism, as emphasized by the angel's charge to the apostles in Acts 5. We are called to boldly proclaim the new life that Jesus offers, without fear or hesitation, and to focus on reaching lost souls. [11:12]
3. Embracing the Miraculous: We must not be afraid to expect and embrace the miraculous in our gatherings. The testimony of Kevin Deloney's healing serves as a reminder that God still performs miracles today, and we should come to church with an expectation of His power at work. [13:58]
4. Breaking Free from Conformity: The modern church often conforms to societal norms, losing sight of its unorthodox calling. We are challenged to break free from this conformity, allowing the Holy Spirit to move freely and powerfully among us, just as in the early church. [22:41]
5. Personal Responsibility in Sharing the Gospel: Each believer has a personal responsibility to share the gospel and be a witness of Jesus. We are encouraged to be bold in our faith, stepping out to share our testimony and lead others to Christ, even if it means being unorthodox in our approach. [38:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:27] - Introduction to Acts 5
- [03:16] - The Unorthodox Church
- [04:26] - Defining Unorthodox
- [05:12] - Early Church vs. Modern Church
- [07:06] - Unorthodox Faith and Miracles
- [08:21] - Opposition from Religious Leaders
- [09:34] - Angelic Intervention
- [11:12] - The Mission to Evangelize
- [12:17] - Expecting the Miraculous
- [13:58] - Testimony of Healing
- [16:04] - The Call to Evangelism
- [19:05] - The Great Commission
- [21:13] - Explosive Growth in Acts
- [22:41] - Embracing the Unorthodox
- [24:22] - Personal Stories and Challenges
- [25:48] - The Need for Unorthodox Faith
- [28:13] - Returning to the Early Church Model
- [30:32] - Practical Steps for Evangelism
- [33:10] - The Call to Action
- [34:38] - A Prayer for Boldness
- [35:54] - The Cry for Something Real
- [36:48] - The Challenge to Be Unorthodox
- [38:02] - Personal Responsibility in Witnessing
- [39:42] - Willingness to Be Unorthodox
- [43:21] - Baptism and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing the Unorthodox Church
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 5:12-20
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#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the miraculous signs and wonders performed by the apostles as described in Acts 5:12-16? How did these acts impact the community? [03:16]
2. According to the sermon, what does the term "unorthodox" mean in the context of the early church, and how did the early believers embody this? [04:26]
3. What was the reaction of the religious leaders to the apostles' unorthodox actions, and how did they attempt to stop them? [09:34]
4. How did the angel's message to the apostles in Acts 5:20 emphasize the mission of evangelism? [11:12]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of an "unorthodox church" challenge the modern church's tendency to conform to societal norms? What might be the benefits and challenges of adopting such an approach? [05:12]
2. In what ways does the testimony of Kevin Deloney's healing serve as a reminder of God's power and presence in the church today? How can this influence the faith of believers? [13:58]
3. The sermon mentions the early church's expectation of the miraculous. How can modern believers cultivate a similar expectation in their spiritual lives and church communities? [12:17]
4. What does it mean to have a personal responsibility in sharing the gospel, and how can believers overcome the fear of being unorthodox in their approach? [38:02]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own church experience. In what ways does it align with or differ from the unorthodox nature of the early church as described in Acts 5? How can you encourage your church to embrace more of the early church's characteristics? [05:12]
2. Consider a time when you witnessed or experienced a miraculous event. How did it impact your faith, and how can you share this testimony to encourage others in your community? [13:58]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of evangelism. Identify one person in your life who is not a believer. What specific steps can you take this week to share the new life that Jesus offers with them? [11:12]
4. How can you personally break free from conformity and allow the Holy Spirit to move more freely in your life? What practical changes can you make to foster a more unorthodox faith? [22:41]
5. Think about a situation where you felt hesitant to share your faith or pray for someone in need. What held you back, and how can you prepare yourself to respond more boldly in the future? [38:02]
6. The sermon challenges believers to focus on the mission of evangelism rather than personal preferences. How can you shift your focus from being a religious consumer to being a proactive participant in your church's mission? [18:22]
7. Reflect on the story of the pastor's wife who no longer attends church. How can you be a source of healing and encouragement to those who have been hurt by the church? What actions can you take to demonstrate the love of Christ to them? [24:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Unorthodox Faith
The early church was marked by an unorthodox faith that defied societal norms and expectations. This faith was not bound by tradition but was characterized by a vibrant expectation of God's miraculous intervention in their lives. The believers in Acts chapter 5 lived with an eternal perspective, anticipating the miraculous as a regular part of their gatherings. This unorthodox approach led to explosive growth and a dynamic community of believers. Today, we are challenged to break free from traditional constraints and embrace a faith that anticipates God's powerful intervention in our lives and communities. By doing so, we open ourselves to experiencing the same transformative power that the early church witnessed. [07:06]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to break free from traditional thinking and embrace a faith that expects God's miraculous intervention? How can you begin to cultivate this expectation today?
Day 2: The Bold Mission of Evangelism
The primary mission of the church is evangelism, as highlighted by the angel's charge to the apostles in Acts 5. The early believers were called to boldly proclaim the new life that Jesus offers, without fear or hesitation. This mission remains unchanged today. We are called to focus on reaching lost souls and sharing the transformative message of the gospel. In a world that often pressures us to conform, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to evangelism, boldly witnessing to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. [11:12]
2 Timothy 4:2-5 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you feel called to share the gospel with? What steps can you take this week to initiate a conversation about the new life that Jesus offers?
Day 3: Expecting the Miraculous
The testimony of Kevin Deloney's healing serves as a powerful reminder that God still performs miracles today. The early church expected the miraculous as a regular occurrence, and we are encouraged to do the same. When we gather as a community of believers, we should come with an expectation of God's power at work among us. This expectation is not based on wishful thinking but on the reality of God's continued presence and activity in our lives. By embracing the miraculous, we open ourselves to experiencing God's transformative power in ways we may have never imagined. [13:58]
Mark 16:17-18 (ESV): "And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
Reflection: What is one area in your life or community where you need to expect and embrace the miraculous? How can you begin to cultivate an attitude of expectation in your gatherings with other believers?
Day 4: Breaking Free from Conformity
The modern church often conforms to societal norms, losing sight of its unorthodox calling. The early church defied conventional religious practices and allowed the Holy Spirit to move freely and powerfully among them. Today, we are challenged to break free from conformity and embrace the unorthodox nature of the early church. By doing so, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, leading to transformed lives and communities. This requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unique calling that God has placed on our lives. [22:41]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: In what ways have you conformed to societal norms in your faith journey? What steps can you take to break free from this conformity and allow the Holy Spirit to move more freely in your life?
Day 5: Personal Responsibility in Sharing the Gospel
Each believer has a personal responsibility to share the gospel and be a witness of Jesus. The early church was characterized by bold witnesses who were unafraid to share their testimony and lead others to Christ. Today, we are encouraged to be bold in our faith, stepping out to share the gospel with those around us. This may require an unorthodox approach, but it is essential to fulfilling our calling as followers of Christ. By taking personal responsibility for sharing the gospel, we participate in God's mission to reach lost souls and transform lives. [38:02]
1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can take personal responsibility for sharing the gospel this week? How can you prepare yourself to be a bold witness of Jesus in your daily interactions?
Quotes
1. "Reading the book of Acts, and I came upon chapter five, and you know how you have those moments where you just feel something, and the Lord just kind of speaks to you, and I felt like the Lord spoke to me while I was doing my devotional reading, and wanted me to come home and spend some time in specifically in Acts chapter five for our church, and so I plan to preach from Acts chapter five for the next few weeks. How many of y 'all want to go on that journey with me, amen?" [00:01:27] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But why does the spiritual experience of most Christians today and even most churches today look so different than the experience of the church in the book of Acts? Come on. The early church defied the conventional and accepted religious practices of their day. The early church was very unorthodox with their expectations and their faith and even their giving, amen? The early church lived not just for the moment, but they lived and operated with an eternal perspective in mind." [00:06:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The angel said, I know you've been preaching. I know they threw you in jail. I know you've been faithful. Don't stop telling people about this new life that they can have and this new life that they can live. Amen? Come on, the wording from the angel was strong. If you go back and look in the original Greek, the word go, it means go now, immediately. The word stand means take your stand. Stand without reservation or hesitation. The word speak means proclaim, preach, teach, declare. Do it courageously. Do it boldly." [00:11:12] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Come on. When we come to church, we cannot be afraid of the miraculous. We cannot be afraid of the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot be afraid of the gifts of the Spirit. Come on. We ought to come to church and expect to lay hands on people and see them healed and delivered. Oh, come on. We ought to come to church and expect to see people's lives changed. We ought to come to church and expect to see addictions be broken, depression be lifted. Come on, somebody." [00:12:17] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our mission is to go and make disciples. And we cannot do that without going and standing and speaking into the lives of people. And we got to quit being afraid to be unorthodox. Because I'm going to tell you right now, this world is sick of orthodox Christianity. Status quo churches. Churches with no power. No diversity. No love. Come on. We're to carry on the work of Jesus. Jesus told us in Luke 19 .10 to seek and to save that which was lost. See, the early church understood their purposes clearly. They never lost sight of their calling to be unorthodox witnesses of Jesus. Everywhere that they went." [00:19:49] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "See, I want to remind us today that the way to multiply the kingdom of God and to see lives changed is not by stifling the moving of the Holy Spirit. Not by getting so scared that we won't worship or clap our hands or allow the Holy Spirit to have a spontaneous moment among us. Come on, somebody. We've got to quit worrying about church being so programmed that we program God right out of the service." [00:22:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We know how to mess up God's body. And the only thing that can fix God's body is the Holy Spirit. Amen. So I gave her a church card. I told her, I said, you travel a lot. Next time you come to Richmond, I want you to come to church and be my guest. Amen. And I hope she does. I hope you're watching me right now, sis." [00:25:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "But we've forgotten that it's about what the angel told Peter in Acts chapter 5. Tell people about the new life that they can live. Amen. Man, I wish I could tell you, folks, the stuff that we hear. Amen. Pastor, you need to preach more on politics. Pastor, don't say nothing about politics. Pastor, we need to sing more new worship songs. Pastor, we need to sing more traditional hymns. We need to sing more black gospel. Pastor, we need more maranatha. Pastor, we need more prayer. Pastor, we need... And we all get our own... I've heard it all. Many, many times. Amen." [00:26:28] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "unorthodox we gotta let the Holy Spirit do what the Holy Spirit wants to do among us we've fallen in love with the barn and we've lost sight of the fields we love the programs we love the building we love the music man don't get me wrong much to tell you right now I love all of this I love catchy sermon series I love great music I can't wait to put an LED wall up on this back wall y 'all see what I did there I just threw that out there don't worry we'll come back around to that next year amen I want it all I'm thankful that we've got technology that right now people that can't be at church are watching us right now online thank God can you imagine what the Apostles would have done with the technology that we have at our fingertips they turned their world upside down without the Internet you know what I'm saying without live streaming without keyboards amen I'm thankful for it all but folks we've got to not be afraid to be an out -of -the -box Church come on you can't if you can't remember the last time you invited somebody to church you need to pray God put that mission back in my spirit amen teenagers young adults I wanted to I taught my first 12 -week Bible study when I was 16 man I've been a for like two months. I didn't know nothing about the Bible." [00:28:19] (93 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Richmond does not need more religion we don't need more trendy churches come on with the latest and greatest of everything I already told you I love it all I want to have the best technology, the best musical instruments. I want us to be the best we can be. Amen? I love it all, but that cannot be our focus. We need to get back to the book of Acts." [00:32:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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