Embracing Unorthodox Faith: The Unstoppable Church
Summary
In our journey through the book of Acts, particularly chapter 5, we have been exploring the unorthodox nature of the early church. The New Testament church was marked by a powerful anointing and a demonstration of God's power that was contrary to the norms of their time. This series has been a call to embrace that same unorthodox spirit today. We have choices, like Ananias and Sapphira who disobeyed, or Peter and the apostles who chose to obey God over human authority. When Peter and the apostles were arrested for preaching in Jesus' name, they boldly declared, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."
The story of Gamaliel, a Pharisee who advised the high council to leave the apostles alone, is pivotal. He recognized that if their work was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, it could not be stopped. This truth remains today: God's church cannot be stopped. The early church experienced miraculous signs, healings, and deliverance, and despite opposition, they thrived. The same power and presence of God are available to us now. We are reminded that the church is not a political organization or a business; it is the body of Christ, His hands, feet, and voice in this generation.
Opposition will come, but it is merely that—opposition. We must not mistake it for anything more. The church is a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a special people. Our purpose is to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are empowered to overcome bondage, addiction, temptation, and trials. The church is unstoppable because it is an extension of God Himself, who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. His word stands forever, and His promises are unshakeable.
As we face challenges, we must focus on God's promises and the mission of the church. We are called to live out our faith boldly, trusting in God's plan for our lives. The church, both universal and personal, is a testament to God's enduring power and presence. We are the church, and we cannot be stopped.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unorthodox Faith: The early church was marked by an unorthodox faith that defied societal norms. This same spirit is needed today as we choose to obey God over human authority, trusting in His power and presence to guide us. [01:58]
2. God's Unstoppable Plan: Gamaliel's wisdom reminds us that if something is from God, it cannot be stopped. This truth encourages us to trust in God's plan for our lives and His church, knowing that His purposes will prevail despite opposition. [04:55]
3. The Church's Unique Identity: The church is not just an institution; it is the body of Christ, chosen and anointed to proclaim the gospel. Our identity as a royal priesthood and holy nation empowers us to live out our faith boldly and impactfully. [10:08]
4. Enduring Promises: God's word and promises are eternal and unshakeable. We are called to focus on His promises and the mission of the church, knowing that His word will stand forever and His church will prevail. [17:06]
5. Personal and Collective Calling: Each of us is part of the church, called to live out our faith and fulfill God's plan for our lives. We are empowered to overcome challenges and proclaim His light to the world, knowing that we cannot be stopped. [26:21]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:58] - Gamaliel's Wisdom
[04:55] - The Unstoppable Church
[07:05] - Opposition and Faith
[08:59] - Revival and Awakening
[10:08] - The Church's Identity
[11:23] - Power of Corporate Prayer
[12:34] - Facing Attacks
[13:20] - Focus on God's Promises
[14:09] - God's Eternal Nature
[16:10] - Trust Beyond Politics
[17:06] - Enduring Word of God
[18:55] - Personal Promises
[21:16] - Trusting God's Path
[23:25] - Unstoppable Plan for Your Life
[25:05] - The Church's Unique Role
[26:21] - Chosen Generation
[28:02] - Power Over Trials
[30:06] - Personal Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 5:26-39
- 1 Peter 2:9
- Isaiah 40:8
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the response of Peter and the apostles when confronted by the high council for preaching in Jesus' name? How did they justify their actions? [01:58]
2. How did Gamaliel advise the high council regarding the apostles, and what reasoning did he provide for his advice? [04:55]
3. What were some of the miraculous signs and wonders performed by the apostles as described in Acts chapter 5? [07:05]
4. According to the sermon, what is the unique identity of the church, and how is it described in 1 Peter 2:9? [25:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Gamaliel's advice to the high council reflect a broader principle about discerning God's work in the world? What implications does this have for how we view movements within the church today? [04:55]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's identity as a "royal priesthood" and "holy nation" empowers believers to live out their faith? How might this understanding impact one's personal faith journey? [25:05]
3. The sermon emphasizes that God's word and promises are eternal and unshakeable. How does this belief influence the way believers face challenges and opposition in their lives? [17:06]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of opposition in the life of the church and individual believers? How should believers respond to opposition according to the sermon? [10:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between obeying God and following human authority. How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it? [01:58]
2. Gamaliel's wisdom suggests that if something is from God, it cannot be stopped. How can this perspective encourage you to trust in God's plan for your life, even when facing uncertainty or opposition? [04:55]
3. The sermon describes the church as the body of Christ, chosen to proclaim the gospel. How can you actively participate in this mission within your community or workplace? [25:05]
4. Consider the enduring nature of God's promises as highlighted in the sermon. What specific promise from God are you holding onto in this season of your life, and how does it give you hope? [17:06]
5. The sermon calls believers to live out their faith boldly. What is one area of your life where you feel called to be more bold in your faith, and what steps can you take to act on this calling? [26:21]
6. How can you support and encourage others in your church community to embrace their identity as a "chosen generation" and "royal priesthood"? What practical actions can you take to foster this understanding? [25:05]
7. Reflect on the idea that the church is unstoppable because it is an extension of God Himself. How does this truth impact your view of the church's role in the world and your personal role within the church? [14:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Unorthodox Faith
The early church in Acts 5 was characterized by a faith that defied societal norms and expectations. This unorthodox faith was not just about believing differently but living in a way that prioritized obedience to God over human authority. Ananias and Sapphira serve as a cautionary tale of disobedience, while Peter and the apostles exemplify the courage to stand firm in their convictions, even when faced with arrest and persecution. Their declaration, "We must obey God rather than any human authority," is a powerful reminder of the call to live out our faith boldly. Today, we are invited to embrace this same spirit of unorthodox faith, trusting in God's power and presence to guide us. [01:58]
Acts 5:29-32 (ESV): "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to step out in unorthodox faith, even if it means going against societal norms or expectations?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Unstoppable Plan
Gamaliel's wisdom in advising the high council to leave the apostles alone highlights a profound truth: if something is from God, it cannot be stopped. This insight encourages us to trust in God's plan for our lives and His church, knowing that His purposes will prevail despite any opposition we may face. The early church thrived amidst persecution because they were aligned with God's unstoppable plan. Today, we are reminded that God's work in our lives and His church is unstoppable, and we are called to trust in His divine plan, even when circumstances seem challenging. [04:55]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's unstoppable plan, even when faced with uncertainty or opposition?
Day 3: Understanding the Church's Unique Identity
The church is not merely an institution; it is the body of Christ, chosen and anointed to proclaim the gospel. This unique identity as a royal priesthood and holy nation empowers believers to live out their faith boldly and impactfully. The early church understood their role as the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in their generation, and they thrived despite opposition. Today, we are called to embrace our identity as the church, recognizing that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. Our purpose is to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. [10:08]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you live out your identity as part of the body of Christ in a way that boldly proclaims His light to those around you?
Day 4: Holding Fast to Enduring Promises
God's word and promises are eternal and unshakeable. The early church experienced miraculous signs, healings, and deliverance because they held fast to God's promises and focused on the mission of the church. Despite opposition, they thrived because they trusted in the enduring nature of God's word. Today, we are reminded that God's promises remain true, and His word will stand forever. As we face challenges, we are called to focus on His promises, knowing that His church will prevail and His purposes will be accomplished. [17:06]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: What specific promise from God's word can you hold onto today as you navigate the challenges you are facing?
Day 5: Embracing Personal and Collective Calling
Each of us is part of the church, called to live out our faith and fulfill God's plan for our lives. The early church thrived because they understood their collective calling as the body of Christ, and they were empowered to overcome challenges and proclaim His light to the world. Today, we are reminded that we are the church, and we cannot be stopped. We are empowered to overcome bondage, addiction, temptation, and trials, knowing that we are part of God's unstoppable plan. As we embrace our personal and collective calling, we are invited to live out our faith boldly and impactfully. [26:21]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can embrace your personal calling as part of the church this week, and how can you contribute to the collective mission of the body of Christ?
Quotes
"We all know that what happened in those early days of the book of Acts, it was special, wasn't it? There was a great anointing on the church. There was a great demonstration of the power of God. The New Testament church was unorthodox. Amen." [00:00:27] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. Amen. You might even find yourself fighting against God." [00:04:19] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Just like Judas, just like Judas the Galilean, it's going to end up being nothing. And he said, but if this is from God, hallelujah, you're not going to be able to stop it, and you're going to find yourself fighting against God himself." [00:07:49] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"With anything good, there's always forces that are in opposition to what God wants to do. Amen? There's people, there's even religious people, that they don't want to see the advancement of the kingdom like that. Amen? We don't do church like that." [00:09:47] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because if it's of man, it will fail. But if it's of God, it will come to pass. And you don't want to be standing in the way. Anyway, and let me personalize this for just a moment. Don't fight against what God is doing in your life." [00:13:46] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God's church can't be stopped because his word cannot be stopped. I want to tell somebody here today, I want to make this personal for you. God gave you a word for your life." [00:17:58] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"See, the church is the most unique entity on the earth because God's church's body has been chosen, called, anointed to proclaim the greatest message ever, the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. We cannot be stopped." [00:25:20] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Your purpose is to let this generation see the light of Christ in your life. And to let them see this is what the called out life looks like. It's not perfect. It's not always easy. But it's blessed." [00:28:05] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God's church, the body of, not just the universal body of Christ around the world. Not just the local church. And we need all that. Amen. We need the local body as well. But here's what I want to make. You are the church." [00:30:23] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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