CCF Weekly Services Podcast

The Apostles raised up a group of men for the ministry they were called to. The Holy Spirit's work in their hearts called them to it. The example of Jesus informed them of how and why to do it. And their faithfulness in that ministry equipped them with the ability to answer challenges to it.

1. Ministry is service to people through God.

2. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God are the only reasons we have anything meaningful to offer in ministry.

3. The Christian life doesn't have an off-switch.

Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Jesus didn't speak this to an audience that didn't understand exactly what was meant. In scripture, we're told exactly what this looks like in action.

1. The heart of God was demonstrated when His Son was sent to the world for the redemption of people that hated Him.

2. The love of God is unique from the love of this world if for no other reason than the fact it lasts forever.

3. Understanding the love of God is founded on understanding the character of Jesus.

Loving yourself isn't a sin. It's an assumption. The question is if that love is lived out the way God intended it to. People who glorify themselves without seeing any need for correction are proud and self-deceived. People who criticize themselves without pursuing any self-improvement are just as proud being set in their ways. The key to self-love is correctability.

1. The greatest obstacle between yourself and spiritual growth is you.

2. The mistake of avoiding self examination is just as damaging as being willing to criticize yourself without correction.

3. The unexamined life is not worth living, but the unlived life is not worth examining.

The reason we are called to love one another is because it is the purpose for which we were created. We model the heart of God based of the example of its source. This is demonstrated through correction, patience, and most of all, forgiveness.

1. Love is a willingness to seek another person's benefit even at personal cost.

2. Correction is a legitimate form of love despite being despised by the world.

3. Love in practice was modeled by its true example, Jesus of Nazareth.

The Apostles resolve the first internal struggle of many in the Early Church. Through prayer, a healthy understanding of scripture, and surrounding themselves with people of character, the crisis was resolved as quickly as it arrived. Individually, we do our leaders and teachers a favor by learning to resolve conflict on our own in private. Universally, we can be thankful the Holy Spirit is always one step ahead of our immaturity.

1. Servants aren’t above their service, but they need to be wise concerning their time.

2. Character is the number 1 qualifier for ministry.

3. Ministry is an overflow of what God is already doing in your life.

Ezekiel is called to be a priest to Israel despite being separated from the Temple. He observes what customs he can in preparation. And in the midst of all of them, he’s reminded of the same thing we all need to remember when sharing God’s Word. It’s not a matter of if, but when we have the opportunity. It’s not a matter of what we have to say, but what God’s Word says. And it’s not a matter of results, but eliminating excuses people have to dismiss God.

1. Everyone who belongs to Christ has also been called to represent Him in this world.

2. Until God gives us something better to share with people than His Word, stick to the Bible.

3. The time and the place to share the gospel is when you find someone willing to listen.

The Apostle Peter stands up to the threats and abuse of the Sanhedrin as an example of what makes someone a genuine follower of Jesus. They not only withstood persecution and stuck to the Word of God. Their enemies were resentful of the fact that God was working through them. In dismissing the work of God at work in front of them for later or violently seeking to silence people telling them uncomfortable truths, the Apostles were wronged for doing what is right. The only comfort that supported them was all that they needed. They were being treated that way for acting like Jesus.

1. People who act like Jesus and talk like Him will be treated like He was.

2. People who oppose Jesus the most passionately are those who are often found in circles bearing His name.

3. The difference between a true and false follower of Christ is a daily decision to make Him a priority over yourself.