James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

If we are to fulfill God’s purposes in life We have to increase our capacity to face difficulties

X. They Faced the Deep Distress and Disruption of Discrimination.

Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them. ”When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8:1-3 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Acts 8:4-5 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.

Acts 7:57-58  At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 8:1 …On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.Acts 8:3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison

Eph. 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

1Pet. 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

John 16:33 …In this world you will have trouble.

Jn 15:19-21 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace In this world you will have trouble. BUT take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In Every Adversity

Gen 5:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Acts 8:1 … On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.7-8 With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.So there was great joy in that city.

1John 4:4 …greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

If we are to fulfill God’s purposes in life we have to increase our capacity to face difficulties

“God, I don’t love hard times but I love that you are increasing my capacity to face hard times.”

I. They Faced the difficult Stress of Vital Decisions

II. They Faced the harsh Disappointment of Misunderstanding

III. They Faced the Huge Responsibility that Comes from Successful Outcomes

IV. They Faced the extreme Messiness of Human Suffering

V. They Faced the Harsh Pressure of Surprising Opposition

VI. They Faced the Sobering consequences of Insincerity

VII. They Faced the illogical injustice of Jealous intentions

VIII. They faced the inevitable Challenges to meet demands that accompany growth

Acts 6:1-6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:47b …And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 5:14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

Acts 2: 44-45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

Acts 6:2 Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

Col. 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Acts 6:7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Complained - Greek root (goggysmos)

John 7:12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering (goggysmos) about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.”

Phil. 2:14 Do everything without complaining (goggysmos) or arguing

1Pet. 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (goggysmos)

John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The Challenges of today are preparation for the challenges tomorrow.

We increase our capacity to face challenges by working through issues and avoiding bitterness and defensiveness.

In every uncertainty comes an opportunity to grow and improve.

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

If we are to fulfill God’s purposes in life We have to increase our capacity to face hardships

God uses hardship today to increase our capacity to face hardship tomorrow.

“God, I don’t love hard times but I love that you are increasing my capacity to face hard times.”

I. They Faced the difficult Stress of Vital Decisions

II. They Faced the harsh Disappointment of Misunderstanding

III. They Faced the Huge Responsibility that Comes from Successful Outcomes

IV. They Faced the extreme Messiness of Human Suffering

V. They Faced the Harsh Pressure of Surprising Opposition. They turned Opposition into an opportunity to Share Truth

VI. They Faced the Sobering consequences of Insincerity

Acts 5:2-9 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”   Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?

Acts 4:37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Insincere Defined: the quality of not expressing genuine feelings

1 Cor. 11:31-32 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

Reveal your pain

Face any lie you have believed from that experience

VII. They Faced the illogical injustice of Jealous intentions

Acts 5:12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.

Acts 5:17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.

18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

Jealousy Defined: resentment of someone enjoying success or advantage fear of losing something you feel is yours (rightly or wrongly) to someone else

Gal. 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

other focused - comparison

Self focused

James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 

kept a kingdom perspective

They focused on gratitude not their injury

1 Pet 3:17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

1. Turn from our focus on self & self ambition

2. Be willing to confront our actions and bring them in alignment with God’s design.

3. Look to God for affirmation.

4. Rejoice in the success of others (When God’s Kingdom wins, we all win).

Handling hardship from the Book of Acts

If we are to fulfill God’s purposes in life we have to increase our capacity to face hardships

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test. he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Rom. 5:3

"Loss and hardships are unavoidable in life, however, "how" we deal with our pain is what will make us or break us.” - Melanie Willard.

I. They Faced the Stress of Vital Decisions

a. They faced the issue before them

b. They consulted one another

c. They consulted God

d. They took action

II. They Faced the Disappointment of Misunderstanding

Acts 2:13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine. ”Once again God shows up and the first thing to emerge is ridicule!

a. They kept focused on speaking truth.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect -1 Pet. 3:15

You do your part and let people do what they will and let God work.

b.  They Served and Loved in spite of the Misunderstanding

III. They Faced the Responsibility that Comes from Successful Outcomes

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Acts 2: 41

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19-20

IV. They Faced the Messiness of Human Suffering

Acts 3:2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.

Matt. 26:11 The poor you will always have with you

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.

We believe in alleviating poverty but we believe the highest form of alleviation is introducing someone to Christ who raises them up with new purpose, faith, and hope for both now and eternity!

V. They Faced the Pressure of Surprising Opposition.

Acts 4:1-3 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed ... 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.

They acted with Courage and reliance upon God

a. They turned Opposition into an opportunity to Share Truth

b. They Shared the Burden of Opposition with the Church

c. They Asked God for boldness to speak not a back door to escape

d. They Depended on the Holy Spirit - they prayed

Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Be patient in discipleship

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:30-31

22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ - Matthew 7:22-23

Jesus taught his disciples:

Discipleship:

Part 3 of Jesus' teachings "All I've Commanded You"

`...teach them to obey all I commanded you' - Jesus, Matthew 28

Repent, Remember, Pray

Be Perfect

"You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" - Matthew 5:48

Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

Don't Be Anxious

John 17:3 "and this is eternal life - to know the one true God and Jesus Christ who he has sent"

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

What does Jesus command?

Matthew 4:17 – Repent for the Kingdom of heaven has come near

Repent: To change your mind, understanding or focus.

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. - Matthew 3:8

Flexibility is the new superpower - Carey Neuhoff

Our Father in Heaven hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For it is your Kingdom, Power, and Glory, Forever and Ever, Amen.

What is God saying to you?

Matt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Rom 8:29 “… to be conformed to the image of his Son ..."

Is. 6:5   “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips …

Is 64:5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? 6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. 7 No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins. 8 Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people.

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins …

Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Is 53:4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering…

Is 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Psa. 99:9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.

Heb. 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

1Pet. 1:15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Acts 10:34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.

Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death…

2 Cor. 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Rom. 3:23 says: “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

…’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ Matt 6:9-10

Acts 1:3 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

Acts 28:23   They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

Matt. 4:23a Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom …

… Jason has welcomed them (Paul and Silas) into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” Acts 17:7

Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 19:8   Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.

Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

John 3:3   … “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

Matt. 4:17   From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God —

…’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ Matt 6:9-10