From Expectation to Realization

Moving out from Antioch, they started to experience many amazing things about God’s working beyond anything they had hitherto known.  But the encounter in Pisidian Antioch was greater than anticipated! An incredible event beyond the focus or expectations of any in the city! What a great means of going viral in the first century. (Chinese Whispers?) The news got around! God is moving!

There are two results that can occur when God shows up and people are convicted of sin:

1. Sin is defeated
   1. They confess and repent leading to forgiveness and salvation 
   2. The overwhelming release of freedom from sin is critical to a future life with Jesus
   3. The Joy that is unspeakable and full of Glory
   4. The transformation and wonderment of rebirth and the newness of life with Jesus
   5. The desire to serve and help others, moving towards a boldness in faith
   6. A desire to grow in faith
2. Sin is not defeated
   1. The heart hardens
   2. Sin rises to the surface and is visible in different ways: anger, hatred, fear, aggression, jealousy, control, power struggle, envy, greed etc.
3. There is joy! Regardless of the consequences, the overwhelming response is: God is greater and eternal!  
   1. In either case, God has shown up and those who encounter him are confronted with His Spirit 
   2. The victory is secure and cannot be overwhelmed by attacks
   3. The clarity of right and wrong becomes evident
   4. Our surrender to Jesus is to submit to the one who knows us and all things best leading to even greater things.
4. Who is the One you submit to? The author of sin or the author of life?