Ephesians 4:15 speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.

 

Yesterday we determined God’s Pattern for sermons. It is found in Peter’s first sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Although Peter was speaking to a very large group of unbelieving Jews, he delivered the Truth as the Holy Spirit gave it to him. The result was phenomenal! Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:41)

 

God loves all people and it is His Will that all be saved by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord is not slack concerning His Promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

 

As Peter stood on the Temple grounds that day, he and his small group of believers were by far in the minority. Thousands of unbelieving Jews were congregated there that day to celebrate the Feast Day and Peter stood up and began to preach to them.

 

Peter had no sound system or microphone. Nor did he have a stage or platform to stand on to elevate him above the crowd. What he had was the Power of the Holy Spirit of God in him and he gave himself up as a vessel to be used to further the Gospel of Christ. He spoke what the Holy Spirit gave him which was, and will always be, the Truth spoken in love; the Love of God for all people.

 

There were thousands of lost souls there that day when Peter began to preach. When he was finished, approximately 3,000 Jews gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ! This is the result when God’s Pattern is adhered to.

 

God’s Purpose is to build His Kingdom and He will use anyone who is willing to accomplish that goal. The Calling on our lives and every Gift we have been given is for that purpose and that purpose alone. We are not Called and Gifted to build our own personal empires. Unfortunately, that is what we find in many (if not most) churches today.

 

Every congregation of believers (no matter what name they give themselves) should exist to build the Kingdom of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Finished Work on the Cross of Calvary. There is no other purpose. God has set forth His Pattern and Order for His Church. All we have to do is surrender to His Call on our lives and follow His Pattern.

 

 

God’s Pattern will……….turn the tide……..in the whole world.

 

Surrendered and following,         Doreen

 

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