Operation Holy Land 10 - Plastic People

When we are witnessing to “religious” people, Stephen’s response is a good model for us to follow.

They know the bible, they have heard the words. It is time to make it real.

Operation Holy land 9 - Positions

The way we chose people for a job is not how Christ choses people for ministry.

Our way is to look at someones skill set and give them a role that uses those skills. Gods way is to look at where someone is spiritually, then he gives them the skills needed for the task he has in mind. He may be preparing you for a task already, building those skills, but it is your spiritual life that is key, not your skill set.

God does uses farmers to grow food, musicians to play music, and so on, but faith comes first.

Operation Holy Land 8 - The mission

Jesus gave a mission to the disciples just before he left for heaven, his last words on Earth.  The same purpose is passed on to us.

Matthew 28:19-20  

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Operation Holy Land 7 - Visitation

Are you doing enough for Christ to annoy people? If not, then you probably aren't doing enough, or saying anything. I am likely to be arrested for preaching Christ? I doubt it, because the authorities of London have no idea that I am even preaching! Of course it is not our aim to grow notoriety, but it is always true that if you say nothing then you will upset no-one.

Operation Holy Land 5 - Boldness

Some of us are bold in speaking, but don’t know what to say. Some are not so bold, and don’t speak. In the end who bears witness to the greatness of God?

Ephesians 6:18-20

18)  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19)  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20)  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

It was very much on Paul’s heart, the same issue. He desired to speak boldly, and more than that, we need not just to open our mouths, but to make known the gospel.

Operation Holy Land - Facing persecution

Acts 4:13

13)  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Change

Composition

Courage

Commitment

Can people see that you have been with Jesus?

Operation Holy Land 3 - God's power, Man's witness

On a spiritual level this man’s life is the same as every living person in history. From birth we come into the world crippled and helpless.

Day after day we face life without Christ. Sitting at the gates of the Temple (Heaven) but unable to enter. Some never even go near, but others are seeking God. Like this man physically did, sitting as close as he could get to God’s presence, yet he could not get in by himself.

It is not in our power to gain entrance into God’s presence.

Ephesians 2:8-9

8)  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Unfortunately the last five minutes of this sermon did not record, however it is simply that the result was witness. Over five thousand were now in the church as a result of this demonstration of power.