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Key Verse: Acts 1, 2

2 Timothy 3:16

1 Corinthians 10:11

Everything that happened to people in Scripture happened as an example for us.   

We are living in a very strange time.  Everything is changing. Some change is good, some not so good.  Many people cannot handle change.

Ice-breaker:

Q. How well do you deal with change?

The Antichrist is more visible and active now than in the past.  We see darkness covering the earth but the people of God will shine brighter.  The early Church was birthed in difficult days, many gave their lives for the Gospel’s sake and the true Church of Jesus Christ has never had it easy.  However, the Church was birthed in power.  These were ordinary people: carpenters, fisherman, housewives who shined out of the darkness.  Under those people the Church grew and multiplied as Jesus’s name was lifted high.  The early Church is our model. The Scriptures are a blueprint of how the Church is to function.  Our future is in our past.  On the day of Pentecost, Peter was changed by the power of God, filled with he Holy Spirit and spoke to the large multitude of people.

5 Keys How to Overcome the Enemy and Experience Victory

1. There Must Be Unity Among the People of God

Acts 1:14

They received the Holy Spirit together and were united in one accord.

We must have one mind, one Spirit, one vision, and one goal.  We are living in a day where discipline needs to return to the House of God.  Everyone has their own opinion today, but it is not about our agenda or our vision but it is about God’s vision.  The early Church had no platforms, or pews.  We are not called to be spectators, we are to apply the Word of God to our lives and be missionaries wherever we go.  We are believer Priests (1 Peter 2:9).

Q. What personal experience can you share regarding dis-unity among Christians and how what did you do to resolve it?

2. We All Must Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38

Today, we leave out repentance and baptism of the Holy Spirit and wonder why we don’t have the power of God in us to change.  It is not just about coming to Jesus, but also repenting.  Life change must happen.  Scripture lays out the fundamental truth, that, we as God’s people must carry on.

We must be filled with there Holy Spirit and be functioning and operating, not spectators.

Acts 2:17

Q. How have you been changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life (not necessarily a one-time change, but on-going)?

3. We Must Preach the Word

We must not preach garbage, stuff with no meaning, but preach the Word. The very first time Peter preaches he says repent and be baptized.  It was biblical preaching.  Biblical preaching brings repentance to those who receive the word.   The word of God endures forever. Those who hear the truth are to apply it.

Matthew 7:24-27

Q. What comparisons can you make regarding building your life on a rock and on sand (what analogies may come to mind from your own experiences)?

4. We Must Pray

The atmosphere changes when we exalt the name of Jesus.  In our despair, we call upon that name and something supernatural happens.  There is power in the name of Jesus.

Acts 4:31

They were not cowards, they asked for boldness to stand against what the enemy would bring against them. 

Q. When was the last time you were amazed by the power of prayer?

5. We Must Understand the Power and Authority in the name of Jesus

The early church prayed and understood the power in the name of Jesus.  Every born-again believer has the authority in the name of Jesus.  Even the  demons of hell are subject to the name of Jesus.  There is victory in the name of Jesus!

Challenge: This week pray with authority, believing your prayers are being heard and answered.   Pray for boldness to speak the truth and stand up against what the enemy has against you.