1. LOVING FELLOWSHIP IS ESSENTIAL TO DISCIPLESHIP. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples." John 13:34, 35 (NLT) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship… Acts 2:42a (NIV) All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another. They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed. Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts. Praising God… Acts 2:44-47a (GNB) …imagine this scene: As Paul finishes speaking, he kneels down; and we all join him, kneeling. He prays, and we all join him, praying. There’s the sound of weeping, and then more weeping, and then more still. One by one, we embrace Paul and kiss him, our sadness multiplied because of his words about this being our last good-bye. We walk with him to the ship, and he sets sail. Acts 20:36-38 (VOICE) 2. LOVING FELLOWSHIP CAN IMPEDE MY DISCIPLESHIP. By causing me to place my emotions over my mission. After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. Acts 21:1-4 (NIV) Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:8 -12 (NIV) By causing me to misapply the Holy Spirit’s message. And now, in obedience to the Holy Spirit I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit has warned me that prison and troubles wait for me. Acts 20:22-23 (GNT) NOTE: There is a time for me to go, and a there is a time for me to stay. At all times I have a mission. When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. Acts 21:5-6 (NIV) 3. LOVING FELLOWSHIP CAN INSPIRE MY DISCIPLESHIP. …when we arrived in Macedonia we had a wretched time with trouble all round us—wrangling outside, anxiety within. … God, who cheers the depressed, gave us the comfort of the arrival of Titus. And it wasn’t merely his coming that cheered us, but the comfort you had given him, for he could tell us of your eagerness to help, your deep sympathy and keen interest on my behalf. All that made me doubly glad… 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (Phillips) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another… Hebrews 10:24, 25 (NIV) 4. LOVING FELLOWSHIP STARTS WITH MY LOVE FOR CHRIST. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13 (NIV) You see, the controlling force in our lives is the love of the Anointed One… 2 Corinthians 5:14a (VOICE)

3 DANGERS FACING THE CHURCH & HOW WE GUARD AGAINST THEM 1. The Danger of False or Incomplete Teaching. “He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you came to believe?” They replied, “We’ve not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “What baptism did you receive, then?” They answered, “John’s baptism.” Paul explained, “John baptized with a baptism by which people showed they were changing their hearts and lives. It was a baptism that told people about the one who was coming after him. This is the one in whom they were to believe. This one is Jesus.” After they listened to Paul, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:2-5 CEB Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 To Combat This Danger I Must Teach Confidently & Consistently. “Paul went to the synagogue and spoke confidently for the next three months. He interacted with those present and offered convincing arguments concerning the nature of God’s kingdom. Some people had closed their minds, though. They refused to believe and publicly slandered the Way. As a result, Paul left them, took the disciples with him, and continued his daily interactions in Tyrannus’ lecture hall.” Acts 19:8-9 CEB “Timothy, protect what has been given to you in trust. Avoid godless and pointless discussions and the contradictory claims of so-called “knowledge.” When some people adopted this false knowledge, they missed the goal of faith.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21 CEB 2. The Danger of a Hostile World. “At that time a great disturbance erupted about the Way. There was a silversmith named Demetrius. He made silver models of Artemis’ temple, and his business generated a lot of profit for the craftspeople. He called a meeting with these people & others working in trades and said, “Friends, you know that we make an easy living from this business. You can see and hear that this Paul has convinced and misled a lot of people, not only in Ephesus but also throughout most of the province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands aren’t really gods. This poses a danger not only by discrediting our trade but also by completely dishonoring the great goddess Artemis…The city was thrown into turmoil. They rushed as one into the theater. They seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from the province of Macedonia.” Acts 19:23-29 CEB To Combat This I Must Expect it, Defend the Gospel, and Live like Christ. “Who will harm you if you are zealous for good? But happy are you, even if you suffer because of righteousness! Don’t be terrified or upset by them. Instead, regard Christ the Lord as holy in your hearts. Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it. Yet do this with respectful humility, maintaining a good conscience. Act in this way so that those who malign your good lifestyle in Christ may be ashamed when they slander you. It is better to suffer for doing good (if this could possibly be God’s will) than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:13-17 CEB “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction. There will come a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will collect teachers who say what they want to hear because they are self-centered. They will turn their back on the truth and turn to myths. But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances. Endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the good news, & carry out your service fully.” 2 Tim 4:2-5 CEB 3. The Danger of Hypocritical Members. Watch yourselves and the whole flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as supervisors, to shepherd God’s church, which he obtained with the death of his own Son. I know that, after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and won’t spare the flock. Some of your own people will distort the word in order to lure followers after them. Stay alert! Remember that for three years I constantly and tearfully warned each one of you. I never stopped warning you! Acts 20:27-30 CEB To Combat This Danger We Must Deal With Unrepentant Sin. “I wrote to you in my earlier letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. But I wasn’t talking about the sexually immoral people in the outside world by any means—or the greedy, or the swindlers, or people who worship false gods—otherwise, you would have to leave the world entirely! But now I’m writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls themselves “brother” or “sister” who is sexually immoral, greedy, someone who worships false gods, an abusive person, a drunk, or a swindler. Don’t even eat with anyone like this. What do I care about judging outsiders? Isn’t it your job to judge insiders? God will judge outsiders. “Expel the evil one from among you!”” 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 CEB To Combat This We Must Have Repentance & Restoration As Our Goal. “The majority of you have imposed a severe enough punishment on that person. So now forgive and comfort him. Such distress could overwhelm someone like that if he’s not forgiven and comforted. That is why I urge you to assure him that you love him. I had also written to you to test you. I wanted to see if you would be obedient in every way. If you forgive someone, so do I. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did in the presence of Christ for your benefit. I don’t want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan’s scheming.” 2 Corinthians 2:6-11 “Brothers and sisters, someone in your group might do something wrong. You who are following the Spirit should go to the one who is sinning. Help make that person right again, and do it in a gentle way. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin too.” Galatians 6:1 ERV

IT IS RIGHT TO FOLLOW THE SPIRIT OF GOD BECAUSE... 1. THE SPIRIT CAN LEAD US TO THE RIGHT PLACE. After this, Paul left Athens and went on to Corinth. Acts 18:1 (GNB) How does the Holy Spirit lead us in choosing the right place? Through patterns in His word. Through wisdom as we pray. Through leaders as we follow. Through circumstances that seem obvious. 2. THE SPIRIT CAN CONNECT US WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE. There he met a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, for Emperor Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and stayed and worked with them, because he earned his living by making tents, just as they did. He held discussions in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to convince both Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul gave his whole time to preaching the message, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. When they opposed him and said evil things about him, he protested by shaking the dust from his clothes and saying to them, “If you are lost, you yourselves must take the blame for it! I am not responsible. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” So he left them and went to live in the house of a Gentile named Titius Justus, who worshiped God; his house was next to the synagogue. Acts 18:2-7 (GNB) Aquila and Pricillia (Rom. 16:3,4, Acts 18:18-28, 1Cor. 13:19) Silas and Timothy (2 Cor 11:9, 1, 2 Timothy Titius Justus (Acts 18:7) 3. THE SPIRIT CAN DISCIPLINE US WITH RIGHT PROBLEMS. When they opposed him and said evil things about him, he protested by shaking the dust from his clothes and saying to them, “If you are lost, you yourselves must take the blame for it! I am not responsible. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”  So he left them and went to live in the house of a Gentile named Titius Justus, who worshiped God; his house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, who was the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his family; and many other people in Corinth heard the message, believed, and were baptized. Acts 18:6-8 (GNB) Problems can discourage me. Problems can encourage me. All those who had been scattered by the persecution moved from place to place; and wherever they went, they weren’t afraid or silent. Instead, they spread the message of Jesus. Acts 8:4 (VOICE) Problems should develop me. Endure hardship as discipline; No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:7, 11-13 (NIV) In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9 (LB) 4. THE SPIRIT CAN SUSTAIN US WITH THE RIGHT PROMISES. One night Paul had a vision in which the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not give up, for I am with you. No one will be able to harm you, for many in this city are my people.” So Paul stayed there for a year and a half, teaching the people the word of God. Acts 18:9-11 (GNB) “So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end." Matthew 28:19, 20 (NIrV) 5. THE SPIRIT CAN ENABLE US WITH THE RIGHT POWER. “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." Acts 1:8 (NIV) I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)

1. IT WILL INVOLVE PEOPLE When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue… Acts 17:1-2a (NIV) Every person who becomes a Christian in the NT… …involved a person who became a Christian in the NT. So faith comes from hearing the Good News. And people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ. Romans 10:17 (ICB) He died for us so that we will, not for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose…. 18 All of this is a gift from our Creator God, who has pursued us and brought us into a restored and healthy relationship with Him…. And He has given us the same mission, the ministry of reconciliation, to bring others back to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:15,18 (VOICE) 2. IT WILL INVOLVE REASON …on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. Acts 17: 2b-3 (NIV) Paul replied, “No, Your Excellency Festus, I am not crazy. I speak the words of truth and reason. Acts 26:25 (TPT) “But dedicate your lives to Christ as Lord. Always be ready to defend your confidence ⌞in God when anyone asks you to explain it. However, make your defense with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ (‭GW)‬‬ 3. IT WILL INVOLVE THINGS THAT SEEM UNREASONABLE Points to ponder after reading Acts 17: 16-19, 21-28, 30-31: ● It seems unreasonable to have my deities disparaged ● It seems unreasonable to believe in a resurrected corpse ● It seems unreasonable to believe I could be religious but wrong ● It seems unreasonable to believe that God brought me here today ● It seems unreasonable to believe that ignorance is no excuse 4. IT WILL INVOLVE MY RESPONSE. When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. Acts 17: 32-34 (NIV) ● I can choose to Reject – “some of them sneered” ● I can choose to Procrastinate – “We want to hear you again” ● I can choose to Follow – “Some became followers”

“When he (God) opens a door, no one can close it. And when he closes it, no one can open it.” Revelation 3:7 (NCV) • God opens the door to the Macedonian providence. • God opens the door of Lydia’s Heart. • God opens door of the Philippian Prison. GOD’S REQUIREMENTS FOR FINDING OPEN DOORS 1. GOD REQUIRES ME TO BE ACTIVE. Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. Acts 16:6 - 8 (NIV) When the priests who are carrying the Ark touch the water with their feet, the river will stop flowing as though held back by a dam, and will pile up as though against an invisible wall!” Now it was the harvest season and the Jordan was overflowing all its banks; but as the people set out to cross the river and as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, 15-16 suddenly, far up the river at the city of Adam, near Zarethan, the water began piling up as though against a dam! And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was empty. Then all the people crossed at a spot where the river was close to the city of Jericho.” 17 and the priests who were carrying the Ark stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan and waited as all the people passed by. Joshua 3:13-16 (TLB) 2. GOD REQUIRES ME TO BE ATTENTIVE. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Acts 16:9 (NIV) • Attentive to His confirmed word. Fight against those who want to change It (the teachings). The right way to believe has been given to God's people once for all times. Jude 1:3b (WE) • Attentive to His committed disciples. He (Levi)passed on to the people all the truth he got from me. He did not lie or cheat; he walked with me, living a good and righteous life, and turned many from their lives of sin. Malachi 2:6-8 (TLB) • Attentive to His clear calling. Dearly loved friends, don’t always believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God: test it first to see if it really is. For there are many false teachers around. 1 John 4:1 (TLB) 3. GOD REQUIRES ME TO BE ACCOMMODATING. After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district[a] of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days… Acts 16:10 - 12 (NIV) • God does not move the door he moves the disciple. ….not only has God opened a significant door here for me to serve … there is a lot of opposition against me. 1 Corinthians 16:9 (VOICE) 4. GOD REQUIRES ME TO BE AUTHENTIC. • I am called to be authentic in every location. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. Acts 16:11- 13 (NIV) • I am called to be authentic with every person. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” Acts 16:14 - 16 (NIV) • I am called to be authentic in every situation. Picture this: It’s midnight. In the darkness of their cell, Paul and Silas—after surviving the severe beating—aren’t moaning and groaning; they’re praying and singing hymns to God. The prisoners in adjoining cells are wide awake, listening to them pray and sing. 26 Suddenly the ground begins to shake, and the prison foundations begin to crack. You can hear the sound of jangling chains and the squeak of cell doors opening. Every prisoner realizes that his chains have come unfastened. 27 The jailer wakes up and runs into the jail. His heart sinks as he sees the doors have all swung open. He is sure his prisoners have escaped, and he knows this will mean death for him, so he pulls out his sword to commit suicide. 28 At that moment, Paul sees what is happening and shouts out at the top of his lungs, Paul: Wait, man! Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here! None of us has escaped.29 The jailer sends his assistants to get some torches and rushes into the cell of Paul and Silas. He falls on his knees before them, trembling. 30 Then he brings them outside Jailer: Gentlemen, please tell me, what must I do to be liberated? Paul and Silas: 31 Just believe—believe in the ultimate King, Jesus, and not only will you be rescued, but your whole household will as well. 32-34 The jailer brings them to his home, and they have a long conversation with the man and his family. Paul and Silas explain the message of Jesus to them all. The man washes their wounds and feeds them, then they baptize[b] the man and his family. The night ends with Paul and Silas in the jailer’s home, sharing a meal together, the whole family rejoicing that they have come to faith in God. Acts 16:25-34 (VOICE)

After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there. Acts 15:36- 41 (NLT) 1. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT EVERYONE EXPERIENCES REJECTION. Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly… Acts 15: 37, 38a (NIV) Demas has abandoned me… 2 Timothy 4:10a (GW) He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. John 1:11 (NLT) 2. I ASK “WHY WAS I REJECTED?” Am I being rejected because I did something wrong? Paul did not think it wise to take him (John Mark), because he had deserted them…. Acts 15:38 (NIV) Barnabas wanted to take John along…. But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Acts 15:38 (MP) Am I being rejected because I did something right? How terrible for you when everyone says good things about you! Their people treated the false prophets the same way long ago. Luke 6:26 (NIrV) Am I being rejected because of something out of my control? An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. Titus 1:6 (NLT) 3. I ACT RESPONSIBLY, REGARDLESS OF THE SITUATION. If, like John Mark I have lost trust, I work to regain trust. What you have heard me teach publicly you should teach to others. Share these teachings with people you can trust. Then they will be able to teach others these same things. 2 Timothy 2:2 (ERV) … he (an elder) must have a good reputation… 1 Timothy 3:7a (HCSV) If, like Paul I obeyed Jesus, I must continue to obey Jesus. Am I now trying to get people to think well of me? Or do I want God to think well of me? Am I trying to please people? If I were, I would not be serving Christ. Galatians 1:10 (NIrV) But Peter and John spoke right back, "Whether it's right in God's eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there's no question--we can't keep quiet… Acts 4:19, 20 (MP) 4. I ACQUIRE ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP ME. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Acts 15:39 (NLT) Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Acts 15:40 (NLT) 5. I ANTICIPATE GOD USING MY REJECTION FOR HIS GLORY. Demas deserted me … for he loves his own life… That leaves only Luke with me, so find Mark and bring him with you, for he is a tremendous help for me in my ministry. 2 Timothy 4:10a, 11 (TPP) The church in Babylon, who was chosen like you, sends you greetings. Mark, my son in Christ, also greets you. 1 Peter 5:13 (NCV) The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah] the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Mark 1:1(NIV)

I pray that all of these people continue to have unity in the way that you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they may be united with us so that the world will believe that you have sent me. John 17:21 (GW) …fill me with joy by having the same attitude and the same love, living in harmony, and keeping one purpose in mind. Philippians 2:2 (GW) I am pleading with all of you, brothers and sisters, to keep up your guard against anyone who is causing conflicts and enticing others with teachings contrary to what you have already learned. If there are people like that in your churches, stay away from them. Romans 16:17 (VOICE) Satan will use false teaching to deceive people. The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV) Satan will use false teaching to divide people. …men from your group will begin to teach things that are wrong. They will lead some of the Lord’s followers away from the truth to follow them. Acts 20:30 (ERV) Satan will use false teaching to damn people. There used to be false prophets among God’s people, just as you will have some false teachers in your group. They will secretly teach things that are wrong—teachings that will cause people to be lost. They will even refuse to accept the Master, Jesus.… Many will follow their evil ways and say evil things about the way of truth. 2 Peter 2:1-2 (NCV) 4 THINGS I CAN DO TO FIND UNITY WITHOUT LOSING TRUTH 1. I ARTICULATE CLEARLY THE TEACHING IN QUESTION. While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1 (NLT) 2. I ALLOW FOR OPEN COMMUNICATION. When they arrived in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the whole church, including the apostles and elders. They reported everything God had done through them. But then some of the believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and insisted, “The Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses.” Acts 15:4-5 (NLT) 3. I AGREE UPON A DEFINITIVE AUTHORITY. TWO PRIMARY AREAS OF AUTHORITY THROUGH THE BIBLE FIRST: God’s word All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) SECOND: Godly leaders …the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue. At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News and believe. Acts 15:6, 7 (NLT) Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. When they had finished, James stood and said, “Brothers, listen to me. Acts 15:12, 13 (NLT) Fourteen years later I went to Jerusalem with Barnabas. I also took along Titus. I went there because God had told me to go, and I explained the good news I had been preaching to the Gentiles. Then I met privately with the ones who seemed to be the most important leaders. I wanted to make sure my work in the past and my future work would not be for nothing. Galatians 2:1-2 (CEV) When they had finished, James stood and said, “Brothers, listen to me Peter[c] has told you about the time God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people for himself. And this conversion of Gentiles is exactly what the prophets predicted. As it is written… Acts 15:13-15 (NLT) 4. I ACCEPT AND ACT UPON GOD’S REVEALED TRUTH. And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood. For these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.” Then the apostles and elders together with the whole church in Jerusalem chose delegates, and they sent them to Antioch of Syria with Paul and Barnabas to report on this decision. The men chosen were two of the church leaders[f]—Judas (also called Barsabbas) and Silas. This is the letter they took with them… Acts 15:19-23 (NLT)

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently….To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? 2 Corinthians 2:15, 16 (NLT) 1. THE DANGER TO VIEW MY LEADERS AS THE DEVIL. The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:1-2 (NLT) Some of you are saying, “Paul's letters are harsh and powerful. But in person, he is a weakling and has nothing worth saying.” 2 Cor. 10:10 (CEV) 2. THE DANGER TO VIEW MY LEADERS AS DEITY. I AM IN DANGER OF DEIFYING MY LEADERS WHEN… 1. I GET REALLY CLOSE TO AN EFFECTIVE LEADER. The same thing happened in Iconium.[a] Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Acts 14:1 (NLT) While they were at Lystra, Paul & Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting & listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!”… the man jumped to his feet & started walking. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” Acts 14:8-11 (NLT) 2. WHEN I FOCUS ON THE MIRACLE ABOVE THE MESSAGE. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” Acts 14:8-11 (NLT) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them…. But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them. Acts 14:14,15, 18 (NLT) Then the disciples…preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Mark 16:20 (NIV) So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 2:1-4 (NLT) The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (NIV) 3. WHEN I EXALT TRADITION OVER TRUTH. They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles. Acts 14:12-13 (NLT) The Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness & examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women & many Greek men. Acts 17:11-12 (NIV) Dearly loved friend, I was fully intending to write to you about our amazing salvation we all participate in, but felt the need instead to challenge you to vigorously defend & contend for the beliefs that we cherish. For God, through the apostles, has once for all entrusted these truths to his holy believers. Jude 1:3 (TPT) HOW TO MAINTAIN A “MIDDLE OF THE NARROW ROAD” VIEW. Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith. Obey your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. They keep watch over you. They know they are accountable to God for everything they do. Obey them so that their work will be a joy. If you make their work a heavy load, it won't do you any good. Hebrews 13:7, 17 (NIV) FOUR R’S - REMEMBER, REFLECT, REPEAT, AND REDUCE.

“Appoint Barnabas and Saul to the work I have called them to undertake.” After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on these two and sent them off. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, know this: Through Jesus we proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship with God. Take care that the prophets’ words don’t apply to you: “Look, you scoffers”…When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy. They argued against what Paul was saying by slandering him. Speaking courageously, Paul and Barnabas said, “We had to speak God’s word to you first. Since you reject it and show that you are unworthy to receive eternal life, we will turn to the Gentiles. This is what the Lord commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles,” “so that you could bring salvation to the end of the earth”.” When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the Lord’s word. Everyone who was appointed for eternal life believed, and the Lord’s word was broadcast throughout the entire region. However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile God-worshippers, as well as the city’s leaders. They instigated others to harass Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their district. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium. Because of the abundant presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the disciples were overflowing with happiness.” Acts 13:2-3, 38-41, 45-52 CEB God Always Sends People With His Message “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15 NIV “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to the work I have called them to undertake.” After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on these two and sent them off. Acts 13:2-3 CEB God’s Desire Is For Everyone To Have a Relationship With Jesus “God wants everyone to be saved and to fully understand the truth. There is only one God, and there is only one way that people can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who as a man gave himself to pay for everyone to be free. This is the message that was given to us at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:4-6 ERV “Therefore, brothers and sisters, know this: Through Jesus we proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship with God. Acts 13:38 Question for you… Am I being sent or the one God is seeking? When God Sends Someone, I Get To Choose A Response I can choose to reject the message and slander the sent! The Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile God-worshippers, as well as the city’s leaders. They instigated others to harass Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their district... Acts 13:50 CEB I can choose to accept the message and joyfully share it myself! When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the Lord’s word. Everyone who was appointed for eternal life believed, and the Lord’s word was broadcast throughout the entire region. Acts 13:48-49 CEB If I Am Sent My Responsibility is to speak and then… I Rejoice With Those Who Chose To Follow God When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced & honored the Lord’s word.. Acts 13:48b CEB In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 NIV I Remove Myself From Those Who Refuse To Follow Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium. If any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet…” Mark 6:11 NIV “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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

Scripture also says that by the authority of Jesus people would be told to turn to God and change the way they think and act so that their sins will be forgiven. This would be told to people from all nations, beginning in the city of Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things. Luke 24:44-48 (GW) JERUSALEM WAS THE FIRST GREAT CHURCH PLANTING CHURCH Peter said much more to warn them. He urged, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted what Peter said were baptized. That day about 3,000 people were added to the group… The disciples were devoted to the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer… The believers had a single purpose… Acts 2:40-42, 46 (GWT) ANTIOCH WAS THE SECOND GREAT CHURCH PLANTING CHURCH NOTE: Acts 13:1–3; 14:26; 15:32–33, 36–40; 18:22–23 The Jerusalem Church seemed compelled to plant by persecution. The Antioch Church seemed compelled to plant by purpose. THE CROSSINGS WILL BE A GREAT CHURCH PLANTING CHURCH… 1. IF WE IMITATE THE JERUSALEM AND ANTIOCH CHURCHES The believers were scattered by the persecution that began when Stephen was killed. Some of them went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. They told the Good News in these places, but only to Jews. Acts 11:19 (ERV) …the gospel we brought did not come to you in words only, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. Indeed, you know what kind of people we proved to be while we were with you, acting on your behalf. You became imitators of us and of the Lord... 1 Thessalonians 1:5. 6a (ISV) 2. IF WE MODEL THEIR DISCIPLE MAKING EFFECTIVENESS When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to help the new converts. Acts 11:22 (TLB) The church in Antioch had grown strong, with many prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (a dark man from Central Africa), Lucius (from Cyrene in North Africa), Manaen (a member of Herod’s governing council), and Saul. Acts 13:1 (VOICE) As a result, you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. From you the word of the Lord has spread out not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place where your faith in God has become known. As a result, we do not need to say anything about it. 1 Thessalonians 1:7, 8 (ISV) 3. IF WE TRANSITION FROM “WE” TO I. NOTE: Planting disciple-making churches requires disciple makers. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT) Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you and shown you… Philippians 4:9a (Phillips) In my first book[a] I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach. Acts 1:1a (NLT) Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 (NIV) NOTE: It is hard to imitate a church, but easy to imitate an individual. Am I a devoted to Christ’s commission disciple? the church at Jerusalem … sent Barnabas. Acts 11:22a (LB) Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to hunt for Paul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch; and both of them stayed there for a full year teaching the many new converts. Acts 11:26 (TLB) O Israel, my people! How I long for you to come to Christ. My heart is heavy within me, and I grieve bitterly day and night because of you. Christ knows and the Holy Spirit knows that it is no mere pretense when I say that I would be willing to be forever damned if that would save you. Romans 9:3 (TLB) Am I an excited, joyful disciple? When he arrived and saw the wonderful things God was doing, he was filled with excitement and joy… Acts 11:23a (TLB) Am I an encouraging disciple? …and encouraged the believers to stay close to the Lord, whatever the cost. Acts 11:23b (LB) Am I an imitable disciple? Barnabas was a good person, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. As a result, large numbers of people were added to the Lord. Acts 11:24 (LB) The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26b (NIV)

Jesus SAVED me by serving me. Don't be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. Philippians 2:4-11 (ERV) Even the Son of Man did not come for people to serve him. He came to serve others and to give his life to save many people. Mark 10:45 (ERV) Jesus SHOWED me how to serve others. So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher' and 'Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:1-5, 12-15 (NIV) Jesus SHAPED me TO serve OTHERS. Your hands shaped me and made me… Job 10:8a (NIV) Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 (NIV) God has Shaped me for Ministry (service) through my… Spiritual Gift(s) He has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. Ephesians 4:7 (NLT) ? What surfaced after I was immersed? _____________________________ Heart …Out of your heart flow the actions of life. Proverbs 4:23 (Sprt) And it came to the minds of the disciples that the Writings say, I am on fire with passion for your house. John 2:17 (BBE) ? What do I love to do? ___________________________________________ Abilities God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well… Romans 12:6 (LB) ? What am I good at?______________________________________________ Personality God works through different people in different ways… 1 Corinthians 12:6 (PT) ? What is my temperament? ________________________________________ Experiences ? What significant live events have I experienced? Educational? _____________________________________________________ Vocational? _______________________________________________________ Relational? _______________________________________________________ Painful?___________________________________________________________ All praise to God… He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 (NLT) …God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT) Ministry Fair – a chance to find my place in ministry… To be served and strengthened? 1.___________________________________________________________________________ 2.___________________________________________________________________________ 3.___________________________________________________________________________ To serve and strengthen others? 1.___________________________________________________________________________ 2.___________________________________________________________________________ 3.__________________________________________________________________________ Jesus ESTABLISHED the perfect place for me to serve. So these were the gifts that he gave. Some were to be apostles, others prophets, others evangelists, and others pastors and teachers. Their job is to give God’s people the equipment they need for their work of service, and so to build up the king’s body Ephesians 4:11, 12 (NTE) You received a gift from God… Now I'm reminding you to fan that gift into flames. 2 Timothy 1:6 (GW)

So, then, brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone move you off the foundation of your faith. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work…you do for the Lord is not pointless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NOG) MY LIFE WILL BE PURPOSEFUL NOT POINTLESS IF… 1. I ________________________ _______ ________________ “My friends, I want you to remember the message I preached and that you believed and trusted. You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don't, your faith was all for nothing.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭(CEV‬‬) 2. I AM __________________ BY _____________ ________________ Today I am who I am because of God’s grace, and I have made sure that the grace He offered me has not been wasted. I have worked harder… than all the rest; but I realize it is not me—it is God’s grace with me that has made the difference. 1 Corinthians 15:10 (VOICE) ● My life will be a __________________ without the grace of God. I'm like an aborted fetus who was given life… 1 Corinthians 15:8 ● My life can be a ___________________with the grace of God. I am the least of the apostles…1 Corinthians 15:9a (GWT) From Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus… 1 Corinthians 1:1a (GNT) 4 COMMITMENTS TO KEEP ME ON POINT. I COMMIT TO… 1. ___________________________ WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR ME ▪ Jesus ________________ for me. My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted… 3 I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3 (CEV) ▪ Jesus ___________________________ for me. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life… 1 Corinthians 15: 4 (CEV) I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power 20that raised Christ from the dead… Ephesians 1:19, 20 (LB) 2. ___________________ THE SALVATION GOD HAS OFFERED ME For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift. Ephesians 2:8 (GWT) 3. _______________________ WITH PEOPLE WHO WILL HELP ME Don’t fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you. 1 Corinthians 15:33 (CEV) You are not the same as those who do not believe. So do not join yourselves to them. Good and bad do not belong together. Light and darkness cannot share together. 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ICB) We sent our brother Timothy to give you strength and hope in your faith. He works together with us in God’s service to spread the good news about Christ. We sent him so that no one would be upset by times of testing. You know very well that we have to go through times of testing. ‭1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (NIRV) 4. ___________________________ GOD’S CALLING FOR MY LIFE I am the least worthy of all the apostles… 10(yet) I have worked harder than all the others… 1 Corinthians 15:9a, 10b (LB) Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. 16 And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. 1 Timothy 1:15, 16 (MP) Therefore, if anyone is united with Christ the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone—and see—a new life has begun! 18 All of this is a gift from our Creator God, who has pursued us and brought us into a restored and healthy relationship with Him through the Anointed. And He has given us the same mission, the ministry of reconciliation, to bring others back to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (VOICE)