Apostles

Sermon Notes

[1 Corinthians 12:4-7] There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. [5] There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. [6] God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. [7] A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Our gifts should be used in LOVE point people to JESUS.

[1 Corinthians 13:1-3] If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. [3] If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.

Our gifts are WORTHLESS if we use them without love.

[Ephesians 4:11-12] Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. [12] Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Apostles are PIONEERS sent out to spread the message of Jesus.

[Luke 6:13] At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles.

No one can IMPACT the people God has placed in your life better than you can.

Apostles are not satisfied with what has HAPPENED in the PAST.

[Acts 15:36-39] After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.

Look for the GOD-ideas and not just the GOOD-ideas.