Act 5:12-42 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. (13) None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. (14) And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, (15) so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. (16) The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. (17) But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy (18) they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. (19) But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, (20) "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life." (21) And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council and all the senate of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. (22) But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, (23) "We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside." (24) Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. (25) And someone came and told them, "Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people." (26) Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. (27) And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, (28) saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." (29) But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. (31) God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." (33) When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. (34) But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. (35) And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. (36) For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. (37) After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. (38) So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; (39) but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" So they took his advice, (40) and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (42) And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Death a difficult tragedy...

BUT...

Opportunity for a new beginning

Do we believe God is at work and that He still changes lives?

He did and He can

But does He? Will He use us and change us?

Stories from the Early Church in Acts

The Church was bursting with people being changed by Jesus

      multitudes of both men and women were being added to their number v14

Check out the story that follows

Picture the scene…

"Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people." v.25

The officials were unhappy!

"We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching…”                  

People changing

but most remarkably - the apostles themselves transformed!

It starts with us!

Peter...

"We must obey God rather than men."  

This is what happens when God changes us!

ARe you willing for Him to change you?

To change the Church?

The Church is at a cross road!

Not a crisis - but chronic nevertheless!

God is at work....

But...

Firstly

We are getting increasingly older!

Secondly

We are incredibly well resourced

Thirdly

The ministry and mission opportunities are incredible.

Are you ready to get on board with what God is doing?

God changes lives.

Are we ready to be transformed so that he will use us to transform this community in which we meet? 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

1.    Think and talk about a time when God changed you or someone you knew?

      How did he do it? What changed?

2.    Read through the whole chapter. What do you find yourself thinking, feeling, believing? Could you imagine yourself present? What would you find most challenging or difficult to believe if these things happened today?

3.    Which character do you most identify with in the story? Why?

·    The crowds - healed and released

·    The Priests – jealous with rage

·    The guards - bemused and observing

·    The apostles - remarkably used of God and faithful

4.    From the passage or what you know of Peter, what do you think was most instrumental in his change? See. Acts 1:8, and Chpt.2. 

5.    Is there someone you know and love who needs God’s transforming power that we can pray for? How might God use you in their life?

6.    Is there something in you that you are unwilling for God to change? Why? What would make that different? What would you really like God to change?

7. What might need to change in us as a Church for God to use us in similar ways? What can we do now to help that happen?