The Movement: The midnight hour

Acts 16:16-34 Paul and Silas in prison
- God can take the worst of circumstances and make something beautiful. We allow our circumstances to shape our view of God, instead of allowing our view of God to shape our circumstances. Make a decision to worship God no matter your circumstances. v. 25, 2 Cor 1:8-9 We must CHOOSE to worship God.
- We must be willing to be inconvenienced to be a part of the movement. Acts 16:6-10, Rom 9:2-3
- The most important question someone can ask is "What must I do to be saved?"

The Movement: Not difficult!

Acts 15:1-31 Jewish Pharisees that were believers said Gentiles must be circumcised.
If we are honest with ourselves, none of us do well. We all need the mercy and grace of Jesus in order to be saved.
Acts 15:19 Do not make it difficult for others to be saved.
Acts 15:20 Be sensitive to others.
- Let's keep the message of Jesus simple. 1 Cor 2:1-2, Acts 15:19, Rom 10:9-13
- Let's always err on the side of grace. If we're going to make a mistake, it's better to go back to grace rather than laws, rules, and regulations. Eph 2:8-10, Gal 5:1-6
- Let's stay focused on those who are not yet believers. Don't focus inward, focus on the message of the gospel.

The Movement: Blinded by the light

Acts 7-9 The story of Steven and Saul, and Saul's conversion.
Acts 8:1 God used persecution to spread His gospel.
Acts 9 Saul had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, and his life was radically changed.
- God often allows suffering as a part of the Christian experience. Acts 9:15-16, 2 Cor 11:23-26,
- God often uses the most unlikely people in the most important ways. Acts 9:1, 16. God can use me! 1 Cor 1:26-29.
- God often saves the most unlikely people. Acts 9:20-21, 11-12. God knows me intimately and knows exactly what He desires for my life.

The Movement: The Name

Acts 5:17-42
The apostles rejoiced that they were worthy of suffering for the Name of Jesus.
If the movement is from God, nothing can stop it. We need to be on mission for God,  we will succeed.
What should we do?
- The main purpose of our lives as followers of Jesus is to advance the gospel to the end of the earth.
- We need to love our neighbors. Lk 10:27 I need to be more intentional about reaching out.
- We need to open our mouths and talk about Jesus. The most loving thing we could ever do is share Jesus with others, especially those we care about.
- We need to change our prayers and focus from:God keep us safe, to:God make us dangerous.