After Pentecost: The Disciples DeployedSample
Relentless in Their Quest
Peter and the other apostles were relentless in their quest to advance the truth of the Gospel as Jesus’ witnesses. As a result, people put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and were added to the Church daily. Even those who were too afraid to join the Church knew that the hand of God was on the apostles, and they brought those in need of healing and relief as close to the apostles as they dared so they could be healed. People from surrounding towns began to show up. Peter and the other apostles had to have known they were drawing the attention of the Jewish leaders who’d threatened them, but they refused to stop.
You see, during His time with them, Jesus had made it clear to His disciples that the light inside them was meant to be shared so others could come to faith for God’s glory. He urged them to invest in the Kingdom so the Holy Spirit could bring a good return, reminding them that everyone would know the truth in the end anyway. Peter and John were simply doing what Jesus had told them to do.
Peter and the other apostles were soon arrested. Although Peter and John had been arrested before, this was a first-time experience for the other apostles. Nonetheless, they refused to be shaken by it.
Once released from prison, the apostles did not pause, regroup, question, evaluate, plan, or take preventive measures against potential re-arrest. They simply obeyed orders and told people ‘all about’ the new life Jesus offered those who put their faith in Him. Allowing the Holy Spirit to determine the size and scope of their ministry and bring a harvest, the apostles simply let their light shine full and bright as Jesus had instructed.
What about you? Are you relentless in your quest to advance the truth of the Gospel?
Do those who oppose Jesus see you as a threat? If so, how do you respond to their attempts to intimidate you? Are you more concerned with obeying God or managing the ministry He’s given you? Do you obey God without question or hesitation?
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About this Plan
Because Peter and the other apostles knew Jesus not only as Savior, but also as teacher, leader, mentor, and friend, they became effective leaders in the early Church drawing continually on Jesus’ words, the example He set, and the experience they gained under His earthly leadership to advance God’s Kingdom by advancing the Gospel.
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We would like to thank the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.menrewired.com