HANDPICKED FOR GREATNESS
Acts 13:1-12
It IS God's will for us to do GREAT things! God has hand-picked each of us for greatness. If what we've always done isn't doing anything great for God, then lets try something else that will be great! If you're not prepared and ready, you probably won't recognize opportunity when it comes.
In the late 1800's Bishop Wright believed it was impossible for man to fly. He said, "Flight is reserved for the angels." Naturally, Bishop Wright did not invent the airplane - but his two sons, Wilbur and Orville, did. Believing that we can do great things is necessary for it to happen!
Called by the Holy Spirit (v. 2-3).
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting...." (v. 2a).
The Church is the "ecclesia" - the "called-out-ones," the chosen.
God calls and the church ordains.
Sent by the Holy Spirit (v. 4).
Our marching orders come from God.
Christians are sent into a secular world.
Ambassadors are sent by divine appointments.
Christians should expect opposition from a secular world (v. 8).
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is through our spiritual gifts.
Filled with the Holy Spirit
The Spirit's filling provides God's resources.
Spiritual power is the product of moral purity.
The Spirit's filling makes us bold.
The Spirit's filling empowers spiritual success (v. 12).
Empowered by the Spirit
God gives us the grace to overcome failures in ministry.
God gives us the grace to exalt others to places in ministry.
When your heart is fixed on Christ, you can accept changing roles without bitterness.