Through the “Resurrection People” series we have been discovering attributes of resurrection people as learned through the first church in the book of Acts. We have spent most of our time discussing what resurrection people should do, but for just a moment I want to share with you a few things that resurrection people shouldn’t. Specifically what resurrection people shouldn’t say. Here are 10 things I believe resurrection people shouldn’t say:
1. “We could never…”
Resurrection People are confident. If what they are being called to comes from God’s initiative and leading then they know all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
2. “We have always…”
Resurrection People are flexible. The first church was sent out on a mission that they had never before experienced. They did new things, went to new places, and met new people. When Jesus commissioned the disciples he prepared them for encountering things that they had never before experienced. (Luke 10)
3. “We need someone who…”
Resurrection People take authority. The early disciples continued the work of Jesus Christ and did so with authority. They didn’t give up because Christ was no longer physically before them. Instead, they healed the sick, fed the hungry, preached the gospel, and never expected someone else to do it. (Acts 3:1-8)
4. “If only we had…”
Resurrection People have all they need. The first church shared their resources and recognized that all they needed was the power of the Holy Spirit to change the world. (Acts 2:42-47)
5. “If it weren’t for…”
Resurrection People don’t make excuses. The first church recognized their struggles, but they recognized the power to overcome any obstacle came from above. (Phil. 3:13-14)
6. “I have given all that I can.”
Resurrection people are generous. The first church understood it wasn’t about giving away money, but giving of their entire lives for the sake of the gospel. (Phil. 2:12-18)
7. “I know everyone in my church.”
Resurrection people understand that the world is their parish. The first church was active and traveled great distances, within the first century the church had spread beyond Judea and into parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe. (Acts 16:11-15)
8. “You are in my thoughts and prayers.”
Resurrection people know that their prayers will lead to action. Prayer was important to the first church, but every time prayer was mentioned in the book of Acts, it was immediately followed by some sort of action. (Acts 1:24, 4:31, 6:6, 9:40, 12:12, 13:1-3, 14:23, 16:25, 20:36, 21:5, 22:17, 28:8)
9. “The youth are the future of the church.”
Resurrection people know that the youth are the church NOW. Young people were active participants in the first church. One of the greatest examples is that of Timothy. The Apostle Paul equipped Timothy and poured into him. (1 & 2 Timothy)
10. “In the good ole days…”
Resurrection People are not blinded by nostalgia. The first church recognized that the old ways were not always compatible with the new things God was doing through Jesus Christ. They weren’t always perfect but once they recognized what God was doing they would immediately jump on board. (Acts 11:1-18)
As people of the resurrection, we are a new people, a new creation. Nostalgia is a filter we use to remove the rough edges of things we remember from our past. I personally love getting nostalgic about my childhood and my past, but I don’t discount the present because of it. Longing for “the good ole days” diminishes the joy of the present and the hope God has in store for the future. As resurrection people, we must stay present in our actions and look forward to the new things God will do and bring every day.
This Sunday, May 19th, we will continue this message and share how we can be resurrection people by participating in the new things God is doing! Join us for Sunday School at 9:30 AM and worship at 10:30 AM.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
