Sermon Outlines: How to Prepare Yourself and Your Church for a Move of God

As many of you know my husband and I recently planted a new church called Bloodline. Most of the people who have attended are young adults who don't have a church background. It has been very exciting to watch them grow as they learn new life changing lessons from the Word.

As I have time, I would like to share a few of the sermons that my husband has been bringing to Bloodline. The latest message was about how we can position ourselves not only individually, but also as a body of believers, to see God move in a mighty way. We all desire to see revival, but most of us really don't know what if anything we can do to expedite the process.

This is the basic outline of the sermon with my two cents worth thrown in. I encourage you to read all of Acts 2 so that you have a better understanding of what was going on in the lives of the disciples during that time.

Remember, you should always check to make sure that the Word being taught, no matter what the source, is the real deal. Anyone can twist a passage from the Bible into saying what ever they want it to say. Get in the habit of reading it for yourself. That way you will never be duped by a wolf in sheep's clothing!

There Must Be Unity In The Church: Acts 2:1

In order to see a move of God there must be unity in the church and in our families. Acts 2:1 basically says that the disciples were all together in one accord and in one place. Over the years we have had folks tell us things like "I know we missed the service, but we were with you in spirit." I'm sorry, but your spirit is in your body. The only way we are going to be together is if you bring your body! It's difficult to have unity in the local church if folks never get together to fellowship and share the Word with one another.

You Must Hear A Sound From Heaven: Acts 2:2

In order to see a move of God your pastor and church leaders must be hearing from Him. So many pastors today wait until the last minute, then pull a sermon off the Internet and read it to the congregation on Sunday morning. I'm not saying it's wrong to use other sources, but if your pastor is not at least trying to hear from God your church will be lifeless. If you are in a church like this you might consider finding a new one!

You Must be Filled With The Spirit: Acts 2:4

See also Ephesians 5:18-19 and Acts 2:15. Acts 2:4 says that they were all filled with (or under the control of) the Spirit. If Christians operate only in their flesh trouble will ensue. Being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing process because we have a lot of leaks! The only way to continually be filled with the Spirit is to set apart time daily to spend with God in prayer, worship, and in studying the Word.

The World Must See Something Different: Acts 2:15 - 16

In this passage the people saw things happening that they had never seen before. In order to see a move of God the world needs to witness something different in us and in the church as a whole. Not just religiosity, or church as usual, but people who say what they mean, and mean what they say.

Church Leaders Must Have the Support of Others: Acts 2:14

The other disciples stood behind Peter in full support even after he had denied the Lord, and as a result, over 3,000 people were added to the church that day. Because a person is called to ministry doesn't mean that they are perfect and will always say or do everything just right. They are only human and are subject to failure just like the rest of us. Make sure you encourage your leaders by letting them know that you support them.

The Word Must Be Taught: Acts 2:16

See also Isiah 55:10 - 11 and Hebrews 4:12. Peter quoted large and obscure passages of scripture in Acts 2. The disciples didn't have the luxury of opening their attractive leather-clad King James and reading a passage. They had to know it! If God is going to do a work in people's hearts, the Word must be used. Take time not only to study the Word, but also to memorize those passages that are meaningful to you.

There Must Be Conviction: Acts 2:37

This is not a popular topic, but when God begins to move people will be convicted. John 16:8 - 11 tells us that the Holy Spirit came to convict us of sin. Many in the church today are so concerned about offending others that they water down the truth in order to make it easier for people to digest. Christians forget that we were told by God that his Word would (not might) bring offense. The Word brings conviction which is designed to keep us out of trouble.

Continued Ministry Must Take Place: Acts 2:41 - 42

In this passage, after the people became part of the local church, they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching, fellowship, and prayer. It's not enough to have God touch your life, you must continue to be discipled by being taught and by surrounding yourself with other believers. If we aren't growing, we are dying.

Well, that is the abbreviated version of the message from last Sunday. I hope it has been a blessing to you. I pray that God will begin to move in a mighty way as you study His Word!