read, hear and see our sermons

Upstart Apostles // Innovation

by Nicole Earp — July 22, 2024

Recap

Two weeks ago we met a man named Stephen. Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit and he was appointed to help run the soup kitchen. Last week, Pastor David told us Stephen’s story, from deconstruction to execution. This week we learned how dangerous it became for followers of Jesus after Stephen’s death.

Scattering

Stephen’s death was a turning point in the life of the Church. The Apostles were no longer the only one facing danger; now, everyone was being threatened! Following Stephen’s death, we learn that the believers are scattered. When you hear this word it is easy to assume that the believers we’re running for their lives. However, the Greek word used here is the same one Jesus used in the parable of the farmer who scattered or planted seeds. So, the scattering of believers was more about taking the believers out of their comfort zones and taking the gospel into all the world.

Scattering turned the followers of Jesus into accidental missionaries. They had to meet people where they were. So, all the believers had to become flexible and creative. This innovation helped the church thrive even in the midst of severe persecution. For example, Philip acting like Jesus in the city of Samaria broke down man-made barriers designed to keep people from getting to Jesus. Philip scattered, and shared the love and inclusion found in the Gospel.

New Wine & Innovation

In Luke 5, Jesus says “And no one puts new wine in an old wine skin…” At Refuge, we have a new wine on offer. However, as followers of Jesus we must learn to grow, stretch, and mature as the wine we offer grows and matures. Not only keeping the new wine safe. But, allowing it to mature into something ALL PEOPLE want to be a part of. A safe place for ALL PEOPLE!