Sinners & Saints - Ordinary But Empowered
God's Plan A: How Ordinary People Change the World
The Book of Acts opens with a powerful scene that sets the stage for everything that follows. After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples are gathered together, asking Him if He's finally going to fix everything - restore Israel's kingdom and set the world right. But instead of answering their question directly, Jesus does something unexpected: He leaves.
Key Verses
Acts 1:8
Acts 2:38
Acts 4:13
Revelation 21:5
What Happens When Jesus Leaves?
Picture this: a group of young believers standing in a circle, staring up at heaven with their jaws on the ground, wondering, "What do we do now?" These weren't seasoned Christians with decades of experience - there were no Christian bookstores, no church traditions, no one's Christian grandmother to guide them. They were ordinary people facing an extraordinary calling.
This scene matters because it shows us that feeling overwhelmed and unprepared isn't the end of the story - it's just the beginning.
The Promise That Changes Everything
Before Jesus ascended, He gave His disciples one final promise that would become the foundation for everything they'd accomplish: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
This wasn't just a promise for the original disciples. When Peter preached his first sermon after receiving the Holy Spirit, he made it clear: "This promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:38-39).
What Does This Power Look Like?
The Holy Spirit isn't given at the end like a trophy for perfect performance. He's given at the beginning because God knows we need Him for every day when we don't have enough on our own. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God giving you the power of God to live the life God has called you to live, wherever He has called you.
God Uses Ordinary People
The disciples weren't perfect people who suddenly got their act together. When religious leaders arrested Peter and John, they were astonished because these were "uneducated, common men" - the original Greek word is "idiotes" (sound familiar?). Yet these ordinary people displayed extraordinary boldness because they had been with Jesus.
The Sons of Thunder
Consider James and John, nicknamed "the Sons of Thunder" by Jesus. These weren't gentle, refined religious leaders. They were rough around the edges - the kind of guys who asked Jesus if they could call down fire from heaven to kill people who rejected Him. Jesus didn't kick them off the team; He gave them a nickname and said, "Just wait. I'm going to use that energy."
How Different People Work Together
When the Holy Spirit transforms individuals, He doesn't stop with one person. He creates communities where very different people can work together effectively. Think of it like this: when something breaks or spills in a group, everyone responds differently based on their personality and spiritual gifts.
The person with the gift of mercy comforts and encourages. The person with leadership steps back to assess the situation. The administrator starts organizing the cleanup. The servant waits for direction then jumps in to help. The teacher explains how to prevent it next time. The giver shares what they have.
Unity in Diversity
Without the Holy Spirit connecting us, these different responses create division. But when we're all following Jesus and filled with His Spirit, our differences become strengths that complement each other. In a world that divides us over everything, the church becomes a counterculture where radically different people can walk together.
Why Does God Choose Ordinary People?
God's plan A has always been to partner with ordinary, obedient people - and there is no plan B. He doesn't need superstars or perfect people. He's looking for people willing to let their lives turn in His direction to begin turning things right side up, one relationship and one home at a time.
It's All About Love
Why would God give His Spirit to flawed people? Simply because He loves us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Just like a grandparent's unconditional love for a newborn who can't do anything but cry, sleep, and make messes, God's love for us isn't based on our performance - it's based on His character.
Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit
The question isn't whether you have access to God's power if you've surrendered your life to Jesus - you do. The question is: Are you living in it? Are you practicing the presence of the Holy Spirit?
A Simple Prayer
When you don't know what to say or how to handle a situation, try this simple prayer: "Holy Spirit, I'm relying on You. Holy Spirit, help." This acknowledges that He's present and available, and that you're choosing to depend on His power rather than your own strength.
Life Application
This week, practice awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence by praying 'Holy Spirit, I'm relying on you' or 'Holy Spirit, help' in moments when you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or inadequate. Keep a simple journal or mental note of how God shows up in these moments, consciously acknowledging your dependence on Him.
Questions For Reflection:
Pastor Ethan described the disciples as 'uneducated common men' (idiots in the original language) who were transformed by being with Jesus. How does this encourage you about God's ability to use you despite your flaws or limitations?
The sermon emphasized that the Holy Spirit is given at the beginning of our faith journey, not as a trophy at the end. How does this change your perspective on your relationship with God and your daily dependence on Him?
When you face moments where you feel like the disciples - standing in a circle not knowing what to do - how do you typically respond? How might practicing the prayer 'Holy Spirit, I'm relying on you' change your approach?
The spaghetti spill illustration showed how different spiritual gifts work together in community. Which spiritual gift do you most identify with, and how have you seen it work (or clash) with others' gifts?
Pastor Ethan said God's plan A has always been ordinary, obedient people, and there's no plan B. What does this tell you about your value and purpose in God's kingdom?
The sermon mentioned that everything divides us in today's world, but the Holy Spirit creates unity among believers. Where have you seen this supernatural unity in action, or where do you need it most?
How does the picture of baby Oliver help you understand God's unconditional love for you, even when you're 'whining, pouting, and making messes'?
The disciples went from scattering in fear to boldly proclaiming Jesus after receiving the Holy Spirit. What area of your life needs this kind of transformation from fear to boldness?
Key Takeaways
God's plan A has always been to partner with ordinary, obedient people - there is no plan B
The Holy Spirit is given by grace at the beginning of our faith journey, not earned as a trophy at the end
We are deeply flawed, fully loved, and clearly called - God specializes in using imperfect people
Different spiritual gifts working together in community create a supernatural unity that transforms the world
The presence of God through the Holy Spirit gives us exactly the right power we need for whatever we're facing
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
1. Take You At Your Word -Cody Carnes
2. Same God - Elevation Worship
3. Bless God - Cody Carnes
4. Love Of God - Brandon Lake
WFC Speedway
1. Rest On Us - Maverick City Music
2. Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters
3. Reckless Love - Cory Asbury
3. Goodness Of God - Bethel Music
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
