Series: The Mvmnt 
Message: Persecution and Growth
Preacher: Alex Bryan
Reflection: Japhet De Oliveira
Live Wonder: Zan Long 
Live Adventure: Zan Long 
Live Purpose: Jessyka Albert 
Editor: Becky De Oliveira

Refresh: Begin today in prayer. Ask God for understanding through the Holy Spirit and for God’s character to be revealed.

Read: Acts 5:17-42 in the New Living Translation (NLT). Note 1–3 insights or questions. 

Reflect: In the Gospel of Luke the Pharisees, who were the major antagonists, constantly plot against Jesus—attempting to trap Him, constantly threatened by Him. In the Book of Acts, which is effectively Luke’s Gospel continued as volume two, the focus shifts to the Sadducees. This is because the ministry of the apostles had moved from Galilee to Jerusalem. Yet the methods, problems, and most of the locations of the continued conflict are the same. They revolve around two questions: First, who has spiritual authority to lead the people? Second, where does that seat of power reside? Interesting questions. Are those questions that wake you up in the morning?

Several years ago, I read Dave Logan’s book Tribal Leadership. The book demonstrates five different levels of leaders based on years of research and study. Not only does he describe the levels, but he also explains how to move from one level to the next, and how to avoid slipping back down. Once levels 4 and 5 are reached, a leader can comfortably switch back and forth depending on the needs of the organization. What I appreciated about those levels is that they were not focused on what others were doing. Leadership at these levels is so driven by vision and joy that what the competition is up to no longer matters. So why were the Sadducees so interested in the Apostles? Could it be that they had lost their vision? Could it be that when people focus all their attention onto something you are doing it is because they have nothing else to do? 

Consider all the great movements that have taken place through history. Were they birthed out of a vacuum? Think about the invention of the most ordinary everyday items we use. How many were created as a result of a need that existed? Perhaps there is something deep within us that is missing and the Holy Spirit is calling us to fill it up in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We have to do something to address existing needs in our communities.

Recalibrate: What does your local church stand up against? What does it support?

Respond: Pray for courage. 

Research: Read about level 4 and 5 leaders in Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan. 

Recharge: Wonder/Adventure/Purpose

Look at photo of you and your child. Tell your child how you couldn’t wait to see their little face and how much you love them. Tell them that as much as you love them God loves us even more.

Look at photo of you and your child. Tell your child how you couldn’t wait to see their little face and how much you love them. Tell them that as much as you love them God loves us even more.

When was the last time you led in some way? Maybe it was a group project, making dinner for your family, or helping a younger sibling with homework. Take some time to think about your gifts and talents. Is there a place in your faith community where you can lead?