Mark Hunnicutt

Excited About Upward Tomorrow

I'll be honest, when Upward Bball started I wasn't excited being onsite every Saturday. For over two years we did Saturday Night Church and since shifting to Sync on Sun am I've gotten use to relaxing Sats with football and friends. I'm constantly looking for the most efficent and effective way to minister to the most people. In 5 hours I will see 100s of people from every generation and have an opportunity to equip and encourage. Great investment!

Acts 11:19-12:4 Injustice, believers being selfless following an encouraging leader = a move of God.

Scripture

21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God's blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

Observations

• God's power shows up in times of injustice
• Jerusalem was a sending church
• Barnabas was an encourager
• Good, full of HS, strong faith and produced
• Christians = little Christ

Applications

• Does my spiritual resume resemble Barnabas'?
• Send resources where God is working
• Be an encourager today

Prayer

What an incredible formula of fruitfulness! Injustice, believers being selfless, an encouraging leader = a move of God. Lord, my pray is that I will be an encourager. I don't want to be a fleshy fixer, fighter or figurer. Again, reveal to me where You are working (injustice), help me engage with other believers, empower me to encourage them to do Your work Your way.

Acts 11:1-18 Whether people criticize or champion me the message shouldn’t change.

Scripture

11 Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 "You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!" they said.

⁴ Then Peter told them exactly what had happened.

18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, "We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life."

Observations

• A movement of God creates a buzz
• The news arrived back before he did
• Peter was criticized
• Peter testified with authenticity

Applications

• What is the "buzz" in my life?
• What precedes my testimony?
• Expect criticism
• Answer criticism with authenticity

Prayer

I love Your work! I desire to move with You! You are my guide! I can't look "inward" and see You. I ask that the "buzz" in my life not be drama but Your design and destiny for my life. Empower me to keep telling Your story weather around champions or critics.

Acts 10:34-48 From where God has planted you do you see the planet or just pleasure?

Scripture

34 Then Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

42 And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."

44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Then Peter asked, 47 "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?" 48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.

Observations

• God's heart bleeds for the nations
• God sees people, period!
• People can have peace with God through Jesus
• Holy Spirit fell when God's revelation happened
• This is a Gentile Pentecost

Applications

• Show more empathy for the nations
• Everyone is a 10! Treat them that way
• Preach God's Word not my thoughts or opinions
• Again, get involved with God's plan God's way

Prayers

God this passage reveals Your heart! You love the nations and the people that make up those nations. My prayer is for unreached nations and people groups today. I lift up my brothers and sisters standing on soil that you created and has been corrupted by sin. God send your revelation through these people to Your people. Help me to use my influence beyond my borders. I pray that I look out and beyond and that You would empower me to inspire others to do the same.

 

 

Acts 10:19-33 Interruptions or God encounter? God is always up to something bigger than our plans, join Him?

Scripture

25 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter pulled him up and said, "Stand up! I'm a human being just like you!" 27 So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

28 Peter told them, "You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me."

30 Cornelius replied, "Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o'clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. 31 He told me, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! 32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.' 33 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you."

Observations

• The Gospel is spreading!
• God is using Peter to reach the Gentiles
• This is a humbled and broken Peter
• The Gospel tears down social walls
• God notices actions, activity and ambition
• God prepares the way for preaching

Applications

• Keep moving with the Gospel
• Cooperate with God's timing
• No interruptions in God's Kingdom, see people as God encounters
• Preach and let God prepare and change hearts

Prayer

God, Peter is a radically changed man. Change me! Rearrange me! I don't want to spend my ministry preparing encounters and trying hard. I want to You to be glorified through my every action, activity and ambition! Help me see You today. As I walk I desire to see Your work and join You!

1st Baptist Tuxedo Had Record Turnout!

I love what God is up to in H'town. Bobby Burgess and a team from 1st Tux did Trunk & Treat last night for the first time. Huge turn out and dozens of non-church families showed up. Pray for this great church as they follow up!