The disciples are being persecuted...

 ...and much like today the leaders were trying to silence the church. They were bringing persecution until Gamaliel spoke up with wisdom. Acts 5:38-39 (NKJV) “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God." Is what we are doing, as a church, of God or human effort? If it is human effort it will fail but if it is of God, they can’t stop us. Matter of fact, they will find themselves fighting against God. Our Distinctives at Life Church:

1. Our First Distinctive: We should be passionate about the lost. Luke 19:10 (NKJV) “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." What does it mean to be passionate about the lost? It means we love them, pray for them, share with them, and live in such away in front of them that exemplifies Christ.

2. Our Second Distinctive: Home and world missions. Mark 16:15&20 (NKJV) “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” 

3. Our Third Distinctive: Being filled with Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31 (NKJV) “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” The disciples had been initially filled with Holy Spirit power in Acts 2, they are going from normal to supernatural, and they are getting opposition and persecution. They need Holy Spirit power to speak the Word of God with boldness.

4. Our Fourth Distinctive: Generous giving. Acts 2:44-47 (NLT2) “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” Generosity was one of the first signs they were Spirit-filled. 

5. Our Fifth Distinctive: Worship. Luke 24:52-53 (NKJV) “And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Worship will lead you to being baptized in Holy Spirit power.