The Book of Acts ~ Study Seventeen

"Using the Ordinary"

Acts 4:13-15 (NLT) The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves.


The Council were amazed ~ they could see Peter and John were ordinary men uneducated men ~ they recognized them as being with Jesus ~ they could see the man that was healed ~ they had nothing to say.


That what happens when ordinary people believe in the extraordinary Christ! As much as the important men of the temple wanted to argue with these men they couldn't ~ they were stumped. 


What does the world see when it sees a believer? Do they see the famous speaking for Jesus? Well, of course there are some. For instance, there is Billy Graham and Mother Teresa. There is Beth Moore and Anne Graham Lotz. These are ones that are bold enough to step out it faith and speak about our Savior. I pose to you that these are ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the Savior they love and obey. And we are called to do the same and reach people within our own world.


Let's see if we meet the qualifications for being a representative of Jesus:
* How do you view yourself? Ordinary or extraordinary?
* Do you love Jesus? When did you decide to love Him?
* Do you want others to know about Him? Why or why not?
* Do others know that you are a Christ follower? Why do they or don't they?


If you are an ordinary person, educated or uneducated person who loves and serves Jesus and you want other to know about Him then you are qualified. Now all you need to do is let others know. How do you view yourself and your testimony of Jesus?


Isaiah 44:8 (NLT) "Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!”


God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Look at how He used the disciples. Before Jesus found them they were blue collar workers with a minimal education. He saw their hearts and the capabilities He had placed within them as they were spun together in their mother's womb. (See Psalm 139) He saw what they couldn't see and He taught them to do greater things.


The same holds true for you and me. He has so much planned for us. First, we have to believe that God does use ordinary people. What about some of the famous we know? What were they before they became famous for Jesus?


Billy Graham was born on a dairy farm near Charlotte, NC. He was an ordinary farm boy.
Mother Teresa was born in Albanian and became a nun at 18. She was an ordinary nun.
Beth Moore was born a daughter of a cinema owner. She began by teaching Sunday School. She was an ordinary Sunday School teacher.
Anne Graham Lotz was born to an evangelist who was absent most of her growing up years. She was an ordinary girl with an absent father.


Fill in the blanks for yourself. _________________ was born ________________. What can God do with your ordinary life? Oh child, He can do so much!! It may not be as an evangelist or author, movie star or politician but I promise you that if you are willing to see what God has in store for you He'll affect your world for His glory.


2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.


God has given each of those who love Him a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. He does not give us the spirit of fear and timidity. So when you feel this fear and timidity it doesn't come from Him but is a lie from the evil one. Let go of the fear and grab onto the power, love and self-discipline that He has given you. Stand strong and God will do great things in your life. Go out into your world and live boldly and bravely for Him.

God uses the ordinary for His extraordinary purpose!