Main Point: Discuss how we can live everyday life with the authority Jesus has given us.

Matthew 28:18 All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. Mark 16-15-16 Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved and he who does not believe will be condemned. Jesus said these things to his disciples shortly after He was raised from the dead. After He said these things, He was taken to Heaven. Questions: 1. In verse 18, Jesus says all authority was given to Him not just in heaven but also on earth. How has Jesus chosen to exercise His authority on earth? (Through us! The body 2. According to these verses, what has Jesus given us the authority to do? (make
disciples, preach the Gospel to ERVERY creature.) of Christ)

Living in Authority

Q: Im not a Pastor or a Prophet! Its not my job to preach the Gospel is it? A: Are you a Christian? Then, Ohhhhh yes it is! 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God who has reconciled the world to Himself and given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christs behalf, be reconciled to God.

Questions: Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. According to verse 17, Who is the Word talking to in these verses? (any man in Christ) Man refers to Mankind, so are these verses talking to you? (if you are in Christ, then yes it is) What ministry has God given every man in Christ? (The Ministry of reconciliation) What is the ministry of reconciliation? (verse 19) Verse 20 calls you an ambassador. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ. (He has chosen you to be His representative of His will and His Kingdom on the earth.) 8. Do you believe you have that authority from God? So, God has given us the authority to preach the Gospel, make disciples and be representatives of His will and Kingdom on the earth. If we read further into Mark 16, we can see that there is more that God has given us the authority to do. Mark 16:17-18 And these signs WILL follow those that believe; In My name they WILL cast out demon; they WILL speak with new tongues; the WILL take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it WILL in no means hurt them. The WILL lay hands on the sick and they WILL recover. Jesus sends out his 12 disciples and anoints them to be His ambassadors Matthew 10:7-8 And as YOU go, preach, saying The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Questions: 9. According to these verses what else has God given you the authority on earth to do? 10. Sometimes there is fuss over whether or not it is the will of God to heal the sick. Some say these type of signs and wonders cant happen anymore. What do you believe and why? 11. Has God ever used you to bring his will to pass in the earth through the preaching of the Gospel, making disciples, signs and wonders, etc? Share your testimony. Jesus has given you the authority to do all of these things on the earth, right now in this lifetime. Its not just for the spiritual elite Christians. Its not just for church services, outreaches or missions trips. It is for you, every day, everywhere. Did you know that you can lay hands on your sick coworkers and the Word of God says that must recover? Did you know that when you share the good news to with classmates that you are sharing the power of God that leads them to salvation? You have been given the authority to represent the Kingdom of God on this earth!