Lord, Stretch Me!

Lord, Stretch Me!

I. Introduction

A. Experts on the human body tell us that stretching is good for us.

B. I want to present to you the idea that in 2023 – God Is Going To Stretch You.

II. Peter’s “Lord, ” moment.
Acts 10

A. 4 key points we need to know so we can rise to our “Lord, Stretch Me” moment.

Acts 10:9-12 (NIV)⁹About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. ¹⁰He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. ¹¹He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. ¹²It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.

1. First key point: Our “Lord, Stretch Me” moment can come .

Eph 5:15 (NIV) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.

Acts 10:13-16 (NIV) ¹³Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” ¹⁴Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” ¹⁵The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” ¹⁶This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

Ezek 4:9a, 10-13 (NIV)

2. Second key point: God is so committed to your stretch that He will the invitation to stretch again and again.

Acts 10:19-20, 23-24 (NIV) ¹⁹While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. ²⁰So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them. ²³Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. ²⁴The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Acts 10:28-29 (NIV) ²⁸He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. ²⁹So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

3. Third key point: God is not a of what you or I hold and .

2 Cor. 3:18b (NLT) And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Acts 10:34-40, 43 (NIV)

4. Forth key point: A stretched us is a far !

Acts 10:44-48 (NIV) ⁴⁴While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. ⁴⁶For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷”Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” ⁴⁸So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

III. Conclusion

Josh 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”