1-9-11

Acts 1:4-9 4 On one occasion, while [Jesus] was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

  1. Context
    1. After Jesus’ resurrection
    2. The sincere, but misguided question
      1. Christ’s plan was much bigger than restoring Israel
      2. OT Israel is equated to the NT church—Romans 11:17ff

II.   I’ve Got the Power

    1. Mission not accomplished by our own power; but by God’s Spirit
    2. Romans 8:9-11 (light that gets recharged)

III.    We Are All Witnesses

    1. For them: eyewitnesses of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension
    2. For us: witnesses of Jesus’ continued work in our lives
      1. This ought to include the work of God and the change in our lives
      2. What Jesus did (died for our sins, rose from the grave)
      3. What God is doing (forgiven me; empowers me to live a new life)
      4. What Christ will do (return at the end of the age and bring renewal and justice)

IV.    Where?

    1. Jerusalem—all things local: community, neighborhood, one’s family
    2. Judea—surrounding community: one’s state and nation
    3. Samaria—inclusive of their enemy
      1. The power of Christ breaks down all barriers- political, racial, ethnic, etc.
      2. Witness the love of Christ to: Michigan fans, democrats, republicans, Muslims, immigrants, etc.
    4. To the ends of the earth
      1. Embrace a global faith
      2. Regardless of the political situation, we have a common bond with Christians in Iraq, Iran, France, China, Russia, Colombia, etc.

V.    How do we apply this in Wakeman, Ohio

    1. Continue (and increase) our local mission work (hands-on)
    2. Live your life missionally (work, family, neighborhood, etc.)
    3. Become globally aware of Christ’s mission
    4. Become a prayer warrior of Christ’s mission globally, especially for persecuted Christians
    5. Think creatively how we can connect globally with technology
    6. Support global missions—let’s send a team from Wakeman Congregational Church

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.