Acts 2
Introduction
:
This is week 3 of series leading to Pentecost Sunday.
Week One
-Scattered. Primarily we spoke about the disciples and what they did or didn’t do when the shepherd was struck…This week I want to look at not only. What did they do? The gathered.
Week Two
– Gathered – what the disciples did, but a whole community of believers who were missing their shepherded
Week Three
today…. released.
Transition:
At Pentecost they are empowered and come out of the upper room with the authority, boldness, ‘anointing’ to do a few things they were incapable of on their own strength, ability or merit.
I. ‘Receive Power’ to
Witness’
What is contained in Acts 1:3-13 is the narrative of the preparation of individuals (church as whole) to continue the Ministry that Jesus began.
It’s what is called ‘The Apostolic Succession’ – The person and ministry of a(n) apostle is literally one who is sent.
Acts 1:8, ‘But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me
1
in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ (NKJ)
Power
=
dynamis
– which denotes ‘a robust force’ at work in demonstrative ways for all to see and feel.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Demonstration
=
apodeixis
{ap-od’-ike-sis}
Meaning:
1) a making manifest, showing forth 2) a demonstration, proof
To Be Witnesses
=
martus
{mar’-toos}
Meaning:
1) a witness 1a) in a legal sense 1b) an historical sense 1b1) one who is a spectator of anything, e.g. of a contest 1c) in an ethical sense 1c1)
Question
: Are you or have you been ‘witness’ to something special concerning Jesus and the Gospel?
Witnessing vs. Evangelism
– R. C. Sproul – Ligonier Ministries
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/witnessing-vs-evangelism/
Transition
: The second element of our empowerment for service is to make disciples.
II. Make Disciples
– Matthew 28:18-20
4 Greek Words that make up / constitute what it is / means to be a disciple.
Conclusion
: So after we’ve gathered and been empowered we move toward our mission to witness and to make disciples.
Participation
Introduction: Week Two. Preparation. Question: Have you ever wondered what Mary / the Virgin Mary did in preparation for what the angel pronounced to her about being with a child? Luke 1:3, ‘You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus’. (NLT) I will get to Mary and that…
Anticipation
Introduction: Well, the Christmas season is here! When fall has given way to winter and snow covers the ground while lights twinkle from house to house, you know Christmas is coming. Decorated Christmas trees are everywhere you look. Presents a crowd for space under the tree and families come together for a turkey feast. Christmas…
Grateful For Missions
Introduction: Missions, Missionaries, The Great Commission, Missions Trips, Outreaches, etc. Missions Heroes William Carey William Carey is regarded as the “father of modern missions”. Trained as a shoemaker, William Carey became known as the ‘father of modern missions’ for his missionary work in India. The story goes that in 1787, he suggested that all Christians…
That All Might Hear
Introduction: Missions, Missionaries, The Great Commission, Missions Trips, Outreaches, etc. ‘A Christian missionary is someone who dedicates their life to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serving others in His name. It is a challenging and rewarding path, but one that can transform lives, both the missionary and those they serve. ‘Missionaries are individuals…
A Person
Matthew 1 Introduction: Week 3 – Biblical Israel – The Person. We have finally arrived at the story of Jesus, which will bring the entire biblical story to a climactic fulfillment. The arrival of Jesus will introduce a massive twist into the drama, but it’s one that we’ve seen coming. In fact, to track the…
Biblical Israel – A Promise
Introduction: Genesis 12:1-3 ‘Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will…
Biblical Israel
A People Introduction: Given all the news about the War in Israel, I decided it would be important to spend a few weeks sharing what the Bible has to say about Israel: The People, The Promise, The Person, and The Plan. It could very well be that not only do our children not have an…
Pleasing Faith
Hebrews 6 taken from – https://www.gotquestions.org/faith-vs-belief.html Introduction: On one hand, there is no difference between faith and belief. The two terms are often used interchangeably. On the other hand, in popular English usage, the word faith often has a deeper meaning. Application: Most people believe it is important to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly; however, most…
Keeping it Lit
Introduction: On last week on what we’ve been discussing about preaching the gospel because the last days are getting nearer and then judgment. Transition: Matthew 25 is a continuation of chapter 24 as Jesus continues to teach about being aware and prepared. I ended last week on Matthew 24:14 The rest of chapter 24 looks…