Part 4: The Kingdom Charge

February 26, 2023

INTRO

RECAP

Defining the Mission - Jesus sends us out to make disciples

Depend on God - We cannot fulfill our purpose on our own…we must pray and rely on the Holy Spirit.

Power to Proclaim - The Holy Spirit changes everything in our lives…it is the Holy Spirit who impacts our lives, interests those around us, and influences our speech to share with those around us.

The Kingdom Charge

What separates a Kingdom people from just another civic group or community organization?

What makes the Church different from just another religious group or a social club with religious affiliations?

For too long, the Church has watered down our charge and command. We have sacrificed the greatest thing for good things, but we must remember that as the Kingdom of God collides with the kingdom of culture, we have a charge and a battle cry…and it is the GOSPEL OF JESUS!

Acts 2:32–41 ESV

32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

1) JESUS IS FOR REAL (v. 22-28)

People are skeptical of Jesus

People treat Jesus as just a religious figure

Even church people don’t take Jesus all that serious

Real believers, live their lives around Jesus instead of asking Jesus to just be around in their lives.

Jesus is the real deal!

2) JESUS IS LORD (v. 29-36)

Jesus has all power and authority

He is worthy of our everything and then some

He is exalted and above all, we must submit to Him.

3) JESUS SAVES (v.37-41)

There is only two possibilities for our sinfulness and unrighteousness.

Either we pay the full penalty for our sin by being eternally separated from God in Hell.

OR we cry out to Jesus and live in repentance and obedience to Him and His righteous and holy death pays the penalty for our sin.

There is only one option for you for salvation…JESUS

This promise is for you! (are they who are far off)

Will we turn to Jesus and be saved from this crooked generation?

Jesus doesn’t just save from eternal hell…He saves from present sin!

Far too many people are claiming Jesus, but still walking the same path as this crooked culture....

That ain’t how it works…

You can’t live in repentance and obedience to Jesus and still identify with and be primarily motivated by the things of this world.

CLOSING

Believer, Disciples, and Follower of Jesus…OUR LIVES MUST REFLECT THAT JESUS IS REAL…THAT JESUS IS LORD…AND THAT JESUS SAVES!

We cannot become disillusioned to think that our relationship with Jesus is just about us. We must charge into the kingdom of darkness around us and proclaim Jesus!

Non-believers, skeptics, and those who are curious about Jesus…There is no logical doubt that Jesus is real…that Jesus is LORD…and that JESUS SAVES! Won’t you surrender your life to Him today and be saved from this crooked generation?