3.1.21 4.16.2023 Mission Acts 1.1-12

What comes after Easter?

It might seem an inconsequential question, particularly since I will spend the next several weeks answering it. Yet with Christmas far in the review mirror and Easter behind us as well it is the best question for us to discuss together.

What comes after Easter?

The rest of the year...

the rest of our lives...

Eternity.

The time between Easter and the Day of Pentecost is traditionally a time to reflect upon the foundation and purpose of the Church. The advice given to young preachers was to preach from the text of Acts, sermons about the nature and purpose of the Church. This tradition, like many venerable, Biblical precedents is in eclipse. For far too many people the Church does not have a positive image. Some of it is due to non-biblical, badly briefed, poorly preached theology. And sadly, some of it is due to one of our oldest enemies—sloth.

We are going to spend some time reexamining our roots in the Book of Acts to

remind us of our beginnings,

ground us in our history,

and align us with Jesus’ design for us.

Let’s begin with what people think about the Church, what crosses their mind when they hear the word. I think this pertains to people both inside and outside of the Church. Too much of the bad press is due to a poor understanding of what the Church is.

Consider the following

Some think of the Church nothing more than a funny building.

Others think of the Church as an antique holdover from the past not relevant to our Post-Modern age.

For others the Church is a formidable social, economic, and political force competing with other similar interests for control of society.

Still others spout ridiculous nonsense like “I like Jesus, but not the Church” thus belittling His body, and bashing His bride. Doesn’t seem to me like a way to honor the Bridegroom who died to give the Church life.

The Biblical view:

The Church is the body of Christ, animated by His purpose, filled by His Spirit, pursuing His mission.

In the book of Acts Luke continues the story of Jesus, recording the birth of the Church, its spread, the unfolding of its doctrine and practice, and the conflict which drove it's worldwide expansion.

Everything about the Church is intentional. The book of Acts unfolds the architecture of this intent along with an account of how the plan unfolded.

(Explore)

The beginning of the Church is the Mission Jesus gave us.

In the book of Acts Luke records Jesus’ preparation of His Church for long-term engagement with the world.

Jesus prepares us with

Evidence of Jesus’ Resurrection.

Acts 1:1–3 ESV

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

Jesus’ ministry

Jesus’ Apostles

Jesus’ instruction

Next, Jesus reminds us we are

Equipped through the Spirit.

Acts 1:4–5 ESV

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Spirit comes as a promise

The Spirit comes to prepare us

Since we have the equipment Jesus provided, we need to have our

Expectations aligned with Jesus’ purpose.

Acts 1:6–7 ESV

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

Expanding the Kingdom

Accepting authority

It all comes down to

Execution of Jesus plan.

Acts 1:8–11 ESV

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Witness

World

Work

At times it seems that the world is more decadent, difficult, and different than it was in the past. In some ways yes...in the essentials, not so much. The velocity may be different, but we still live in a fallen world, dominated by Empire. The lost are waiting for the liberating message of creation’s resurrected King. Telling that story is the job of the Church.

Our Mission is durable, and it is doable. It is ancient, yet it is fresh. The Mission of Jesus is both our heritage and our legacy.

The Apostles learned to take the long view. We are still playing the long game. We follow the Master. We tell His story. We continue with the Mission until we hand it over to the next generation and it begins again.