After Easter: What Now?

Acts 1:1-11

Introduction:

*A- The disciples had experienced the gambit of emotions in the previous six weeks.

• 1. The excitement of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
• 2. The awe of seeing Jesus cleanse the temple.
• 3. The intimacy of the Last Supper.
• 4. The shock of Jesus’ arrest and trials before the Jewish Sanheidren and Roman authorities.
• 5. The grief of seeing their master die by crucifixion.
• 6. The amazement and overwhelming joy of finding out that Jesus had been raised from the dead.
• 7. The mountain-top experiences of 40 days of post-resurrection appearances and teaching by Jesus.
• a. There were at least ten separate post-resurrection appearances of Christ to his disciples.
• 1) In these appearances, he “proved by infallible proofs” that he was physically alive.
• 2) In these appearances, he taught them about the Kingdom of God.

• B- The glory and excitement of Easter has a higher purpose than providing disciples with a mountain-top experience to ponder for life.
• 1. Jesus repeatedly emphasized the higher purpose and practical purpose of all that he and his disciples had been through together.
• a. Jesus shared with his disciples what they were to do in light of Easter…his resurrection.
• b. You and I must face the same question “After Easter: Now what?”

TS: Jesus gave his disciples directions that instruct us how we are to live and what we must do in the aftermath of Easter…

I. SEEK THE LORD FOR HIS DIRECTION AND POWER (VV. 4-5).

• A. Prayer is the starting point for finding God’s direction and power (Acts 1:4-5, 12-14; Luke 24:35-49).
• B. The promise of the Holy Spirit comes from the God who does not lie or change. (Psalm 89:35; Malachi 3:6; John 14:15-16; John 16:7-11).

II. FOCUS ON THE CHRIST-GIVEN MISSION, NOT SIDE-STREET ISSUES (VV. 6-8).

• A. Side-street issues are a distraction and should be avoided.
• 1. Side-street issues can take many forms:
• a. Questions over issues that are known only to God.
• 1) Illustration: Video on YouTube “Why Jesus is coming back before Sept. 7, 2017.”
• b. Debates over questions of methods and practices that side-track the church from following Christ’s marching orders.
• c. Choices that sacrifice commitment and godliness to the false gods of this world.
• B. Our focus must be placed upon the fulfillment of the commission Christ has given to us.
• 1. It is a commission that Christ has equipped us to carry out. (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18)
• 2. It is a commission that is clearly laced out in scripture. (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:45-48; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15)

III. THE TIME FOR ACTION IS UPON US- THERE IS NO TIME FOR PASSIVENESS AND INACTIVITY (VV. 9-11).

• A. While we serve and amazing Lord, our worship is incomplete if that is our sole focus. (V. 9; Romans 12:1-2).
• B. We must get busy about the master’s business because the time for work is limited.(vv. 10-11).

CONCLUSION: