The Kingdom Launched

The Journey we’ve been on…

1. We took some time to recreate the conversation Jesus had with his disciples on the road to Emmaus, and began to learn to tell the OT story the way Jesus did.

He probably didn’t use hand actions, but within just a few hours Jesus surveyed the Old Testament story, following the story-line of God’s plan and honing in on key passages of Scripture, opening the minds and hearts of the Apostles to the Old Testament scriptures and all that they say about Him. Up until that point the Apostles didn’t understand what Jesus was accomplishing - but after Jesus explained the story things start to make sense...

2. Now that we have reviewed the story-line of God’s plan in the OT, we are now following the same story-line into the New Testament, to understand better all that Jesus accomplished, and how our lives fit into the Story of God’s plan for all humanity…

The Apostles then in turn told the story and used the OT scriptures to explain and validate the good news of Jesus Christ.

That’s why we have the questions… and the discussion… but I know last week the questions were too big and some were a little lost… so hopefully the questions are a little better this week…

I really hope you are starting to see a couple of things…

The good news about Jesus is not a new story, it is the climax and part of the same story that began with God’s promise to Abraham to bless all the families of the earth.

It is by believing in Jesus, by his grace, we receive all the blessings and responsibilities of being part of God’s kingdom - we become part of the plan - just like Abram, Moses, Israel, David and others we have a role to play...

Now we have some idea of the story-line of God’s plan in the OT, we are now following the same story-line into the New Testament, to understand better all that Jesus accomplished, and how we fit into the Story of God’s plan for all humanity…

So as we follow the story-line into the New Testament… Jesus is identified as - the Christ - the Messiah, the promised king from David’s line the son of God, who came down and lived a life on earth as a man; and beginning in Galilee he went about doing good, healing and announcing good news; the kingdom of God is at hand.

Last week we looked at how the Gospels present Jesus as the climax of the story…

So now we are looking at how the new Testament presents Jesus and complets the Story. to see how Jesus and his apostles understand who He was and what he was accomplishing? They saw him as the climax of the story of God’s plan… and the beginning of God’s specific mission to bring blessing to all the families of the earth just like he promised:

Jesus is the climax of of the story of God’s plan and the beginning of God’s specific mission to bring blessing to all the families of the earth just like he promised.

and announcing that God’s kingdom has started!

Last week we looked at how Jesus and his Apostles understood that Jesus is the climax of the OT story…just like the prophets foretold,

Jesus Christ, is the promised king from David’s line and son of God, who came down and lived a life on earth as a man; and beginning in Galilee he went about doing good, healing and announcing good news; the kingdom of God is at hand. This is good news because God is about to make a major move in advancing his overall plan to bless all nations ().

This is good news because God is about to make a major move in advancing his overall plan to bless all nations ().

God is about to make a major move in advancing his overall plan to bless all nations (). But before the launch of God’s strategy to bless all the nations of the world, the king from the line of David had to suffer and die. Jesus was both announcing and becoming the good news, which is why he kept telling his disciples before his death not to tell anyone he was the Christ.

this is good news because All who believe in him become part of his kingdom and receive all the blessings and responsibilities that come with it.

Which why Jesus was also announcing the ‘good news! that the kingdom of God is at hand. God was about to make a major move in advancing his overall plan to bless all nations (). But before the launch of God’s strategy to bless all the nations of the world, the king from the line of David had to suffer and die. Jesus was both announcing and becoming the good news, which is why he kept telling his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Christ.

But before the launch of God’s strategy to bless all the nations of the world, the king from the line of David had to suffer and die. Jesus in the Gospels is both announcing and becoming the good news, which is why he kept telling his disciples before his death to keep quiet about some things.

But before the launch of God’s strategy to bless all the nations of the world, the king from the line of David had to suffer and die. Jesus was both announcing and becoming the good news, which is why he kept telling his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Christ yet.

Which why Jesus was also announcing the ‘good news! that the kingdom of God is at hand. God was about to make a major move in advancing his overall plan to bless all nations (). But before the launch of God’s strategy to bless all the nations of the world, the king from the line of David had to suffer and die. Jesus was both announcing and becoming the good news, which is why he kept telling his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Christ.

we saw that Jesus announced the good news that the kingdom of God was at hand. God was about to make a major move in advancing his overall plan (). But before the launch of his strategy to bless all the nations of the world, the king from the line of David had to suffer and die. Jesus was both announcing and becoming the good news, which is why he kept telling his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Christ. It is not until after his resurrection that the kingdom is launched, which would eventually include all the nations of the earth! But the Launch of his kingdom is full of surprises! Jesus said he would build his church and even Satan couldn’t stop him () yet no one really knew what that meant at first.

So Christ goes around announcing that the Kingdom is at hand, but it is not until after his resurrection that His kingdom is launched and the launch is full of surprises!

At one point before his death Jesus, told his disciples that he would build his church and even Satan couldn’t stop him () yet no one really knew what that meant at first.

This launch is described for us in the book of Acts - chapter 1 before we dig into this we need to look at the first verse…

Acts 1:1 ESV

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,

Acts 1:1

Key word in is ‘Began’

Luke a well-educated companion of Paul wrote two books, a two-volume set, Luke and Acts. In Luke chapter 1 he explains that he is writing an authoritative account of all Jesus did and taught - It’s not his personal take on things - it is what was handed down to him by eye witnesses and ministers of the word’ - this is a continuation of God’s story as it happened - it is God’s word to us.

Luke a well-educated companion of Paul wrote two books, a two-volume set, Luke and Acts. In Luke chapter 1 he explains that he is writing an authoritative account ‘handed down by eye witnesses and ministers of the word’ - this is a continuation of God’s story - it is God’s word to us. And he is writing to to confirm the teaching ‘the things you have been taught’ the stories and instruction that Theophilus had been given.

He also says in the opening verses of Luke that other people had already written down these things - so why is Luke doing it? to confirm the teaching / the instruction that Theophilus had received.

If the book of Luke is about what Jesus began to do and teach, then Acts is about what Jesus continued to do and teach by his Spirit. We know from Jesus’ conversation with His disciples before his crucifixion (), he would give his apostles further instructions through the Spirit. So next part of the story - the book of Acts is Jesus’ further instructions to his disciples - It is describing the Launch of the Kingdom, and revealing the essentials of Christ’s plan for blessing all the nations as Jesus continues to instruct and lead his Apostles by his Spirit.

If the book of Luke is about what Jesus did and taught, then Acts is about what Jesus continued to do and teach by his Spirit. So Acts is part of the instructions Jesus gave that Luke wants to confirm for Theophilus. We know from Jesus’ conversation with His disciples before his crucifixion (), he would give his apostles further instructions through the Spirit.

In Jesus is setting things up....Read ,

Acts 1:1–11 ESV

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 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. 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; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 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.” 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. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 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.”

Jesus gives instructions through the Spirit in and then tells them to wait for the Spirit in Jerusalem before attempting to be his witnesses, because Spirit will empower them and continue to instruct them -

Jesus gives instructions through the Spirit in and then tells them to wait for the Spirit in Jerusalem, because the Spirit will empower them and continue to instruct them in being his witnesses -

He gives instructions through the Spirit in and they are to wait for the Spirit in Jerusalem who will empower them and continue to instruct them in carrying out the great commission.

Jesus gives instructions through the Spirit in and then tells them to wait for the Spirit in Jerusalem, because the Spirit will empower them and continue to instruct them in being his witnesses -

Acts 1:8 ESV

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.”

SO The kingdom is Launched, not with Israel being restored but with the resurrected Jesus sending his disciples into all the world — this is the beginning of his specific mission to bless all the families of the earth!

The rest of the book describes how this unfolds as the disciples follow the father instructions Jesus is giving through the Spirit - the witness in Jerusalem in (), the witness in Judea and Samaria (), The witness to the rest of the known world ().

The book of Acts describes and outlines the Launch of the Kingdom revealing and giving shape to the basic plan in which Christ will bring blessing to all the nations of the world.

In Jerusalem:

SO The kingdom is Launched, not with Israel being restored but with the resurrected Jesus sending his disciples into all the world — this is the beginning of his specific mission to bless all the families of the earth!

So the Spirit empowers the disciples to tell the story and proclaim the good news. People believe and the Spirit forms the new believers into a new community that is devoted to the Apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.

In Jerusalem:

So the Spirit empowers the disciples to proclaim the good news and forms the new believers into a new community that is devoted to the Apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.

Acts describes the Launch of the Kingdom, and it reveals the basics of Christ’s plan to bring blessing to all the nations as Jesus continues to instruct and lead his Apostles by his Spirit.

Acts 2:37–46 ESV

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?” 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. 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.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

So the Spirit empowers the disciples to proclaim the good news and forms the new believers into a new community that is devoted to the Apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.

Judea & Samaria:

This new community is persecuted by the Jews and so people head out into Judea and Samara where the Spirit instructs Peter to go to the house of a Gentile - A Roman Centurion named Cornelius. Where the Spirit confirms that this good news is for every nation and the whole household becomes the beginning of a new community of believers in Joppa.

Antioch & The Ends of the Earth:

Because of more persecution believers travel all the way to the gentile city of Antioch where again the Spirit empowers followers to be witnesses, people believe and the Spirit forms the new believers into a new community - a local church.

Barnabas led by The Spirit sends sends for Paul and and they stay in Antioch to establish a this new community in the Apostles teaching. The lifestyles of these Gentile believers change so much the people of the city nickname them ‘Christians’ or little ‘Christs’

In the church confirms that Paul and Barnabas have been selected by the Spirit for the specific work of bringing the gospel to the nations. Following the instructions and leading of the Spirit Paul and Barnabas begin their work.

In Paul and Barnabas are identified as being selected by the Spirit for the specific work of bringing the gospel to the nations. includes at least three main elements of this work: 1) Proclaiming the gospel to strategic cities, 2) instructing new believers in the Apostles teaching and forming believers into churches (family groups) 3) Appointing elders (family leaders) to guard and develop those churches so they would continue to grow, multiply, and partner in the work of brining the good news to all nations.

includes at least three main elements of this work:

Following the instructions and leading of the Spirit Paul and Barnabas begin their work. includes at least three main elements of this work: 1) Proclaiming the gospel to strategic cities, 2) instructing new believers in the Apostles teaching and forming them into churches (family groups) 3) Appointing elders (family leaders) to guard and develop those churches so they would continue to grow, multiply, and partner in the work of bringing the good news to all nations.

1) Evangelizing - Telling the Story and proclaiming the gospel to strategic cities,

2) Establishing new believers in the Apostles teaching - forming them into new communities - churches

3) Entrusting these communities to the care of local leaders - elders to guard and develop those churches so they would continue to grow, multiply, becoming partners in the work of bringing the good news to all nations.

The rest of Acts documents how Paul’s growing team continues this work as Paul makes his way to the capital city of Rome. By the end of Acts there is a whole network of churches , and a growing team of church leaders, in strategic Cities along key trade routes all over the entire roman Empire - ready to carry on the work of bringing blessing to all the nations of the earth!

Now the biggest surprise in all of this is that this new community ‘the church’ is the one bringing the good news to the nations instead of Israel. Jesus had told his disciples before his death ‘I will build my Church and the Gates of Hell will not stand against it’ () the Devil can’t even stop it! - at the time they weren’t sure what Jesus was talking about - but Jesus make it clearer as he gives his disciples further instructions by his Spirit in Acts…

So this part of the story describes the launch of the Kingdom and lays out the essentials of Christ's strategy for bringing blessing to the nations, as the Spirit gives further instructions to the Apostles.

And Paul shows that this strategy was part of God’s plan all along by quoting from in . He quotes from one of Isaiah’s Songs of the Servant - which focuses specifically on the Messiah’s mission… Paul points out that the Messiah is first a light to the Gentiles (nations) which will somehow lead to Israel’s restoration.

And Paul shows that this strategy was part of God’s plan all along by quoting from in . He quotes from one of Isaiah’s Songs of the Servant - which focuses specifically on the Messiah’s mission… Paul points out that the Messiah is first a light to the Gentiles (nations) which will somehow lead to Israel’s restoration.

Luke writes it down to confirm it all because Jesus has made his followers, his Kingdom people, partners in this mission… and it is all happening during last days of the Story of God’s plan. Which is the chapter of the Story that we are living in right now!

1. In what way does launch the fulfillment of to bring blessing to all the families of the earth?

2. Why is the new community ‘the church’ a surprise? How much of the strategy, revealed by the Spirit in Acts, focuses on developing and multiplying these new communities ‘local-churches’?

1. In what way does launch the fulfillment of , by blessing all the families of the earth? How is this a launch of the kingdom of God?

3. If you conclude that the Story is true, how does the teaching in Acts inform your understanding of what believers are a part of? What are we to be working at?

2. Why is the new community ‘the church’ as surprise? How much of the strategy, revealed by the Spirit in Acts, focuses on developing and multiplying these new communities ‘local-churches’?

3. If you conclude that the Story is true, how does the teaching in Acts inform your understanding of what you are a part of? What are we to be working at?

Learning Goals / Tips:

Learning Goals / Tips:

Learning Goals:

People should be growing in their awareness that we are living in the final stages of the Story of God’s plan - his specific mission to bless all the families of the earth!

People should be starting to see that belonging to Jesus’ new multi-ethnic community is at the heart of God’s plan for us during this age.

People should be growing in their awareness that we are living in the final stages of the Story of God’s plan - his specific mission to bless all the families of the earth!

People should be starting to see that multiplying and establishing local churches (Christ-Centered Families of Families) throughout the world, is the focus of Christ’s revealed strategy for bringing blessing to all the families of the earth.

People should be starting to see that belonging to Jesus’ new multi-ethnic community is at the heart of God’s plan for us during this age.

People ought to be connecting the dots that faith in Jesus involves shaping our lives around the Story of God’s plan so that we are working with him by participating in a local-family of families as partners in his mission. You may want to share stories of how you have shaped your life to participate in the life and mission of our local church.

People should be starting to see that multiplying and establishing local churches (Christ-Centered Families of Families) throughout the world, is the focus of Christ’s revealed strategy for bringing blessing to all the families of the earth.

People ought to be connecting the dots that faith in Jesus involves shaping our lives around the Story of God’s plan, so that we are working with him by participating in a local-family of families as partners in his mission. You may want to share stories of how you have shaped your life to participate in the life and mission of our local church.

So When the Apostles preach the good news about Jesus they aren’t telling a new story, they are completing the story that began with God’s promise to Abraham.

The Apostles then in turn told the story and used the OT scriptures to explain and validate the good news of Jesus Christ.

So now we are looking at how the new Testament presents Jesus and complets the Story. to see how Jesus and his apostles understand who He was and what he was accomplishing? They saw him as the climax of the story of God’s plan… and the beginning of God’s specific mission to bring blessing to all the families of the earth just like he promised:

Jesus is the climax of of the story of God’s plan and the beginning of God’s specific mission to bring blessing to all the families of the earth just like he promised.

At one point before his death Jesus, told his disciples that he would build his church and even Satan couldn’t stop him () yet no one really knew what that meant at first.