Take the plunge or look for the plunger?

10 1-2 Later the Master selected seventy two and sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he intended to go. He gave them this charge:

“What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands.

3 “On your way! But be careful—this is hazardous work. You’re like lambs in a wolf pack.

4 “Travel light. Comb and toothbrush and no extra luggage.

“Don’t loiter and make small talk with everyone you meet along the way.

5-6 “When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace.’ If your greeting is received, then it’s a good place to stay. But if it’s not received, take it back and get out. Don’t impose yourself.

7 “Stay at one home, taking your meals there, for a worker deserves three square meals. Don’t move from house to house, looking for the best cook in town.

8-9 “When you enter a town and are received, eat what they set before you, heal anyone who is sick, and tell them, ‘God’s kingdom is right on your doorstep!’

10-12 “When you enter a town and are not received, go out in the street and say, ‘The only thing we got from you is the dirt on our feet, and we’re giving it back..

ME: ORIENTATION: FIND COMMON GROUND WITH THE AUDIENCE

Have you ever got stuck?

The other week I got stuck in the shower. We tried to fix it and made it worse.

It got worse and I could not get out.

Ever get stuck in an elevator.

People can get stuck in their faith.

WE: IDENTIFICATION (MAKE IT CLEAR THAT YOU STRUGGLE)

Sometimes others say things they think are helpful. Woman brother was murdered.

I too busy to get involved… I retired, I am too old, I have too much work, I work hard and keep my weekends for relaxing. I am a believer, I believe that is all I have to do,

That can be a Christian Clog.

I am afraid

Pastor’s job

Today we are going to encourage you take the plunge, or look for the plunger.

We don’t go to church we are the church.

We gather on Sunday, a gathering

What does it mean to be a believer? In order to be a believer we must be a follower.

Who are these 72 ?

What did they do?

What should that mean to you?

GOD: ILLUMINATION (THE GOAL IS TO RESOLVE THE TENSION

I. Who are the 72?

A. 72 others?

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. Luke 10:1

The introduction is clear. Jesus appoints a number of disciples outside the Twelve to go and prepare different areas for his coming (ἑτέρους [heterous] refers to a group outside the apostolic band). He tells them to travel in pairs, a typical way to travel in the ancient world (Rengstorf, TDNT 1:417, 427). This pairing may be to allow the messengers to function as “double witnesses

He tells them that their are two few for the task, so while they are traveling pray for more to do what they are doing.

We are the 72,

We are called to be a disciple

30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (ESV)

I can’t do that with people I don’t know! You are right you need the to take the plunge or plunger.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)

we are growing in discipleship and helping others become disciples.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,[a] and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV)

Today we are going to encourage you take the plunge, or look for the plunger.

II. What did they do?

A. Listen to the words of Jesus

Here is the travel brochure:

Harvest is good, so very good....

but:

Pray because we need more workers

Lambs among wolves… you might be lunch

No preparations go

You don’t have time to greet people on the way.

The house you enter first say Peace be to this house

Gospel according to Luke X–XXIV: Introduction, Translation and Notes Comment

Seventy(-two) other disciples are now sent out in the Lucan Gospel in addition to the Twelve in 9:1–6 because of the abundance of the harvest. Luke’s reason for this “doublet” seems to be that the “mission” will not be restricted to the Twelve; “others” will share in the testimony to be borne to Jesus and to his own word or message

Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you

Let them know the Kingdom of God has come near to you.

10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.

Are you ready...... sign up now..... Just raise your hand..... don’t be shy

Oh I am sorry so sorry I didn’t mention the biggest benefit of all:

Today we are going to encourage you take the plunge, or look for the plunger.

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.

B. Believed

* Oh I am sorry so sorry I didn’t mention the biggest benefit of all:

Oh I am sorry so sorry I didn’t mention the biggest benefit of all:

* God’s Holy Spirit and power will be will you guiding you along the way. Giving you everything you need.

C. They followed

They learned what it means to be a disciple

Apostles did it first Chapter 9

remember these words Jesus shared:

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (ESV)

III. The movement of God in the people of God.

16 “The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.”

17 The seventy came back triumphant. “Master, even the demons danced to your tune!”

18-20 Jesus said, “I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I’ve given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.” 16-20 Message

16 “The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.” (Message)

17 The seventy came back triumphant. “Master, even the demons danced to your tune!”

If we who share the Gospel are rejected Christ and God are rejected.

17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 1 (ESV)

These disciples represent Jesus and share his power, which is the focus of their joy. The name of Jesus and its power show that demonic forces are subject to the servant of God, a subjection that normally is the prerogative of God himself1

Even Demons and the healing are subject to God’as authority and power.

We never do anything on our own.

God protected them.

All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.”

20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (ESV)

What they were to rejoice in was that their names were written in the book.

As we appreciate that we can see the value of salvation and want salvation for others.

YOU: APPLICATION (TELL PEOPLE WHAT TO DO AND WHAT THEY HAVE HEARD)

Conclusion:

Would you like to come along. (Salvation, heart renewal)

Today we are going to encourage you take the plunge, or look for the plunger.

Knowing and following Christ: I on my way to heaven, would you like to come along.

Plunge begins with Salvations prayer

"Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."

Discipleship is following Christ daily

Bible Reading and prayer

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