Getting Ready for What?

INTRO

Last month, we focused on “Get Ready.” We talked about the importance of knowing Christ more and being spiritually prepared for what God has in store. However, I wonder if you any of you asked yourselves, “What am I supposed to be getting ready for?”

What I’ve basically done over the past months is told you to spend time packing your bags but not telling you where you’re going. We’re going to fix that this morning.

This morning’s message is titled, “Getting Ready for What?” and I’ll answer that very important question by introducing you to this month’s theme - “Go Out”

What is “Go Out?” Simply stated, it means leaving this building and going out to the world around us with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

As soon as I mention this, there are some of you who immediate want to check out. It’s amazing how fearful I find some people are about telling others about Jesus. You’ll say, “That’s your job preacher man!” or “I’m not smart enough or brave enough to tell others.” Right now, some of you are probably feeling a little anxious that I’m going to spend a whole month focusing on telling others about Jesus.

Don’t worry and don’t check out. I’ve got great news for you. Not only will I show you how sharing Christ is so much easier than you think it is, but I’ll reveal to you the tremendous blessing that are in store for those who are willing to follow God on this wondrous advernutre.

Intro theme passage and Read Acts 1:1-9

Setting the Scene

Before we look at the command of Jesus to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, let’s consider what is happening with Jesus and his disciples.

As we just read, there was a 40 day period between the resurrection and the ascension. 40 days of Jesus appearing to His disciples and followers, proving that He was alive and continuing to teach them about the Kingdom of Heaven and about what’s God’s role for them was in the days ahead.

Notice vs. 6. The disciple ask what is to them a very important question. “Lord, will you at this time, restore the Kingdom?”

The question is basically this: Now that you’ve defeated death and the grave, will you fix this broken nation?

Their focus was on Israel. It was corrupt, ruled by a foreign power. They wanted is restored to it’s former glory and their enemies thrown down.

There’s two important phrases to consider

Will YOU - they wanted Jesus to do this.

AT THIS TIME - They wanted it done now or to at least know when

Jesus’ Response

He asnwers their question with some life-altering information.

First, they weren’t to be concerned with God’s timing

This is still true for us today. Do we all wish at times that Christ would descend, fix all that is broken, restore all that has been lost, and take away every hurt and pain? Of course we do! But we must be satisfied with simply knowing it will happen one day.

Our concern should not be on when, but instead on what we are to do now while we wait.

Second, the work to be done will be done by us, not Him.

The disciples asked, “Will you do this?” and he replied, “No, you will be my witnesses to here, there, and everywhere in between!”

The greek work for “you will” can actually be translated “You MUST.” This was not some simple hope of what he wants us to do, it was a command!!!

He placed the responsibility squarely on our shoulders. We have to evangelize the whole world!!

TRANS:

So far, I haven’t made things any easier for those of you who are nervous about sharing your faith. However, let’s take a closer look at the command Jesus placed on us.

Understanding the Call

I’ve got some great news for you. Sharing your faith us much easier than you think and you’ve been promised to be provided with a great deal of help

Notice two important truths of vs. 8

You will receive power

The same forceful language is used here. It’s not just “you will” but “you must.” God knows it is essiential that you receive help, power, guidance, and wisdom.

That help comes in the form of the Holy Spirit; God’s spirit that resides in the life and heart of every believer.

The H.S. provides power. The greek work is dynamo. It’s where we get the work dynamite. God’s power is an overwhelming and explosive force!!

How is this “power” to be used? You open you mouth, and God provides the words. I’ve experienced it so many times.

You will be my witnesses

What is a witness? Someone who repeats the truth about what they’ve seen or experienced.

Your job is not to convince others. Your job is not to prove that God existst or that Jesus died for our sins. Your job is NOT to save others! God does that. Your job is to simply be a witness. That means you tell others, withouth fear or hesitation, how your life has been changed by Christ. It’s that simple!

Applying the Call

Lastly, we must consider how to apply the words of Christ. Notice the pattern he used. Jerusalem (the area right around them), Judea and Samaria (the larger region in they live in) and the ends of the earth (as far as you can go.)

We apply that to us simply. We:

Committ to be a witness

Trust that God’s power will meet you in the moment

Learn to share you testimony with a wider and wider circle.

CONCLUSION & INVITATION

In the days ahead, you will hear more and more about this call that has been placed on our lives. As Baptists, we have an extremelly rich history of missions, of being committed to going across the street and to the ends of the earth to share the gospel message. We, at First Baptist Farmington will continue on that commitment.