Acts 1:9-11 - Star struck

Title

Star Struck

Introduction (Gain interest, Identify the Fallen Condition Focus, Read Text)

In the modern world of flash and fame we all know all to well the common thought of being starstruck.

For some the very thoughts of seeing their favorite celebrity would make them speechless.

As we continue in acts and talk more today about Jesus’s ascension into heaven we get an opportunity to look at the starstruck disciples and a promise that has lasted for ages.

Main Idea of the Text (MIT)

Jesus’s has went to prepare a place and his return is inevitable.

Main Idea of the Sermon (MIM)

Jesus has equipped us for life without his physical presence while he prepares our eternal future.

Interrogative (MIM put in the form of a question)

Have you faithfully been living your life based on the truth of Christ’s return?

Transition Sentence with a Key Word that leads to the unpacking of the text

The disciples were in mid conversation when Jesus, suddenly departed form them into heaven.

His ascension in itself was proof that he had prepared us for life without him.

Acts 1:9–11 KJV 1900

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Main Body

For the disciples this meant that they were not going to see Jesus again on this earth (Though they may not have known this).

I want to look at a couple key phrases from the test that will help us to understand the importance of these verses a bit more.

First off, Jesus had just finished telling the disciples of an expectation to spread the gospel and at that time he went back into heaven (v.9).

It was through this action that we can know Jesus felt as though he had properly and faithfully equipped his disciples to live out this command.

The same can be said for us in the matter that through his word and the body of believers he has allowed us to be a part of we have been properly equipped.

In expanding on that just as we talked last week we can rest assured in the truth that the Holy Ghost is still a part of our lives just as it was the disciples.

Division 1 with Scripture reference in brackets [ Daniel 2:31-]

Secondly, Luke wrote in verse 11 while talking about two white men who stood alongside the apostles and said (Read verse 11).

This verse confirms the truth of a promise from Jesus.

He has given us a promise that he will return to us.

He will come back for his people. Guess what, there is hope in that for us today because we are his people.

He is going to return for us. This promise should make you happy the deepest part of your soul this morning because the next time we see Jesus it will be when we are redeemed.

Explanation

Today I want you to really remember two short phrases and correlate them to the meaning of this text.

One, He equipped you and two He promised you (repeat the 2 phrases).

He equipped you do his work while he wasn’t physically here and he promised you that one day he would return for you.

The two men standing alongside the apostles asked them (though they were really telling them not to) in verse 11, “Men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing into the sky?”.

In other words what are you looking for?

He gave you a on to do go do it while faithfully knowing he will stand firm on his promise.

He didn’t give a day or even a range of dates for his return. However, he directed us to do his work, and in a moment when we least expect it he will return.

Illustration

After 14 years of studying the Bible, William Miller (1782-1849)--a U.S. revivalist who predicted the second coming and earned a large but temporary following of 50,000-100,000--became convinced that Christ would return in 1843. When Miller announced April 3 as the day, some disciples went to mountaintops, hoping for a head start to heaven. Others were in graveyards, planning to ascend in reunion with their departed loved ones. Philadelphia society ladies clustered together outside town to avoid entering God's kingdom amid the common herd. When April 4 dawned as usual the Millerites were disillusioned, but they took heart. Their leader had predicted a range of dates for Christ's return. They still had until March 21, 1844. The devout continued to make ready, but again they were disappointed. A third date--October 22, 1844--was set, but it also passed.

Argumentation

The truth is that none of know or are intended to know when Jesus is coming back.

We do however know that he is.

Though it is great for us to look forward to that glorious day I ask the same question that men in white standing the apostles asked so long ago.

“Why are you gazing into heaven?”. In other words, he told you what do, close your mouth, put your head down and work.

Application

Certainly, we can hope in Christ’s return, but we aren’t to do so in a speculative or questioning way.

We are to do our job and when that glorious day comes, celebrate with our fellow saints.

Transition

Division 2 (Daniel 1:16-23)

Explanation

Illustration

I personally do not enjoy the immense amount readings that run rampant from many Christian authors today.

I am not saying all of these are bad but when someone’s life work is focused around the aspect of “signs of the end” they certainly are doing the opposite of that of the words given to us in Acts 1:11. I believe there is responsibility from us to acknowledge the truth of Christs promise.

I also think we should be joyful of his promise. However, these are not the same as dwelling on his promise.

Application

Conclusion (Reiteration, Visualization, Gospel Integration, Appeal)

Finally, I ask you. When you lay down at night do you know that you are doing everything within your capabilities to be a “great Commission” kind of people.

Do you know that you are faithfully focused on the mission at hand to spread the gospel?

Are you doing this while faithfully maintaining in your heat the truth of Christs promised return? As these men once asked “why are you staring into heaven?”

They followed that question by saying “In the same way that he left, he will return”.

We don’t have to stare into heaven, because one day we will hear our Lord coming back to take us home.

I pray you are in that great ascension. I pray that you have given your life to the Lord and that you are focused on seeing others do the same.

I pray that when you lay your head down tonight, you not only know what will happen to you on that day but you know many others whom you have shared the good news with will have the same experience.