Jesus Commissions His Witnesses

Intro

I don’t go on many hiking trips

*Talk about friends hiking Mantario Trail and West Coast Trail… you realize that we have cars now, right?*

But I did take one incredible journey in the Amazon rainforest

*Apologize for sharing same stories; outline how I got to go on this trip*

Certain things needed to be in place before this journey could be a success… and to make sure I didn’t die

We should work through the teaching today with a journey in mind

Jesus is charging His disciples to GO and be witnesses to the world, but not without preparing them first

Read Luke 24:44-49 and pray.

Ready with the Truth of Scripture

In order to tramp through the jungle, I needed true guidance

It couldn’t be up to me!

*Share about driving up to the end of the road; hiring out a drunk boat driver, shuffling feet when fording the river*

All of this required knowledge of what the journey would be like for someone ELSE; a good guide

The first thing Jesus did was get His disciples ready for the journey with the truth of Scripture; the true guide

“Then [Jesus] opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (v. 45)

The Bible is the true guide, a lamp to our feet and light to our path (cf. Psalm 119:105)

We need to understand truly about Jesus before we can bear witness to Him

So much of the work Jesus did after His resurrection was to show His followers that this was all in accordance with the Law and Prophets

One such example in our text: “Thus it is written, that Christ should suffer and on the thrid day rise from the dead” (v. 46)

Cf. Hosea 6:1-2.

The truth about who Jesus is and what He had accomplished was - and is - vital

Through Christ alone we are offered a chance to repent and receive forgiveness of our sins (v. 47)

Repentance = More than just a decision or prayer; “a comprehensive change of one’s orientation toward following God”

Have you “changed your mind” about Jesus?

We need God’s help to understand truly; can’t do it alone

It was Jesus who “opened the disciples’ minds” about it all

They were ignorant before, even when He shared lots of specific information! It only made sense with God’s help

Our own study of Scripture requires the constant help of God

How we understand the inspiration of Scripture matters

*Inspired by the Spirit during composition; compilation; Paul says “living and active - not past tense; illuminated”

Whenever we sit down and read the Word of God, it is capable of changing us and guiding us because the Spirit is at work in that moment

i.e., learning something new from a familiar passage

When you next settle down to read the Bible, pray and invite God to “open your mind” to the truth

Prayer is more for you and your mindset than anything else

Set with the Power of the Spirit

Once we had good gudies in place, we needed the proper supplies for our trip

*Chat about tents, snake bite zappers and machetes*

If you don’t have what you need on a journey, it could be tragic!

Jesus doesn’t send His disciples unprepared: He gets them set with the power of the Spirit

“I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city unil you are clothed with power from on high” (v. 48-49)

A reference to the Holy Spirit; comes true on the day of Pentecost

Cf. Acts 1:8; ties in the HS with being witnesses

As you read through the Acts of the Apostles, you realize how necessary the power of the Spirit is to this task

Miracles, salvations, visions… a world being changed

Also came with the need to endure stonings, imprisonments and constant persecution

The Spirit of God was with them through it all

Just as the call to be witnesses extends to us all, so does the promise of the Holy Spirit

Cf. Ephesians 1:13.

It began with the truth; sealed and empowered by the Spirit

The task of evangelism (sharing with the world), is NEVER a human endeavour

If you try to do this on your own, you will fail

Just as my trip would have failed without tents, snake bit shockers and machetes

It is God alone who changes the hearts of people

Not up to us; but we are called to cooperate

Go to All the Nations

It would have been foolish to get a good guide, gather all the supplies, and then stay at home

*Talk about seeing people living in mud huts; floating along in the river starting into the sky; worldview expanding*

The command is that the Gospel of Christ “should be proclaimed in his name to all the nations” (v. 47)

A stronger “go” command is found in The Great Commission (paralell) in Mat. 28:19-20.

We must go! We have to go! We are not given the choice to sit on our hands and keep our faith to ourselves

How do we go to all the nations?

Remember, you are all witnesses to the truth about Jesus and transformed lives

Share your story with others

*Teach elevator testimony*

Do so intentionally; “bring God up”

*Fork in the road of conversation*

Pray for those (by name) who you want to see come to saving faith in Christ

There is power in praying for others by name

Also keeps your heart and mind focused on being a good witness to them

Support others in their work taking the Gospel around the world

*Remind about support for Dallas and Tara; new ministry beginning with Pittas*

Perhaps you too may get the call to go overseas and be a witness there

No matter where you are, you are ALL called to GO and be witnesses of Jesus

Conclusion

Ready, Set, Go!

Ready with the truth of Scripture

This is your guide

Set with the power of the Spirit

He will supply you with all you need

Go to all the nations

No matter where God sends you, you are a witness

Pray