Marching Orders

Marching Orders

Text: Acts 1:1-8 (NIV)

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized witha water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

[1]

I.       Introduction:

II.    Witness To The Person Of Jesus: The Gospel Message (vv. 1-3)

A.    Witnesses To The Ministry Of Jesus

1.      Things He Did

2.      Things He Taught

a)      General Instruction

b)      Personal Instruction

B.     Witnesses To The Resurrection of Jesus

1.      A Personal Appearance

2.      A Prolonged Appearance

III. Wait On The Promise Of The Father: The Crucial Need (vv. 4-5)

A.    Wait For It: It Is Essential

B.     Expect It: It is Promised

C.     Appreciate It: It Is Extraordinary

IV. Work In The Power Of The Spirit: The Great Commission (vv. 6-8)

A.    Resigned To Father’s Timing

B.     Empowered By The Holy Spirit

C.      Occupied with Sharing Jesus

V.    Conclusion:

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a  Or in

[1]  The Holy Bible New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, c1984.