Now What

Acts 1:1–14

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,

2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

4 And while staying[a] with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;

5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,

11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.

13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.

14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Introduction

I. Evidential Proof

(1:3) He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

• He presented himself alive with many proofs.

• Christianity is not built on make-believe but grounded in historical reality.

Five evidences for the validity of the resurrection

1. The empty tomb

• Three days after the death of Christ, the tomb was empty.

• The tomb had been guarded by Roman soldiers, so no one could steal the body.

• The disciples had been scared and deserted association with Christ.

• The only question asked was who stole his body, not is the tomb empty.

• Soldiers were paid to lie as part of a plan to save themselves (Matthew 28:13).

2. Appearance of Jesus Christ

• Jesus appeared to over 500 people in 40 days (I Corinthians 15:6).

• Matthew 28:1–20, Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–53, John 20:1–21:25

3. Transformation of the Apostles

• The disciples went from scared deserters and deniers of Christ to willing to die for what they saw.

Psychology shows people will die for a lie only if they believe that the lie is actually true. No one would die for a lie they knew to be a lie.

• Many of these who saw Jesus resurrected were willing to die proclaiming it. They died by stoning, crucifixion, and death by sword.

4. No veneration of the Tomb

• All other “religious” leaders’ places of death people worship. Not the tomb of Jesus.

• He is not buried there because he rose from the grave.

II. Evidential Presence

(1:4–5)

4 And while staying[a] with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;

5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

So, now what? … … Be a person who is being presence driven.

1. Timeline: Jesus died, Jesus resurrects, Jesus appears, Jesus stays and instructs, Jesus ascends, wait for the presence of the Holy Spirit.

2. The resurrection of Jesus is not the end, but it is the beginning of dependence.

3. The risen Jesus doesn’t just appear, he abides.

4. What is this Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

• The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God.

• It is separate from receiving the Holy Spirit upon salvation and is for those who are already believers.

• The initial evidence of this happening is marked by speaking in tongues.

• It empowers us for the mission he has given us, both in action and living.

Illustration:

Vase = us

Water = Holy Spirit

Overflow = Baptism of Holy Spirit

Ping-pong balls = sin in our lives

5. The Christian life is not driven by activity but by abiding in His presence.

6. How do we practically live a presence-driven life?

• Set aside intentional time to wait on God. LINGER

• Set up practical habits such as: Take 25–30 minutes daily to

  • Worship

  • Pray

  • Read the Bible

  • Pray in the Spirit

  • Sit in silence and listen

• Cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit

ex.) Alan Jones, former Executive Pastor; Pastor Robert

• Feeling prompted to encourage someone - act on it

• Feeling led to share your testimony and gospel - speak up

• Prompted to pray for someone - obey

• Sense conviction - respond immediately

• Need wisdom, guidance, or help - go to the source

• Connect with God throughout the day and abide.

The exciting thing about Christianity is it is not a static religion or belief but a dynamic relationship.

7. When you are aware of His presence, it changes what flows out of your life. It leads into your witness.

III. Evidential Power

1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

A. Receive Power

1. Greek word Dunamis (power) - means more than strength and ability; refers to power at work or action.

2. What does this power do?

This power is to push back the darkness, drive out evil forces, and see healing and miracles to authenticate the gospel.

3. What is this power for?

This power is so that we can be empowered for the mission to share the gospel.

B. Be My Witness

1. Your mission is to tell people about Jesus (personal story).

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit provides power to proclaim the message of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and forgiveness.

3. Baptism of the Holy Spirit will help you with your personal presence. Personal presence is directly related to your life-living testimony.

• More like Jesus

• More aware of Jesus

• More bold about Jesus

4. A presence focused life becomes a power filled life.

5. The fuel or accelerant is prayer.

IV. Evidential Prayer

(1:14)

14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.[c]

With one accord = they were constantly united in prayer

Homothumadon

(homo = “same”)

(thumos = “mind or spirit”)

1. The early church did not rush into action; they lingered in prayer.

2. Prayer is the evidence that we depend on His presence and desire His power.

3. Prayer is how we practice resurrection life daily.

• It keeps us aligned

• It keeps us filled

• It keeps us focused

We are a house of prayer

4. STOP, SPEAK, LISTEN

House of Prayer Goal Refresher

• Increase our prayer time daily by 15 minutes

• Pray for one person a week in the community

• Have one prayer moment as a family a week

• Participate in corporate prayer together

Conclusion

Resurrection power — now what?

Now:

1. Be a defender of the truth

2. Be presence-driven

3. Be baptized with the Holy Spirit and move into your mission

4. Be constantly united in prayer