The Arkansas Traveler

JESUS’ DEPARTING MESSAGE

Wait … Then Go!

Acts 1:1-11

INTRO: Jesus gave his mission to the church as He left to return to his throne with the Father. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel,” He said.

THE APOSTLES WERE NOT YET READY

   Peter (the leader) had denied Him.

   Ten had fled at the crucifixion.

   None expected the resurrection, though he had told them.

   Thomas doubted even the witness of the 10. (John 20).

   They were still expecting a revolution to set up the kingdom.

JESUS SAID, “WAIT IN JERUSALEM”

   Wait for the promise from the Father.

   Wait for the power from the Holy Spirit.

THEN GO

   Go in the power of the Holy Spirit.

   Go to witness to the world.

          Starting at home and reaching to the end of the world.

TODAY:

   We have the same commission. Go.

   We have the same power. And we do not have to wait!

   We may not understand all, but we are still witnesses.

TWO MISTAKES FOR US TO AVOID:

   --- Going in our own power w/o depending on the Holy Spirit

   --- Not going for fear of rejection and/or failure.

THE SIMPLE GOSPEL: God loves us. We have sinned and need His forgiveness. Jesus died that we might have that forgiveness. We must accept it. The Holy Spirit convicts us and convinces us. We must respond by believing.