Discovering God’s Agenda The Ascension November 29

Think About It … When was the last time something really wonderful happened in your life? How did you share this with others? Think about how you respond when other people share good news … –  Today we are challenged to share the Good News of the Salvation –  Share it with people you meet in a variety of situations

Listen for specific instructions given by Jesus. Acts 1:3-5 (NIV) 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

Listen for specific instructions given by Jesus. "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Walk in the Power of the Spirit After His resurrection, how did Jesus spend His time with the apostles? What specific commands did Jesus give the apostles? What gift did Jesus promise to the apostles? What would have happened if they had not waited in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them?

Walk in the Power of the Spirit Why do you think it is so easy to plunge ahead with our own plans without waiting for the Holy Spirit to guide us? How would following God’s guidance improve the results of our witnessing? What can we do to daily stay focused on God’s purposes rather than our own purposes?

Listen for how the disciples still are confused. Acts 1:6-8 (NIV) 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."

Spread the Gospel What did the apostles misunderstand? How did Jesus answer the apostles’ question? How did He redirect their focus? What task did Jesus assign the apostles? Recall the great animosity between Jews and Samaritans Story of the Good Samaritan Jesus talks to the woman at the well in Samaria Intermarriage with Assyrians during Babylonian captivity Samaritans had tried to sabotage the rebuilding of the temple

Spread the Gospel How might the Jewish disciples have received the instruction to move on with the gospel message to Samaria? What are some types of people we might also have pause about witnessing to them? Who would help the apostles do this task?

Spread the Gospel Longitude and latitude of Jerusalem: 31° 47’ N, 35° 12’E Then the “uttermost part of the earth” would be : – 31° 47’S and 144° 48’W (called the antipode) – closest land to this in Chile – and a church exists in Santiago, Chile 33°S 71°W

Listen for what surprised the disciples Acts 1:9-11 (NIV) After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. [10] They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.

Listen for what surprised the disciples [11] "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Diligently Work for Christ’s Return After speaking to the apostles, where did Jesus go? How did the apostles react to Jesus’ departure? What do you suppose they were thinking?

Diligently Work for Christ’s Return How did the men in white encourage the apostles? What evidence can you think of that the disciples worked diligently to spread the gospel? What is the importance of Jesus’ final promise and command to you?

Application The Christos journal says “we will never know how far our web of relationships reaches throughout the world.” – Draw a “web” of names to see the natural connection you have with various people – That is the starting place of your mission call of God on your life

Application What specific means (abilities, opportunities, relationships) has God given you to carry out the task of being His witness? – Ministry needs within the local church – Spiritual needs of people within your circle of acquaintances – Influencing children, grandchildren

Application How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout this week? – Pray for the needs of people around you – Ask God to give you boldness and sensitivity – Ask God for an awareness of the “appointments” He sets up for you to be a witness

Discovering God’s Agenda The Ascension November 29