MAN UP BIBLE SERIES Men Who Care Enough to Share Lesson Three

The Real World It all starts at home. When I was kid there was a slogan going around that; “All charity begins at home.” A lot of truth in that statement. If we are going to go out into the world and proclaim the life changing gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ we had better make sure that we have told our family and friends. Better yet go across the street and tell your neighbor. That maybe getting a little personal but many times it is easier to go across the ocean than it is across the street or the room. When God laid out his master plan for the evangelism of the world in Acts 1 he had it start in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is home. Judea and Samaria is your Community. Finally we are to go to the very ends of the earth. But none of this works if we do not start at home. So lets look at what the Bible says to us in Acts 1 and prepare ourselves for this study of God’s Plan.

Acts 1 New International Version (NIV) Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven 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 presented himself to them 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 with [a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with [b] the Holy Spirit.”ab 6 Then they gathered around him and 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.” 9 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. 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.” The Real Word

Real Talk Do you believe that God is all powerful? If you could do anything for God in the world what would you do? Are you different at home then then you are at the Corps? Who can you tell your God Story to?

Real Steps Acts 1 outlines God’s Plan for Evangelism: 1. Pray Like Never Before – No really pray. 2. Show Love to All - Start with Family and go from there. 3. Serve Those Outside of God’s Family – Actions speak loudest. 4. Live a Transformed Life – God can do amazing things! 5. Tell The Truth - Tell Your Personal Story of God in your life. If you follow this plan as outlined in Acts 1 God will bless you! Give it a try!

Time to Close So what are you going to do? Toward the end of the movie Schindler’s List, Oskar Schindler physically collapses as he wrestles with the idea that he could have done more to save oppressed Jews from the Nazi regime’s death camps. The moment occurs as Schindler and his wife walk toward the car, and Rabbi Levartov hands him some papers. “We’ve written a letter trying to explain things,” Levartov says. “In case you’re captured. Every worker has signed it.” Schindler looks at a long list of signatures below the typewritten text. “Thank you,” he says. His longtime assistant, Itzhak Stern, then places a gold ring in Schindler’s hand. Schindler notices an inscription on the ring. “It’s Hebrew,” explains Stern. “It says, ‘Whoever saves one life, saves the world.’” Schindler puts the ring onto this finger, nods his thanks, and then begins to talk to himself: “ I could’ve got more … if I’d just … I don’t know, if I’d just … I could’ve got more.” Stern cuts in, “Oskar, there are twelve hundred people who are alive because of you. Look at them.” Schindler continues his lament, “If I’d made more money … I threw away so much money, you have no idea. If I’d just …” Stern again interrupts, “There will be generations because of what you did.” “I didn’t do enough,” says Schindler. Schindler starts to lose control, with tears coming; Stern too. “This car,” Schindler continues. “Goeth would’ve bought this car. Why did I keep the car? Ten people, right there. Ten more I could’ve got.” Looking around he continues. “This pin.” He rips the elaborate swastika from his lapel and says, “Two people. This is gold. Two more people. He would’ve given me two for it. He would’ve given me one. One more … I could’ve gotten one more person, but I didn’t.” Schindler breaks down, weeping. Eventually Schindler and his wife, Emilie, get into the car and drive away. Do you realize that your life has made the same life-or-death difference to others? A difference, not just for this life, but for eternity. Jesus said you are his witness. Are you going to be a witness that politely nods as friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and associates walk into a Christ- less eternity? Or are you going to be a witness that provides a compelling argument for loving and being loved by Christ for an eternity? What kind of witness will you be? Let’s go fishing!