TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

ACTS
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH Acts 1:1-11
January 5, 2020

Acts 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 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.” 1

If you have known me for any length of time, you know that I value education. I think educators and teachers and all who serve to help the

1 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 1:1–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

next generation learn vital things are treasures. Underpaid treasures, but treasures nonetheless.

There are certain subjects that I grew to love when I was in school. There were others that were not on the “love” list at all. For those that I really loved, like history and reading, I still find time to read articles, biographies, and historical narratives.

But I discovered something over the years as well.

I love history, but I was taught American history, so I could name dates and wars and presidents and significant events...well some of them. In church, I never really thought about the history of the church.

Oh, our pastors preached the Word. My teachers taught the Bible. I, well...I just don’t think I listened as well as I should. I don’t believe I took to heart much other than the basic stories and the truth that God loved me, Jesus died for my sins, and I could be born again if I surrendered to him as Lord and repented of my sins. BTW – that’s a big deal, so that needs to be understood.

ASIDE – PLAN OF SALVATION

This month we begin a series of messages in one of the most exciting, challenging, and fast-paced books of the Bible. The book of Acts. The full title is the “Acts of the Apostles” and in this age of sequels in movies, this book in the New Testament is sort of a sequel to the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.)

It’s a book full of history, but not some other group’s history. Our history. It’s our story. It’s God’s story (HIStory) and as his church, his people, his children, this story is ours as well.

Knowing this history is more important than knowing Clay County, Orange Park, Florida, or even United States history. This is not just a

story of historical acts and feats, but of a mission that began, changed the world, and continues today through you and me.

BASICS

The book was written by Luke. Tradition states that he was a Gentile, though some believe that he was a Jew. What we know is that he was a follower of Christ, was a friend of Paul’s and traveled with him on mission trips, was a doctor, a prolific writer (wrote the gospel bearing his name and this book,) was humble, from Antioch likely, and was connected to those in authority as well as those whom were every day, regular people.

His book is addressed to Theophilus, as was his gospel. This man was likely a Roman official, but one who either was a believer or seeking to become one.

God used this relationship for his glory and for our good in that we have this incredibly detailed account of the history of the church’s founding and mission - our founding and mission.

This is something to consider – what do we have in common with first- century Christians? IDENTITY. What’s different? LOCATION & TIME.

That’s it. The truth of God’s Word is for us today, to equip, challenge, educate, inspire, and fuel us on our mission for Him.

So, while you may not like history...realize that there is much here, much more than boring dates and cities, and stories of dead people. This is our story. And we can take that to heart, and it may just change our hearts.

The followers of Christ, his church, were given some clear instructions in this passage. Instructions that we too are given. So, we’d best listen clearly here.

1. THE CHURCH IS TO WAIT

4 And while staying 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.”

In our era today, we are always in a hurry. It’s difficult to wait. We get frustrated if someone else causes us to be late. If a red light turns green and you don’t hit the gas a half-second before it turns green, the driver of car behind you may let you know by laying on its horn.

Microwave popcorn takes too long. Three cars in the drive-through? Nope. We want what we want and we want it when we want it.

Yet, as he did in other passages, here Christ tells the church (orders them) to wait. There’s a significant event to come in the following chapters. It will not be rushed. It cannot be pushed ahead. No one has enough personal privilege to make it happen quicker. Wait.

This can be a challenge for us as we understand the urgency of evangelism and yet, we are often told by God, that still small voice of his Spirit to not rush but wait on him. This is not a call to become lazy or avoid one’s role or let someone else do what must be done. It’s a call to God himself, who is in no hurry and in total control.

2. THE CHURCH IS TO ASK AND LISTEN

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.

We have permission to ask God questions. The church asked Christ about the coming kingdom. They were not quite sure how what they have been taught and presumed their entire life would play out now that

Christ was here and already did not do as they anticipated. Yet, they had faith he was the Son of God, the Messiah. He had died. They saw it (eyewitness) and they are talking to him now, so the resurrection is clear. But...about this kingdom? Is this the time?

He answered in a way that can be very frustrating. “It is not for you to know...”

Oh.

But this wasn’t a shut-down answer. It was an answer that affirmed the sovereignty of God and the authority of the Father. The Father knows. You don’t. Trust him. Listen and watch. You’ll know all when you need to know all.

So, church when you don’t know something, ask. If an answer is available that you and I can know, we will get it. It is already in his Word, so we’re not waiting on a “new revelation” or addendum.

3. THE CHURCH IS TO ANTICIPATE AND BE READY

This verse is one of my favorite. It is THE missionary verse for the church.

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.”

When the time is right, the third person of the Trinity will come, give you power, be with you everywhere you go, never leave you, never forsake you, strengthen you, and give you words to say and the way to say them as you tell your family members, your neighbors, your coworkers, and people you encounter throughout the world about the life-rescuing, redeeming, most important story of the gift of God through Jesus Christ that is made available for all. This is coming first

Christians. It has come already current Christians. You and I have the Spirit. Your new birth is this. So, are you ready? Why not?

4. THE CHURCH IS TO GO

The narrative ends with Jesus ascending up to heaven from the top of the Mount of Olives, located on the east side of the city of Jerusalem. The crowd of Christians stand there looking up (wouldn’t you) frozen, in awe.

Then, two guys in white come up. Angels? Likely. Yet, they remind me of another story in the New Testament. It was as story we call the transfiguration. Jesus and a few of his disciples (P, J, & J) went upon a mountain. While there Elijah and Moses appeared with Jesus and they talked about Jesus’s coming departure. (Luke 9). The disciples saw these long-dead prophets and were amazed. Jesus’s robe glowed white. It was amazing! Then, when the moment was over, Jesus comes to the disciples and they say “Let’s build three tents here for you, Moses, and Elijah.”

A voice from heaven spoke and the Father said “Listen to Jesus.” Then it was just Jesus and Peter, James, and John.

Then, they went down from the mountain.

CLOSING

Here’s the thing. The spiritual high moments are incredible. They’re needed. They remind us why we said yes to Jesus in the first place. We can have a “moment” each Lord’s Day as we worship together as the church. Sometimes, Christians take it to an extreme – anything to stay on the mountain. But that’s not the call.

So, these two guys in white show up and say “Why are you here?” You have to get off the mountain. The work is there. That’s the mission. That’s our calling. That’s not up for debate. So, we go in Christ’s name to the ones who need him and don’t know it.