[1] #307, Now What?, Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday 03-30-2008

Text: Acts 1:1-11
Theme: What are we to do in light of His resurrection?

INTRODUCTION:

1. Jesus is risen from the dead … you are risen in Him … now what?
2. Jesus said, “you will be my witnesses” Acts 1:8
   1. What is a witness? Someone who shares what they know or have experienced?
3. Our responsibility is simply “go and tell”
4. When it comes to witnessing to others, today is the best of times and the worst of times.
   1. It is more difficult today
   2. People are told “religion is a private matter.”
   3. People have trouble with absolutes (authority, truth)
   4. It is more exciting today than ever before.
   5. So many people are “sin sick”. They know there’s “something more”.
   6. Most people (80% from a recent college survey) are interested in spiritual things.

What did the disciples need to be a witness?
What do we need? (We need to know Him first)

1. We need godly priorities. (v 4-7) [Priority = something meriting prior attention]
   1. The greatest priority in life is Jesus Himself.
   2. The resurrection … is there any other greater event in history?
   3. Do we love Him and think about Him? (It’s hard to witness about a mere theology or “doctrinal persuasion”. When we love Jesus it’s easy to share Him)
   4. Godly priorities are demonstrated by our doing what He says. (What I do reveals my true priorities)
   5. Jesus said, “don’t leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift” (v 4)
   6. What if the disciples and the others did not wait?
   7. Don’t get sidetracked by other priorities.
   8. “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the Kingdom?” (v 6)
   9. The priorities of lesser things can dominate life.
   10. In a world of so many choices and things we forget that we’re just passing through and we’re surrounded by eternal beings.
2. We need God’s power. (v 8a)
   1. It is no accident that Jesus connected waiting and power.
   2. Waiting on God centers us and slows us down enabling God to fill us.
   3. Powerful witnesses in the Bible knew how to walk with God.
   4. Why do we need “power” to witness?
   5. Answer: There are forces and powers that oppose and work against us.
   6. Apathy – a lack of any sense of urgency.
   7. Fear – we feel intimidated and remain silent.
   8. Hostility – some people stereotype Christians.
   9. How do we receive on-going power from God?
   10. Stay in a current love relationship with the Lord.
   11. God’s love is more like a current than a bomb.
   12. It’s like electricity – it has to have a current.
   13. “I appreciate yesterday’s power, but I need power today.”
   14. Avail yourself of “energy-giving” experiences with God.
   15. Your life adds or detracts from the Message.
3. We need God’s mission. (v 8 )
   1. “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8b)
   2. How do we accomplish God’s mission to be His Witnesses?
   3. Foundation: Love God, love people.
   4. We can witness by building relationships with “pre Christians”
   5. We can witness by carrying good literature (tracts, cards)
   6. We can witness by inviting someone to church. (statistics say that 1 in 4 will say yes)
   7. Start where you are.
   8. Be involved in world missions (simultaneously)

CONCLUSION:

The lepers …2 Kings 7:3-9
“This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves” 2 Kings 7:9