WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.679 Every time we have an opportunity to focus on the call of the church to bring the gospel to the nations. 00:00:05.679 --> 00:00:07.360 So this is a wonderful theme. 00:00:07.919 --> 00:00:14.200 But the whole idea of world mission presupposes that we have something worth sharing. 00:00:15.419 --> 00:00:15.780 ! 00:00:15.780 --> 00:00:24.120 And that presupposes a certain understanding of what we mean by the word Christian or Christianity. 00:00:24.940 --> 00:00:27.179 What do we mean when we talk about the Christian faith? 00:00:27.480 --> 00:00:28.480 What is it that we're sharing? 00:00:28.480 --> 00:00:36.060 If you ask most people in a place like D.C. what is Christianity, you'll hear a variety of images. 00:00:36.939 --> 00:00:41.460 Some people will say, well isn't it just kind of like a therapeutic tool? 00:00:42.100 --> 00:00:44.920 Sort of a coping strategy when life gets tough? 00:00:45.600 --> 00:00:46.900 Spiritual resources. 00:00:47.579 --> 00:00:54.219 Some people associate the word Christianity with an outdated morality, with superstition. 00:00:54.219 --> 00:00:59.119 Back when people believed in the supernatural, before science and the enlightenment. 00:01:00.359 --> 00:01:07.579 At worst, people will think of Christianity in association with judgmentalism and bigotry and partisan politics. 00:01:08.219 --> 00:01:11.739 So why would any of that be worth sharing with the world? 00:01:11.739 --> 00:01:25.159 When we hear these images of Christianity, they bear very little resemblance to the electrifying, world-changing force we encounter in history. 00:01:25.259 --> 00:01:30.579 The Christianity that, for instance, completely transformed the Roman Empire from the inside. 00:01:30.579 --> 00:01:36.099 The Christianity that birthed the hospital and the university. 00:01:36.739 --> 00:01:42.239 Completely reshaping how we care for the sick and pursue truth as a society. 00:01:42.539 --> 00:01:49.959 The Christianity that has inspired some of the greatest art and music and literature ever created by human beings. 00:01:49.959 --> 00:01:57.059 The Christianity that stands as one of history's most powerful engines for justice. 00:01:57.719 --> 00:01:59.379 Ever observed. 00:02:00.379 --> 00:02:01.699 Challenging oppression. 00:02:02.319 --> 00:02:04.819 And resisting totalitarian regimes. 00:02:05.099 --> 00:02:07.319 And abolishing the slave trade. 00:02:07.479 --> 00:02:09.539 And advancing civil rights. 00:02:09.759 --> 00:02:11.740 And defending the unborn. 00:02:12.060 --> 00:02:14.459 And caring for the poor and the immigrant. 00:02:14.459 --> 00:02:18.539 And laying the foundation for universal human rights in the West. 00:02:19.960 --> 00:02:27.680 Or the Christianity that has compelled millions of men and women to give up everything comfortable and familiar. 00:02:29.140 --> 00:02:33.159 And to move to places and to love and serve people they've never met. 00:02:33.520 --> 00:02:35.340 In order to bring the gospel to them. 00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:40.640 These two images of Christianity don't even seem like the same religion. 00:02:40.900 --> 00:02:42.000 And I would go a step further. 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:43.400 They're not the same religion. 00:02:44.020 --> 00:02:46.680 So what do we mean when we talk about Christianity? 00:02:46.680 --> 00:02:51.760 What is this dynamic world changing force that we have seen at work throughout history? 00:02:52.180 --> 00:02:53.260 What makes it possible? 00:02:54.500 --> 00:02:57.460 Whenever we see this kind of Christianity at work. 00:02:57.599 --> 00:03:02.120 It is always characterized by the three same features. 00:03:02.580 --> 00:03:05.540 And these three features were present from the very beginning. 00:03:05.740 --> 00:03:09.700 We fortunately have an eyewitness account of the birth of this movement. 00:03:09.699 --> 00:03:11.859 Recorded in the book of Acts. 00:03:12.419 --> 00:03:14.159 By a physician named Luke. 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:17.099 And in his record, Acts chapter 1. 00:03:17.099 --> 00:03:23.719 We see these three features emerge that came to define this world changing movement. 00:03:24.139 --> 00:03:25.919 We now know to be the Christian faith. 00:03:26.079 --> 00:03:28.259 So we're going to look at this passage together. 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:31.679 And let's pray that God helps us understand what he's trying to say. 00:03:32.780 --> 00:03:34.979 Lord, we thank you for your presence. 00:03:34.979 --> 00:03:39.560 We thank you for your love and your grace that come into our lives in abundance. 00:03:40.599 --> 00:03:44.439 And now we pray that in that love and grace you would illuminate your word. 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:46.120 Open our hearts to receive it. 00:03:46.459 --> 00:03:49.399 That you would speak to us and tell us what you have for us this morning, Lord. 00:03:49.699 --> 00:03:54.120 And that we would be receptive and responsive as we put ourselves under your word. 00:03:54.319 --> 00:03:56.579 We pray this in Jesus' holy name. 00:03:56.919 --> 00:03:57.159 Amen. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:03:57.240 Amen. 00:03:58.680 --> 00:04:03.579 So the first characteristic we see when we begin to read this account in the book of Acts. 00:04:04.079 --> 00:04:05.879 From Luke to Theophilus. 00:04:05.979 --> 00:04:08.599 Giving him a record of the events of the birth of the church. 00:04:09.099 --> 00:04:09.840 Is this. 00:04:09.919 --> 00:04:14.139 We see that the true world changing dynamic force of Christianity. 00:04:15.319 --> 00:04:18.120 Is marked by a living hope in the risen Christ. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:21.439 It's marked by a living hope in the risen Christ. 00:04:21.939 --> 00:04:25.079 One of the things that we need to understand is that in the decades before. 00:04:25.079 --> 00:04:27.399 And after the coming of Jesus. 00:04:27.680 --> 00:04:31.740 There were dozens of people who claimed to be God's Messiah. 00:04:32.639 --> 00:04:34.479 This was not unique to Jesus. 00:04:34.899 --> 00:04:37.579 There were dozens of messianic movements. 00:04:38.139 --> 00:04:40.419 And in every case the same thing happened. 00:04:41.459 --> 00:04:46.779 A messianic leader would emerge and gather a bunch of followers and make lots of promises. 00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:50.319 That leader would eventually be captured. 00:04:50.939 --> 00:04:53.120 That leader would eventually be killed. 00:04:53.120 --> 00:04:56.399 And Rome didn't take kindly to that kind of thing. 00:04:57.019 --> 00:05:01.579 And then after that leader's death the same thing would invariably happen. 00:05:01.939 --> 00:05:05.800 The movement would kind of putter along for a little while. 00:05:05.899 --> 00:05:07.220 And then it would collapse. 00:05:07.819 --> 00:05:09.300 And everybody would go home. 00:05:09.500 --> 00:05:10.280 And that would be it. 00:05:10.840 --> 00:05:13.319 And that happened over and over and over and over. 00:05:14.579 --> 00:05:15.639 With one exception. 00:05:15.639 --> 00:05:19.319 After Jesus was crucified. 00:05:19.800 --> 00:05:21.860 Not only did the movement continue. 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:24.099 It exploded. 00:05:24.899 --> 00:05:28.819 It exploded in a way that has baffled historians ever since. 00:05:29.360 --> 00:05:33.839 Somehow a tiny low class rabble of social outcasts. 00:05:33.839 --> 00:05:34.779 And miscreants. 00:05:35.180 --> 00:05:36.219 And former slaves. 00:05:36.539 --> 00:05:38.699 Over a period of about 200 years. 00:05:38.919 --> 00:05:43.099 Grew into a movement that completely transformed the known world. 00:05:43.100 --> 00:05:44.960 There were miraculous works. 00:05:45.640 --> 00:05:48.780 There were mass conversions of thousands at a time. 00:05:49.840 --> 00:05:52.879 There were old class structures were demolished. 00:05:53.340 --> 00:05:55.620 Old prejudices were broken down. 00:05:56.280 --> 00:06:01.680 The rich became willing and eager to serve and care for the poor. 00:06:01.780 --> 00:06:04.000 Not through government assistance programs. 00:06:04.100 --> 00:06:04.920 Those didn't exist. 00:06:05.040 --> 00:06:06.220 Out of their own pocket. 00:06:06.220 --> 00:06:12.380 And these Christians had such a dramatic impact on the known world. 00:06:12.460 --> 00:06:13.920 That one of the Roman emperors. 00:06:14.260 --> 00:06:16.420 Who disliked them very much. 00:06:16.780 --> 00:06:18.020 Reluctantly had to admit. 00:06:18.380 --> 00:06:21.140 These are the people who are holding our empire together. 00:06:24.320 --> 00:06:25.300 In other words. 00:06:25.420 --> 00:06:27.380 Christianity in the first few centuries. 00:06:27.580 --> 00:06:29.360 Does not behave like a movement. 00:06:30.100 --> 00:06:32.180 Whose leader has been executed. 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:37.060 It behaves like a movement where the leader is more alive than ever. 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:39.860 In verses 1 through 3. 00:06:40.340 --> 00:06:41.079 Luke writes. 00:06:41.199 --> 00:06:42.000 In my former book. 00:06:42.180 --> 00:06:42.660 Theophilus. 00:06:43.340 --> 00:06:44.960 He's referring to the Gospel of Luke. 00:06:45.100 --> 00:06:46.280 That's volume 1. 00:06:46.519 --> 00:06:47.180 The Gospel of Luke. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:48.480 In my former book. 00:06:48.680 --> 00:06:51.160 I wrote about all that Jesus began to do. 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:51.860 And to teach. 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:53.079 What's the implication? 00:06:53.879 --> 00:06:54.660 In this book. 00:06:54.740 --> 00:06:57.680 I'm going to write about all that Jesus continues to do. 00:06:58.040 --> 00:07:00.879 And that's exactly what the book of Acts is all about. 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:03.060 Luke tells us that after the resurrection. 00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:05.079 Jesus presented himself to them. 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:07.519 And gave many convincing proofs. 00:07:07.620 --> 00:07:08.600 That he was alive. 00:07:08.879 --> 00:07:11.180 He appeared to them over a period of 40 days. 00:07:11.459 --> 00:07:13.399 And spoke about the kingdom of God. 00:07:17.420 --> 00:07:19.199 Christianity as a dynamic. 00:07:19.399 --> 00:07:20.839 World changing force. 00:07:21.399 --> 00:07:23.219 Is based on a living hope. 00:07:23.420 --> 00:07:24.540 In the risen Christ. 00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:25.000 In other words. 00:07:25.060 --> 00:07:27.259 It's based on the belief that the resurrection is not a myth. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:29.360 It's not a pleasant idea. 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:31.259 It's not superstition. 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:35.500 It's based on the fact that there is strong compelling evidence. 00:07:35.699 --> 00:07:38.439 That the resurrection is a historical fact. 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:41.120 And that makes all the difference. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:42.819 Because if Jesus is dead. 00:07:45.220 --> 00:07:48.360 There's no difference between Jesus and any other religious leader. 00:07:48.460 --> 00:07:49.800 Just pick the one you like the best. 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:50.980 Or pick none of them. 00:07:51.319 --> 00:07:52.439 It doesn't really matter. 00:07:52.439 --> 00:07:56.519 If Jesus is right now alive. 00:07:57.480 --> 00:08:00.660 If Jesus is somebody who has overcome death. 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:05.339 That makes him the most important person in all of history. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:07.800 And that means it's all true. 00:08:07.959 --> 00:08:10.439 That means everything he said is true. 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:14.379 And that means that Christianity alone. 00:08:14.779 --> 00:08:18.759 Is true in a way that no other religion is. 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:24.439 The prophet Muhammad did all he was ever going to do before he died. 00:08:25.899 --> 00:08:28.339 Buddha did all he would ever do before he died. 00:08:29.279 --> 00:08:32.440 Joseph Smith did all he would ever do before he died. 00:08:32.440 --> 00:08:34.140 But what Luke is saying here. 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:36.380 Is that what Jesus did before his death. 00:08:36.560 --> 00:08:37.560 Is only the beginning. 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:40.240 It's only the beginning. 00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:43.380 How has this movement. 00:08:43.700 --> 00:08:44.860 Started by Jesus. 00:08:45.100 --> 00:08:47.120 Had such a dramatic impact. 00:08:47.600 --> 00:08:48.580 On the world. 00:08:48.660 --> 00:08:51.160 It's because Jesus continues to lead this movement. 00:08:51.420 --> 00:08:52.640 Up to this very day. 00:08:54.580 --> 00:08:56.180 So real Christianity. 00:08:56.320 --> 00:08:57.280 The kind of Christianity. 00:08:57.680 --> 00:08:58.860 That changes lives. 00:08:58.860 --> 00:09:02.759 This high octane muscular steel spined Christianity. 00:09:03.659 --> 00:09:06.860 Is driven by a living hope in the risen Christ. 00:09:07.320 --> 00:09:08.340 I remember years ago. 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:10.419 Hearing the head of a very prominent well known. 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:12.480 Christian denomination. 00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:14.539 Here in our country. 00:09:15.060 --> 00:09:16.759 And very well represented here in DC. 00:09:16.940 --> 00:09:19.419 I remember hearing an Easter sermon. 00:09:19.580 --> 00:09:21.899 Preached by this head of this prominent denomination. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:24.600 And the point of the message was this. 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:28.139 It doesn't really matter whether Jesus actually rose from death. 00:09:28.860 --> 00:09:31.659 What matters is whether or not he's risen in our hearts. 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:35.700 Meaning what matters is that we continue in his teachings and traditions. 00:09:39.320 --> 00:09:40.440 With all due respect. 00:09:40.600 --> 00:09:42.659 Have you ever heard anything more uninspiring. 00:09:43.060 --> 00:09:44.240 In your whole life. 00:09:44.899 --> 00:09:47.039 I mean can you imagine saying that. 00:09:47.560 --> 00:09:49.300 To the Christians in Rome. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:51.180 Who were risking their lives. 00:09:51.500 --> 00:09:53.560 To care for the victims of the plague. 00:09:54.279 --> 00:09:56.560 Who had been abandoned by their own families. 00:09:56.559 --> 00:09:59.899 And these Christians would go in and care for these plague victims. 00:10:00.239 --> 00:10:02.439 And in many cases the plague victims would get better. 00:10:02.919 --> 00:10:04.639 And the Christians would get sick and die. 00:10:06.539 --> 00:10:09.139 Do you think they were compelled to do that because of tradition? 00:10:10.819 --> 00:10:13.099 Tradition can't even get you up in the morning out of bed. 00:10:13.859 --> 00:10:15.779 There's nothing inspiring about tradition. 00:10:18.139 --> 00:10:18.379 Right. 00:10:18.379 --> 00:10:20.159 Nick Kristof. 00:10:20.639 --> 00:10:21.539 Not a Christian. 00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:23.600 Occasionally writes about Christians. 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:25.980 And he wrote an article a few years back in the New York Times. 00:10:27.019 --> 00:10:30.399 And he observes in this article that he says wherever he goes. 00:10:30.759 --> 00:10:31.879 Anywhere in the world. 00:10:32.259 --> 00:10:33.799 Where there is the greatest suffering. 00:10:34.220 --> 00:10:36.820 Places where everyone else has pulled out. 00:10:36.939 --> 00:10:38.019 All the NGOs. 00:10:38.399 --> 00:10:39.299 They've all pulled out. 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:41.399 Even the local governments have pulled out. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:44.299 He says you always find Christians. 00:10:44.299 --> 00:10:44.459 Christians. 00:10:45.859 --> 00:10:47.500 Now why do you think that is? 00:10:49.199 --> 00:10:50.579 It's not because of tradition. 00:10:51.219 --> 00:10:55.079 It's because if you believe that Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. 00:10:55.240 --> 00:10:58.699 And you believe that through him we can overcome sin and death. 00:10:58.699 --> 00:11:02.359 And that one day we will be risen like he was risen. 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:04.179 That means we have nothing to fear. 00:11:04.679 --> 00:11:05.319 And guess what? 00:11:05.559 --> 00:11:08.579 That's something the entire world deserves to know about. 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:12.620 That's the kind of thing that makes you get up and leave. 00:11:12.839 --> 00:11:14.199 And move halfway around the world. 00:11:14.299 --> 00:11:15.379 Because if that is true. 00:11:15.500 --> 00:11:17.019 Then everybody needs to know it. 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:19.799 It's the most important message there is. 00:11:23.099 --> 00:11:24.120 With all due respect. 00:11:24.120 --> 00:11:26.259 Christian tradition without the risen Christ. 00:11:27.439 --> 00:11:30.459 Is a religion for the dead and the damned. 00:11:31.399 --> 00:11:34.779 And it has very little to do with real Christianity. 00:11:34.979 --> 00:11:39.839 Real world changing Christianity is driven by a living hope in the risen Christ. 00:11:39.840 --> 00:11:44.879 The second thing we see in this passage. 00:11:45.040 --> 00:11:50.120 The second marker of a vibrant empowered movement. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:54.740 Is that it is marked by a total dependence on the Holy Spirit. 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:57.960 A total dependence on the Holy Spirit. 00:11:58.039 --> 00:11:58.960 Verses 4 and 5. 00:11:58.960 --> 00:12:01.680 On one occasion while Jesus was eating with them. 00:12:01.680 --> 00:12:03.220 He gave them this command. 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:04.620 Do not leave Jerusalem. 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:06.320 But wait. 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:07.879 Wait for what? 00:12:08.220 --> 00:12:10.019 For the gift my father promised. 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:12.420 Which you have heard me speak about. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:14.980 For John the Baptist. 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:16.720 Baptized with water. 00:12:16.840 --> 00:12:20.720 But in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 00:12:20.720 --> 00:12:24.060 Now friends. 00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:27.040 I find this very surprising. 00:12:27.200 --> 00:12:29.680 Because if anyone seems ready for mission. 00:12:30.820 --> 00:12:31.800 It's these guys. 00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:35.040 These are Jesus' disciples. 00:12:35.220 --> 00:12:36.320 Now become apostles. 00:12:36.580 --> 00:12:38.399 They're witnesses to the risen Jesus. 00:12:38.700 --> 00:12:39.399 First hand. 00:12:40.420 --> 00:12:41.840 They had heard his teaching. 00:12:42.040 --> 00:12:43.279 And sat under his teaching. 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:44.899 For his entire earthly ministry. 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:45.379 Many of them. 00:12:46.160 --> 00:12:47.480 And yet Jesus insists. 00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:49.660 Don't go yet. 00:12:49.659 --> 00:12:51.159 Why not? 00:12:52.159 --> 00:12:54.399 Well I think the point is very clear here. 00:12:55.179 --> 00:12:56.899 Because knowledge is not enough. 00:12:58.699 --> 00:13:00.600 Passion is not enough. 00:13:00.719 --> 00:13:01.839 I mean Peter had passion. 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:04.740 He had more passion than any of us. 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.319 Not enough. 00:13:07.419 --> 00:13:08.459 Cultural influence. 00:13:10.139 --> 00:13:10.539 Money. 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:12.679 Strategy. 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:14.500 Technique. 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:16.240 Not enough. 00:13:17.740 --> 00:13:19.339 Mission requires power. 00:13:19.659 --> 00:13:23.100 And that power comes from the Holy Spirit. 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:24.379 And friends. 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:25.559 This is another difference. 00:13:25.679 --> 00:13:27.179 Between the kind of weak. 00:13:27.740 --> 00:13:28.199 Anemic. 00:13:28.439 --> 00:13:28.899 Therapeutic. 00:13:28.980 --> 00:13:29.500 Christianity. 00:13:30.459 --> 00:13:32.639 And the Christianity that changes the world. 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:34.620 The difference is the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:38.199 All of the great revivals throughout history. 00:13:38.679 --> 00:13:39.899 The Celtic revival. 00:13:40.039 --> 00:13:41.079 Of the 5th through 7th century. 00:13:41.199 --> 00:13:42.100 The Great Awakening. 00:13:42.219 --> 00:13:43.919 The East African revival. 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:44.779 Of which by the way. 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:46.559 We are direct spiritual beneficiaries. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:49.059 The Chinese house church movement. 00:13:49.179 --> 00:13:50.959 The explosion of faith in the global south. 00:13:51.059 --> 00:13:51.639 You know that now. 00:13:52.319 --> 00:13:54.220 The vast majority of Christians. 00:13:54.339 --> 00:13:55.559 In the center of Christian activity. 00:13:55.959 --> 00:13:56.600 Is not in the west. 00:13:56.679 --> 00:13:57.519 It's in the global south. 00:13:57.639 --> 00:13:58.399 Places like Asia. 00:13:58.879 --> 00:13:59.899 And South America. 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:01.360 And Africa. 00:14:01.839 --> 00:14:02.019 Right? 00:14:02.579 --> 00:14:04.480 70% of the world's Christians live there. 00:14:05.480 --> 00:14:06.519 So we're the outliers. 00:14:07.199 --> 00:14:09.539 It's because of a movement of the Holy Spirit. 00:14:09.759 --> 00:14:11.799 None of these things are the result of personalities. 00:14:11.799 --> 00:14:12.539 Or programs. 00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:13.039 Or techniques. 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:14.639 These are movements of the Holy Spirit. 00:14:16.139 --> 00:14:18.079 What this means is that the church. 00:14:18.179 --> 00:14:19.159 A Christian community. 00:14:19.460 --> 00:14:21.319 Is much like a sailboat. 00:14:21.320 --> 00:14:26.260 The sail has to be filled with wind. 00:14:26.260 --> 00:14:27.879 In order to go anywhere. 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:29.560 Or do anything meaningful. 00:14:29.700 --> 00:14:31.540 If you've ever tried to push a sailboat. 00:14:31.760 --> 00:14:32.520 It doesn't go well. 00:14:33.740 --> 00:14:35.600 We can't control the wind. 00:14:35.720 --> 00:14:39.620 But we can have some control over the sail. 00:14:40.160 --> 00:14:40.940 Is it up? 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:42.400 Is it aligned? 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:43.080 Right? 00:14:43.300 --> 00:14:44.680 So in order to go anywhere. 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:46.040 You have to put up the sail. 00:14:46.280 --> 00:14:48.260 And you have to align it with the wind. 00:14:48.320 --> 00:14:49.820 So that you can catch the wind. 00:14:49.820 --> 00:14:51.740 You can be filled by the wind. 00:14:51.920 --> 00:14:52.780 When it blows. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:57.960 That's how we are called to think about the Holy Spirit. 00:14:58.920 --> 00:14:59.100 You know. 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:03.020 Charles Spurgeon is among the greatest preachers who ever lived. 00:15:04.080 --> 00:15:05.740 His ministry and the ministry of his church. 00:15:07.180 --> 00:15:08.879 Transformed literally thousands of lives. 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:11.860 And so a lot of people would visit him. 00:15:11.920 --> 00:15:12.820 Wanting to learn from him. 00:15:13.140 --> 00:15:15.620 And a group of young ministers. 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:17.480 Just getting started in their ministry. 00:15:17.480 --> 00:15:18.420 They visited him. 00:15:18.419 --> 00:15:19.919 At his church. 00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:21.599 Because they wanted to learn his secrets. 00:15:22.679 --> 00:15:25.179 They wanted to learn the secret to his success. 00:15:25.319 --> 00:15:26.759 And so they get there. 00:15:26.839 --> 00:15:27.639 And Spurgeon says hey. 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:29.360 And he shows them the big beautiful sanctuary. 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:30.339 And then he says hey. 00:15:30.439 --> 00:15:31.240 Let me take you downstairs. 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:32.919 I want to show you the boiler room. 00:15:34.199 --> 00:15:36.059 And the ministers are confused. 00:15:36.599 --> 00:15:37.759 This is back in the day. 00:15:37.839 --> 00:15:39.979 When steam was the thing that powered everything. 00:15:40.199 --> 00:15:41.259 And so the boiler room. 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:45.720 Boiler room was where that steam would be generated to power everything in the building. 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:48.240 But boiler rooms tended to be very unpleasant places. 00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:48.860 They were hot. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:49.460 They were dirty. 00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:50.620 They were down in the basement. 00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:53.220 And these ministers were really confused and put off. 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:55.059 They're like we don't want to see the boiler room. 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:55.679 What are you talking about? 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:57.879 You know they're here for preaching advice. 00:15:58.019 --> 00:15:59.679 They're here for strategy. 00:15:59.860 --> 00:16:00.620 They want the technique. 00:16:00.740 --> 00:16:04.840 They want like what is the secret sauce of the Spurgeon ministry that's making all of this happen? 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:09.180 How are you impacting all these people and growing so rapidly and changing so many lives? 00:16:09.300 --> 00:16:12.000 And you know maybe they would learn how to write better sermons. 00:16:14.019 --> 00:16:15.160 But Spurgeon insists. 00:16:15.259 --> 00:16:17.040 No I really want to show you the boiler room. 00:16:17.660 --> 00:16:18.519 So they say okay. 00:16:18.680 --> 00:16:19.519 And then they go downstairs. 00:16:20.060 --> 00:16:23.560 And Spurgeon leads them down into the basement. 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:25.720 Opens the door. 00:16:25.820 --> 00:16:28.040 And they see about a hundred people sitting there in prayer. 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:31.240 And Spurgeon smiles. 00:16:31.320 --> 00:16:34.080 And he says this is my boiler room. 00:16:35.639 --> 00:16:38.519 Whenever Spurgeon was asked about the secret of his ministry. 00:16:38.660 --> 00:16:40.440 He always replied the same way. 00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:43.399 It's because our people pray. 00:16:44.860 --> 00:16:45.820 Our people pray. 00:16:46.800 --> 00:16:49.620 So in other words he would say it's not about Spurgeon at all. 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:51.300 It's not about. 00:16:51.800 --> 00:16:52.639 He was a great preacher. 00:16:52.820 --> 00:16:53.840 But it's not about the preaching. 00:16:54.040 --> 00:16:55.019 It's not about the strategy. 00:16:55.220 --> 00:16:56.120 It's not about the technique. 00:16:57.060 --> 00:17:00.240 He says all of this that you see is a work of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:02.800 And it happens because my people pray. 00:17:03.060 --> 00:17:03.620 What are they doing? 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:04.799 They're putting up the sales. 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:07.379 They're aligning the sales with the Holy Spirit. 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:10.439 And the Spirit is coming in and filling those sales. 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:12.259 And propelling that ministry forward. 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:13.819 That's how it happens. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:18.679 So the work that Jesus has given us to do is a spiritual work. 00:17:18.879 --> 00:17:20.879 And it requires spiritual power. 00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:25.620 If we want to see human hearts turn toward God. 00:17:25.620 --> 00:17:28.700 If we want to see relationships healed and restored. 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:32.000 If we want to see human beings becoming more fully human. 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:36.480 Those are things only the Holy Spirit can do. 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:43.180 You know we often think of prayer as something that we do before the real work begins. 00:17:43.180 --> 00:17:45.860 But if we understand what this is saying. 00:17:45.860 --> 00:17:48.220 It means that prayer is the real work. 00:17:50.060 --> 00:17:52.720 Prayer I would argue is our primary job. 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:55.259 And everything else is subordinate to that. 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:55.880 And everything else is subordinate to that. 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.819 If we believe that. 00:17:58.819 --> 00:18:00.559 For those of you who do believe that. 00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:05.059 I want to specifically and very clearly ask you right now. 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:09.779 To commit to praying for a movement of the Holy Spirit in our congregation. 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:14.559 This is something that some of us have been praying for for a while. 00:18:14.639 --> 00:18:16.579 And I know a number of you are already praying for this. 00:18:17.139 --> 00:18:18.700 But I would love to see all of us praying. 00:18:18.700 --> 00:18:23.960 I would love to see a boiler room of prayer and intercession. 00:18:25.840 --> 00:18:27.240 Made up of everybody in this room. 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:31.539 You know that we can't fit in a basement room downstairs. 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:34.720 Because there's too many people who want to be a part of the prayer group. 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.940 I want to call us as a church. 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:40.420 We're at a very pivotal moment in the life of our church. 00:18:40.500 --> 00:18:42.480 We keep talking about this move to Shaw. 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:45.460 It's really a move to a city center location. 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:48.580 And it's going to enable us to continue to do a lot of the things. 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:49.220 That we're already doing. 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:51.259 But it's going to greatly expand what we're able to do. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:53.859 But yet if we rely on that. 00:18:53.919 --> 00:18:55.019 If we think it's about the building. 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:56.039 Or we think it's about the neighborhood. 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:58.779 Or we think it's about a new vision that we've laid out. 00:18:58.819 --> 00:19:00.139 That we've completely missed the boat. 00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:04.519 Nothing will happen of any consequence. 00:19:04.919 --> 00:19:06.359 Unless the Holy Spirit does it. 00:19:07.960 --> 00:19:09.619 Let's please commit to praying for that. 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:11.539 A movement of the Holy Spirit. 00:19:11.919 --> 00:19:14.419 Pray that your pastor would become more charismatic. 00:19:16.839 --> 00:19:17.759 Pray for me. 00:19:18.579 --> 00:19:19.659 Pray for me. 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:21.279 I didn't grow up in that tradition. 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:24.220 I'm baby stepping my way in. 00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:26.279 Baby steps Bob. 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.799 I'm baby stepping my way in. 00:19:29.339 --> 00:19:30.439 Please pray for me. 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:33.720 I've had experiences of the Holy Spirit. 00:19:33.899 --> 00:19:40.659 Enough distinct experiences to shift and convince me of the power and potential of the Holy Spirit. 00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:41.500 But I need more. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:43.799 And I pray for you. 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:45.819 Please pray for me. 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:48.240 Pray for the pastoral team. 00:19:50.900 --> 00:19:51.880 Because we need it. 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:55.700 So real world changing Christianity. 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:58.180 It is animated by a living hope in the risen Christ. 00:19:59.580 --> 00:20:02.520 It is empowered by a total dependence on the Holy Spirit. 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:04.359 And then finally. 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:08.720 It is marked by an outward facing commitment to gospel witness. 00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:11.859 An outward facing commitment to gospel witness. 00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:12.680 It says. 00:20:13.139 --> 00:20:14.960 Then they gathered around him and asked him. 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:18.500 Lord are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel? 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:25.680 Can you imagine what Jesus might have been tempted to say? 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:27.460 Now he's perfect. 00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:28.140 He's risen. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:29.019 He's glorified. 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:32.339 Maybe he wouldn't have the same temptation as many of us. 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:34.019 I can imagine him just. 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:35.079 Really? 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:35.680 Right? 00:20:36.319 --> 00:20:37.420 That's your question? 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:38.039 Right? 00:20:38.039 --> 00:20:40.879 After all they've seen and heard. 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:44.480 They still think that the only reason or the main reason Jesus has come. 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:46.440 Is to make Israel great again. 00:20:48.039 --> 00:20:50.099 And so Jesus gently rebukes them. 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:51.220 He says. 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:51.460 You know. 00:20:51.539 --> 00:20:54.759 It's not for you to know the times or dates the father has set by his own authority. 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:55.159 In other words. 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:56.399 God has a plan for Israel. 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:58.099 And it's going to happen in his own time. 00:20:59.639 --> 00:21:01.200 But here's what you need to focus on. 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:02.000 He says in verse 8. 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:05.659 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:09.340 And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem. 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:11.759 And in all Judea and Samaria. 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.320 And to the ends of the earth. 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:14.540 And as he says this. 00:21:14.620 --> 00:21:16.519 We need to imagine concentric circles. 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:18.040 Jerusalem's where they are now. 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:20.060 And then if we go out. 00:21:20.420 --> 00:21:21.980 The broader region is Judea. 00:21:22.820 --> 00:21:23.160 And okay. 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:23.660 Judea. 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.560 That still makes sense. 00:21:24.620 --> 00:21:26.360 But then all of a sudden we're getting into Samaria. 00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:27.779 Well these are dirty. 00:21:28.100 --> 00:21:28.500 Unclean. 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:29.100 Impure. 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:29.860 People. 00:21:30.040 --> 00:21:32.820 That we didn't think God had anything to do with people like that. 00:21:32.900 --> 00:21:33.100 Okay. 00:21:33.200 --> 00:21:34.700 Well that's making us really uncomfortable. 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:36.220 And then we go out another constituent. 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:38.160 And then he says to the ends of the earth. 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:42.380 And by this time they're all looking at each other like what? 00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:46.400 And this is not just a map. 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:48.860 It's a theological statement. 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:52.279 God's mission moves outward. 00:21:53.900 --> 00:21:55.680 God's mission moves outward. 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:58.039 It crosses ethnic boundaries. 00:21:58.240 --> 00:22:00.380 It crosses geographic lines. 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:02.279 It crosses cultural boundaries. 00:22:02.539 --> 00:22:04.120 It crosses moral boundaries. 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:08.840 The gospel is not meant to stay near the center. 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:10.940 Or to serve those at the center. 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:14.080 It is meant to expand outward. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:15.740 It's the only thing it knows how to do. 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:18.299 And so he's essentially saying. 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:20.480 If you want to keep in step with the gospel. 00:22:20.680 --> 00:22:23.539 If you want to align yourself with the movement of the Holy Spirit. 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:25.640 Then you need to move outward as well. 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:33.420 I think there's a necessary correction that we need to hear. 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:38.360 Churches constantly face the temptation to turn inward. 00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:41.839 All churches. 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:42.639 All communities. 00:22:43.639 --> 00:22:46.740 Face the temptation to organize ourselves. 00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:51.899 Around prioritizing our own needs and our own preferences. 00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:58.659 And to shape church life around what feels comfortable and familiar and convenient. 00:22:58.660 --> 00:23:01.300 It's human nature. 00:23:01.300 --> 00:23:03.140 It happens in every church. 00:23:03.259 --> 00:23:06.820 The path of least resistance is to do this. 00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:08.160 Right? 00:23:10.040 --> 00:23:12.820 But that has never been the purpose of the church. 00:23:13.540 --> 00:23:15.900 That is not why the church exists. 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:19.380 The church does not exist for itself. 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:22.820 The church exists for the sake of the world. 00:23:23.640 --> 00:23:26.300 The church exists for the sake of the world. 00:23:27.060 --> 00:23:29.300 And this is one of the clearest differences. 00:23:29.300 --> 00:23:32.080 Between a kind of anemic therapeutic Christianity. 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:35.660 And a real world changing Christianity. 00:23:36.320 --> 00:23:38.780 Is because therapeutic Christianity says. 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:40.360 I want church to be easy. 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:43.020 I want my needs to be met. 00:23:43.140 --> 00:23:44.200 I want good care. 00:23:44.340 --> 00:23:45.460 I want good programs. 00:23:45.760 --> 00:23:48.160 But please don't ask too much of me. 00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:50.120 Don't make it costly. 00:23:50.880 --> 00:23:51.940 Don't make it uncomfortable. 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:53.519 Don't make it inconvenient. 00:23:55.640 --> 00:23:59.300 Now compare that to the Christianity that actually changes the world. 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:01.180 Compare that to St. Patrick. 00:24:01.480 --> 00:24:04.800 Who returned voluntarily as a missionary to Ireland. 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:07.000 The land of his former captors. 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:11.360 Because he believed the gospel was worth more than his personal safety. 00:24:12.640 --> 00:24:16.440 Compare that to the Christianity of the Moravians in the 18th century. 00:24:16.440 --> 00:24:20.660 Who launched one of the most sacrificial missionary movements in history. 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:25.820 You know some Moravians voluntarily sold themselves into indentured servitude. 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:28.140 So that they could share the gospel. 00:24:28.620 --> 00:24:30.400 And live among enslaved people. 00:24:31.820 --> 00:24:33.660 Compare that to Lillian Thrasher. 00:24:34.320 --> 00:24:36.660 Who went alone to Egypt in the early 1900s. 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:38.640 With no guaranteed funding. 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:41.500 And founded the first orphanage in the country. 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:47.140 And trusted daily prayer to provide food and medicine and protection for hundreds of children. 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:53.400 Compare that to the pastors of the Zion House Church Network in China. 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:55.680 Who are right now sitting in prison for their faith. 00:24:58.359 --> 00:25:03.680 These people all understand that the church exists for the sake of the world. 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:06.620 It exists for the sake of the world. 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:09.360 So for us. 00:25:10.259 --> 00:25:12.160 There's a real inflection point for us. 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:15.420 How do we think about and understand our mission? 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:18.720 What is the why behind our presence here? 00:25:18.840 --> 00:25:21.299 What will the why be when we move in a few weeks? 00:25:22.160 --> 00:25:23.140 What is the why? 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:24.039 Why do we get up? 00:25:24.120 --> 00:25:24.820 Why do we drive? 00:25:24.920 --> 00:25:25.580 Why do we worship? 00:25:25.759 --> 00:25:26.940 Why do we show up and serve? 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:29.259 Why do we do anything at all? 00:25:29.340 --> 00:25:30.120 What's the why? 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:31.060 Who's it for? 00:25:31.059 --> 00:25:34.139 Or is it all just for us? 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:36.059 So that it can make our lives easier? 00:25:36.179 --> 00:25:37.779 So that it can be a source of comfort and community? 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:38.819 All that is great. 00:25:38.899 --> 00:25:40.139 But is that really the why? 00:25:41.399 --> 00:25:48.859 Or do we understand, like the apostles, that Jesus has also commissioned us through them? 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:51.000 We stand in the same tradition. 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:55.599 So when we move, we will be a city-centered church. 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:59.439 But we need to have a similar theological geography. 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:04.679 We're called to be his witnesses, right? 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:05.799 In Shaw. 00:26:07.319 --> 00:26:08.779 In Northwest DC. 00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:11.199 In all the DMV. 00:26:12.259 --> 00:26:13.639 And to the ends of the earth. 00:26:13.640 --> 00:26:21.080 In many ways, we are blessed and fortunate that many people from the ends of the earth come and live in the DMV. 00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:28.900 So we should pray and hope and desire to become more international in the people that we're able to reach here. 00:26:29.780 --> 00:26:37.400 But what this also clearly means is that we should be compelled by the gospel, if we want to be an Acts chapter 1, verse 8 church, 00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:40.440 to support and encourage international missions. 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:43.539 This is why we support missionaries. 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:45.480 This is why we support missionary organizations. 00:26:45.700 --> 00:26:50.299 This is why we pray for missionaries and pray for mission in the global church. 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:57.640 In many ways, friends, our church should do so more than other churches because we are direct beneficiaries of that missionary tradition. 00:26:59.380 --> 00:27:03.380 There was the East African revival that happened in Africa. 00:27:03.480 --> 00:27:10.080 It was one of the lesser-known revivals, but it produced an incredible outpouring of conversion and movement of the Holy Spirit. 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:15.500 At some point, the gospel was brought to Africa by missionaries, but then it took root there. 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:18.539 And it became a distinctly African Christianity. 00:27:19.160 --> 00:27:21.700 And then we have the East African revival, and that grows up. 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:24.940 And one of the main churches impacted by that was the Anglican church. 00:27:26.140 --> 00:27:32.240 Guess who supported the planting of this church by providing spiritual oversight? 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:33.799 The Anglican church in Rwanda. 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:37.319 Guess where I was originally ordained as a priest? 00:27:37.419 --> 00:27:38.859 In the Anglican church of Rwanda. 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:46.139 We are the result of a missionary movement toward the West because at some point, the locus of Christian activity shifted. 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:51.099 The locus, the core of the church, the heart of the church is no longer in the West. 00:27:51.099 --> 00:27:59.259 And at some point, these African Christians began to look over at the United States and began to say, well, that's the mission field now. 00:28:00.439 --> 00:28:06.959 And so they began to see and support churches like ours as missionary outposts to re-evangelize the West. 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:09.480 So we are direct beneficiaries. 00:28:09.679 --> 00:28:10.799 It has come full circle. 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:24.279 How can we not prioritize and support and encourage international missions when there are so many millions and millions of people in the world who have yet to hear the gospel, who live in unchurched, unreached places? 00:28:25.159 --> 00:28:27.000 So this is why it's a priority for us. 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:38.779 And the reason is because we're committed not to the therapeutic, anemic Christianity that many people think of, but to the dynamic, world-changing Christianity of history and, I would argue, of Scripture. 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:47.000 Marked by a living hope in the risen Christ, a total dependence on the Holy Spirit, and an outward-facing gospel witness. 00:28:48.059 --> 00:28:48.579 Let's pray. 00:28:50.399 --> 00:28:53.500 Our Lord, we thank you, and we pray for your Holy Spirit. 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:55.660 Come, Holy Spirit. 00:28:56.399 --> 00:29:03.099 And we pray that all that we say, that we wouldn't even care about it because of anything in us, 00:29:03.099 --> 00:29:09.819 that we would be so filled and animated by your Spirit that we would be compelled by your Spirit. 00:29:10.679 --> 00:29:18.099 Lord, that there would be no greater joy than to throw ourselves, than to realize the truth of... 00:29:18.899 --> 00:29:23.019 Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said that when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:30.819 Lord, that we would see our purpose is to pour ourselves out for the sake and for the life of the world. 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:34.500 Lord, we pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus. 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:35.439 Amen.