WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.940 I have the joy of introducing our guest speaker today. 00:00:05.040 --> 00:00:07.580 We have the privilege of hosting Pasquale Tedeschi. 00:00:07.640 --> 00:00:10.519 I call him Pat and his wife, Dana, today. 00:00:10.939 --> 00:00:14.660 They're from our sister church, Green Tree Church in Egg Harbor Township in New Jersey. 00:00:14.820 --> 00:00:18.120 We pray for that church on a regular basis during our Sunday worship. 00:00:18.559 --> 00:00:21.179 Pat was actually here and preached for us six years ago. 00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:23.140 A few of you were here for that. 00:00:23.240 --> 00:00:24.900 Maybe a few of you were here for that. 00:00:24.899 --> 00:00:30.399 But Dana is involved with Green Tree's worship team and discipling the woman in the church. 00:00:30.539 --> 00:00:33.460 And Pat serves as their pastor of outreach and missions. 00:00:34.500 --> 00:00:39.039 Their faithfulness to their local church has been an outstanding example to me. 00:00:39.579 --> 00:00:42.420 Dana grew up her whole life in Green Tree Church. 00:00:42.859 --> 00:00:48.099 And Pat joined the church in 1987 before some of us were born. 00:00:48.100 --> 00:00:59.920 But despite having a local church that they love and their immediate and extended family that are all being part of Green Tree Church, 00:01:00.340 --> 00:01:08.439 they have been preparing now for several years to leave Green Tree Church and everything that they have in order to go and serve as missionaries in London. 00:01:09.159 --> 00:01:11.859 And so Pat's going to come up and share about that. 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:14.280 And also he's going to preach God's word to us. 00:01:14.340 --> 00:01:15.040 So Pat, please come. 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:45.020 Thank you. 00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:50.960 I want to talk to you a little bit about what's going on with my wife Dana and I and this future ministry move to London. 00:01:51.760 --> 00:01:58.980 We're planning to be missionaries there with our church's missions partners whose names are Randy and Margie Lawler. 00:01:59.240 --> 00:02:04.840 And we'll be working at the church that Randy started and where he is the pastor. 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:07.940 It's called Oasis International Church. 00:02:07.939 --> 00:02:17.759 For the last five or six years, our church has been praying that God would send them new workers because they are essentially doing everything on their own. 00:02:18.099 --> 00:02:18.900 Randy's the preacher. 00:02:19.139 --> 00:02:19.979 He's the teacher. 00:02:20.219 --> 00:02:21.639 He is the small group leader. 00:02:21.800 --> 00:02:25.340 Margie oversees children's ministry, hospitality, finances. 00:02:25.340 --> 00:02:29.020 They are now in their late 70s. 00:02:29.020 --> 00:02:35.400 And they don't have the capacity to really develop the church ministry any further on their own. 00:02:35.400 --> 00:02:46.900 So as we looked at their situation in life and where Dana and I are at in our life at this time, our kids are all grown out of college. 00:02:46.900 --> 00:02:55.580 I've been working with Randy for the last 18 years, bringing ministry teams there to do short-term work with him. 00:02:55.680 --> 00:03:03.060 I even lived in London for two years before that, working with him as an evangelist to the Muslim community of London. 00:03:03.200 --> 00:03:13.000 So with all that experience, we thought this might be a good time to go, that we could be a good fit for the right time. 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:29.319 And so as we presented this, the potential of this to our fellow elders at Green Tree, to the region of Sovereign Grace here in the Northeast, to our global director as well in Sovereign Grace, all of them have been wonderfully supporting and affirming. 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:36.879 And one of our goals is to see the Oasis Church become adopted into our family of churches here in Sovereign Grace. 00:03:36.879 --> 00:03:39.340 Now you might ask why London, right? 00:03:39.419 --> 00:03:43.939 I mean, there's plenty of opportunities to be here doing this work. 00:03:44.039 --> 00:03:49.219 Well, part of it is the situation with the lawlers that I told you about and our experience there. 00:03:49.400 --> 00:03:54.659 But at the same time, London is a city of over 9 million people. 00:03:55.180 --> 00:03:59.519 At least 1 million people are those from Muslim backgrounds. 00:03:59.520 --> 00:04:07.719 And there are another nearly 2 million people from Hindu, Buddhist, or European backgrounds. 00:04:07.800 --> 00:04:13.219 Many of those from the European backgrounds are either nominally Christian or secular atheists. 00:04:13.620 --> 00:04:19.460 There are over 350 languages spoken in London. 00:04:19.579 --> 00:04:21.300 And so really the world is there. 00:04:21.300 --> 00:04:31.319 And a significant percentage of those people are those from least evangelized people groups or what we might call unreached people groups. 00:04:31.699 --> 00:04:43.060 So there's just an astounding opportunity to bring the gospel to those who have had little or no opportunity to hear a clear teaching of the gospel message. 00:04:43.060 --> 00:04:50.019 I remember years ago when I was in London, a Palestinian guy befriended us. 00:04:50.120 --> 00:04:51.420 We shared the gospel with him. 00:04:51.500 --> 00:04:52.740 He professed faith in Christ. 00:04:52.819 --> 00:04:57.819 And at one point he said, you know, why don't you come to my country, to his people group, we could say. 00:04:58.360 --> 00:05:00.340 He said, and we'll tell people about Jesus. 00:05:00.740 --> 00:05:11.139 Because I'm sure that more than 90% of the people that are there do not know about Jesus the way you have taught me about Jesus from the Bible. 00:05:11.139 --> 00:05:18.240 So the opportunities are virtually endless in London because all of those different people groups are there. 00:05:18.839 --> 00:05:27.360 At this point, the church, Oasis Church, is made up of primarily Iranian refugees who have come out of Islam and have converted to Christianity. 00:05:27.479 --> 00:05:34.599 Many of them have come through great trauma, having to escape their country to be free of persecution. 00:05:34.600 --> 00:05:47.220 Well, Pastor Randy and I know that in order for the church to grow and to become more established, the outreach needs to extend to other nationalities and people groups that are in the community as well. 00:05:47.280 --> 00:05:49.640 So that's where my wife Dana and I come in. 00:05:49.700 --> 00:05:50.860 That's my wife Dana right there. 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:53.260 You can hopefully greet her later. 00:05:53.259 --> 00:06:00.620 Lord willing, we're hoping to go there in January, five months from now, where I will be a pastor with Randy. 00:06:01.180 --> 00:06:08.899 I'll be involved in preaching and teaching as well as helping to develop leadership and growing areas of outreach and discipleship. 00:06:09.319 --> 00:06:17.800 And my wonderful wife will be there to help me personally as well as to help the ministry of the church, especially in the areas of women's ministry. 00:06:17.800 --> 00:06:21.120 The truth is my wife can do everything, children's ministry. 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:21.819 She can sing. 00:06:21.960 --> 00:06:24.780 She can lead women's Bible studies. 00:06:24.900 --> 00:06:26.319 She can do hospitality. 00:06:26.480 --> 00:06:27.220 She's got it going on. 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:28.340 She's the package, right? 00:06:28.460 --> 00:06:30.680 But we can't do this alone. 00:06:31.220 --> 00:06:35.439 So we really would appreciate your prayers as we prepare to go. 00:06:35.540 --> 00:06:38.439 There are three primary prayer requests that we have. 00:06:38.660 --> 00:06:44.280 First of all, that the Lord would provide the visas that we need to live and work there. 00:06:44.279 --> 00:06:49.739 We are so thankful that there is another Sovereign Grace Church in England about two hours from us in London. 00:06:50.119 --> 00:06:53.179 And they're looking to sponsor us for the visa. 00:06:53.619 --> 00:06:55.659 But it can take some time to get it. 00:06:55.779 --> 00:06:59.659 So we really need the Lord's favor to secure that for us. 00:07:00.059 --> 00:07:05.879 Secondly, we ask that the Lord would provide, that you pray that the Lord would provide all the finances that we need. 00:07:05.979 --> 00:07:08.639 London is just an expensive place to live. 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:12.279 And we can't do this work without a strong team of financial supporters. 00:07:12.279 --> 00:07:19.079 If that's something that you're interested in, we have a newsletter on the back table there. 00:07:19.359 --> 00:07:20.139 You can talk to me. 00:07:20.439 --> 00:07:23.259 We would love to tell you a little bit more about that. 00:07:23.979 --> 00:07:26.859 Lastly, we need people to join us. 00:07:27.419 --> 00:07:35.319 We need a team of other workers who will just be there as faithful members of the church, being involved, serving, doing outreach, 00:07:35.679 --> 00:07:40.799 as well as seeking to help spur on the members that are there. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:48.620 So we're looking for people who might have that same sense of calling into this work in particular. 00:07:49.180 --> 00:07:59.519 Perhaps you might even pray that some right here at Trinity Cambridge might sense that call and might even be willing to come and join us. 00:07:59.600 --> 00:08:01.080 Perhaps even you. 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:06.759 Now, when I suggest that, I think sometimes people think I'm a little crazy when I do. 00:08:07.579 --> 00:08:11.899 But, you know, I'm just not the sharpest tool in the shed. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:14.539 I'm not that extraordinarily gifted. 00:08:15.399 --> 00:08:23.180 And yet God has done something in us, in my wife and I, and called us to go and do that work. 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:28.379 And if he can do that for us, believe me, he can do that for anybody, perhaps even you. 00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:31.560 So if you're interested at all, I'd love to talk to you. 00:08:31.939 --> 00:08:37.879 And I'd especially recommend that you would talk to Sean or one of the other leaders here who will help you discern 00:08:37.879 --> 00:08:43.039 if this might be something that the Lord would be calling you to be part of. 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:46.860 So as I said, we have this introductory newsletter on the back table. 00:08:47.620 --> 00:08:49.600 You can pick one of those up. 00:08:49.679 --> 00:08:51.799 We'd be very thankful for your prayers. 00:08:51.799 --> 00:08:58.139 If you have any questions, you can contact us at our sending organization called cglobal.org. 00:08:58.240 --> 00:08:59.120 It's on the newsletter. 00:08:59.620 --> 00:09:00.779 And you can connect with us there. 00:09:00.839 --> 00:09:01.779 You can sign up for our newsletter. 00:09:01.899 --> 00:09:04.439 You could even give support if that's something you'd like to do. 00:09:04.679 --> 00:09:08.159 So thank you for allowing me to share that with you this morning. 00:09:09.279 --> 00:09:19.219 As we prepared for the sermon, what I want to talk to you about this morning is what it means to be a witness. 00:09:19.220 --> 00:09:23.660 And we sang about that wonderfully in the worship songs today. 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:30.899 When I think about being a witness for Jesus, I'm reminded of the small town that I grew up in 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:36.899 near the southern New Jersey coast called Northfield, New Jersey. 00:09:37.080 --> 00:09:40.540 To be honest, I hated growing up in Northfield. 00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:43.279 I didn't care much for South Jersey either. 00:09:43.279 --> 00:09:47.500 I thought Northfield was a backwards podunk town. 00:09:48.339 --> 00:09:52.519 And one of the reasons was because I came from the big city of Elizabeth, New Jersey. 00:09:52.579 --> 00:09:53.480 Anybody heard of Elizabeth? 00:09:54.059 --> 00:09:55.959 It's not that big and it's kind of a dump. 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:59.879 But it was across the river from New York, so I thought it was cool. 00:09:59.939 --> 00:10:01.639 I thought I was a cool city slicker. 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:06.319 And yet there I was stuck in Northfield, New Jersey. 00:10:06.320 --> 00:10:15.180 All I ever wanted to do was get out of Northfield and move to the city, any city, as long as it was out of South Jersey. 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:17.900 But it never happened and here's why. 00:10:18.860 --> 00:10:28.460 When I was 20 years old, I began really questioning and wondering about the purpose and meaning of life. 00:10:29.140 --> 00:10:34.640 Wondering how I could find satisfaction in this kind of crazy world. 00:10:34.639 --> 00:10:37.679 And so I began searching for God. 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:43.980 At that time, I began an internship at a job in Northfield, of all places. 00:10:45.120 --> 00:10:51.559 And a lady old enough to be my mother, who worked there, asked me if I wanted to join a Bible study. 00:10:52.319 --> 00:10:53.360 I agreed right away. 00:10:54.439 --> 00:11:01.299 As I began studying the Bible, my new Christian friends explained the gospel of Jesus to me. 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:10.000 I began to attend church with them and I understood just how much I needed Jesus in my life. 00:11:10.219 --> 00:11:15.579 And it was through their witness that I understood that I was a sinner. 00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:18.740 And my sin really mattered. 00:11:19.740 --> 00:11:23.579 And it really separated me from the God who created me. 00:11:23.580 --> 00:11:28.960 And I was a child of wrath under his condemnation. 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:42.920 But I also learned, thank God, that he offers the free gift of eternal life to anyone who would turn from their sins and turn to faith in Jesus. 00:11:42.919 --> 00:11:47.959 After a few years, I began, and I got saved. 00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:48.679 Praise God. 00:11:48.779 --> 00:11:50.199 Just kind of like Daniel's story. 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:52.479 And then God began to work in me. 00:11:52.559 --> 00:11:57.279 After a few years, I began to sense that God might have me involved in full-time ministry. 00:11:57.779 --> 00:12:01.539 And so with the encouragement of my pastors, I attended Bible college. 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:07.299 And from there, I went on to be a missionary, as I mentioned, in the inner city of London. 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:09.679 And so you see, I did end up in a big city, right? 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:13.679 But just not as an escape from Northfield this time. 00:12:14.479 --> 00:12:19.019 After two years of living and working in London, I moved back to New Jersey. 00:12:19.439 --> 00:12:22.240 I married this lovely lady, the love of my life. 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:24.079 Started having kids. 00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:26.879 Began working at my church. 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:29.659 And have been on staff nearly 25 years. 00:12:29.659 --> 00:12:34.980 I'm looking forward to living in London, to living in a big city again. 00:12:35.219 --> 00:12:38.579 But I no longer hate South Jersey or Northfield. 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:41.500 Because even though I always wanted to get out, 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:52.639 God kept me there to meet a woman in Northfield who witnessed to me about Jesus. 00:12:53.179 --> 00:12:53.839 Thank God. 00:12:53.840 --> 00:13:05.899 That lady was a living fulfillment of Jesus' promise to empower his people to be his witnesses. 00:13:05.899 --> 00:13:11.040 Right where they are and in other places all over the world. 00:13:11.980 --> 00:13:16.160 So we're going to read about this in our passage this morning. 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:19.379 This is Acts chapter 1, verses 1 to 11. 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:24.379 As I read that, I'm going to ask that you would please stand with me. 00:13:28.620 --> 00:13:31.360 Acts chapter 1, beginning in verse 1. 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:32.500 Is it up on the screen, maybe? 00:13:34.820 --> 00:13:35.600 It says, 00:13:36.200 --> 00:13:39.860 In the first book, O Theophilus. 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:42.539 Okay, there's a bug crawling on my notes here. 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:43.299 I just had to get rid of it. 00:13:43.460 --> 00:13:44.220 I got it. 00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:47.399 In the first book, O Theophilus. 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:51.059 I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach. 00:13:51.600 --> 00:13:59.319 Until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:05.620 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, 00:14:05.699 --> 00:14:10.340 appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 00:14:10.340 --> 00:14:18.800 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, 00:14:18.899 --> 00:14:19.879 You have heard from me. 00:14:20.480 --> 00:14:27.680 John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. 00:14:28.420 --> 00:14:30.680 So when they had come together, they asked him, 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:34.620 Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:36.179 He said to them, 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:42.500 It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority, 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:47.080 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:53.659 and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. 00:14:53.899 --> 00:14:58.299 And when he had said these things as they were looking on, he was lifted up, 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:02.039 and a cloud took him out of their sight. 00:15:02.039 --> 00:15:10.059 And while they were gazing into heaven, as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes. 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:11.419 And he said, 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:14.319 Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? 00:15:14.939 --> 00:15:22.199 This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:23.120 Amen. 00:15:23.699 --> 00:15:25.159 This is the word of the Lord. 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.099 You may be seated. 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:29.480 Let me pray quickly as we begin. 00:15:29.480 --> 00:15:35.820 Our Father in heaven, thank you that you have not left us on our own, 00:15:36.480 --> 00:15:40.899 that for each one who is in Jesus, you have given us your spirit, 00:15:41.379 --> 00:15:47.620 and you have given us your word that by your spirit, we may know you, we may love you, 00:15:48.039 --> 00:15:50.820 we may treasure you, we may follow you, 00:15:50.820 --> 00:15:55.440 and we may be part of the mission that you've called us to be your witnesses. 00:15:55.680 --> 00:15:59.800 Help us now to see this truth yet again. 00:15:59.800 --> 00:16:03.020 I know that this church has heard this. 00:16:04.040 --> 00:16:05.980 And yet, Father, we need help. 00:16:06.060 --> 00:16:07.720 We need reminders again and again. 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:13.640 So would you work in this time together powerfully by the grace of your spirit? 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:15.320 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:16:15.520 --> 00:16:15.760 Amen. 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:15.879 Amen. 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:20.080 So a little bit of background of what's going on in the passage. 00:16:20.460 --> 00:16:24.279 The author of Acts is a disciple of Jesus named Luke, 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:29.799 and he is continuing the story about Jesus that he first began in his other book, 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:33.700 that is the Gospel of Luke on the life and ministry of Jesus. 00:16:34.439 --> 00:16:35.539 Jesus has resurrected. 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:39.939 He has shown himself alive over 40 days with many proofs to many people. 00:16:39.940 --> 00:16:44.800 And during those days, he's been teaching about the kingdom of God. 00:16:44.900 --> 00:16:45.920 What is the kingdom of God? 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:53.340 It is simply the rule of God in the hearts and in the lives of those who will humbly believe in him, 00:16:54.020 --> 00:16:57.760 follow and submit themselves to Jesus. 00:16:58.280 --> 00:17:02.540 And not only in Israel, not only among the Jews, but all over the world, 00:17:03.180 --> 00:17:05.500 among all people, groups, and nations. 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:10.180 Now, the disciples understand from Old Testament prophecies 00:17:10.180 --> 00:17:14.660 that God would establish his kingdom with the coming of his spirits. 00:17:15.359 --> 00:17:20.599 And so in verse 5, when Jesus says that they would be baptized with the spirit, 00:17:20.700 --> 00:17:24.259 not many days from now, they then ask him in verse 6, 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:29.619 is this the time that you're going to restore the kingdom to Israel? 00:17:29.619 --> 00:17:37.719 They are likely interpreting the kingdom with narrow ethnic eyes, friends. 00:17:39.019 --> 00:17:46.379 As if what they're looking for is a political and national renewal of the Jewish nation. 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:51.559 So their spiritual eyes need to be widened to see God's kingdom 00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:55.839 that will extend beyond the borders of national Israel. 00:17:55.839 --> 00:18:02.179 Now, Jesus corrects them. 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:04.399 They think that this is what they're looking for. 00:18:04.459 --> 00:18:06.699 They think that they need to know the signs and the time. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:13.519 And so he corrects them saying, listen, you don't need to concern yourself with the timing of this. 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:15.359 Here's what you need to do. 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:18.519 You wait for the spirit to come. 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:25.460 And when he does, you will have power to be my witnesses and offer this kingdom, 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:28.599 this rule of God to people all over the world. 00:18:29.259 --> 00:18:33.139 All they needed to do was wait and watch what the spirit, 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:35.339 what Jesus would do in the power of the spirit. 00:18:35.639 --> 00:18:39.960 What Jesus is telling them and all of his followers after them 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:47.380 is that they will be empowered by the spirit to be his witnesses both locally and globally. 00:18:49.180 --> 00:18:56.460 Jesus will empower his disciples by the spirit to be his witnesses both locally and globally. 00:18:56.579 --> 00:19:01.559 So the first thing we want to look at is what does it mean to be called as witnesses, 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:02.539 called to be witnesses. 00:19:02.539 --> 00:19:10.339 And we're going to consider what a witness is and what a witness is supposed to do. 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:12.680 So being a witness, this is nothing new, right? 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:15.500 If you've been in this church for any length of time, 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:18.759 we know that we are supposed to be witnesses and we want to be. 00:19:18.839 --> 00:19:23.119 I'm so encouraged by the testimonies that I've heard in this church 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:28.059 and the desire for this church to reach out to friends in the community. 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:32.039 But for clarity's sake, I just want to consider a little bit more closely 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:34.980 what exactly a witness is and what a witness does. 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:39.720 So think of your favorite cop show, your favorite lawyer drama. 00:19:40.379 --> 00:19:46.500 A witness in those shows is someone who observes or hears about something 00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:51.460 and then gives a verbal testimony of what he has seen or what he knows. 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:55.079 The same is true biblically for the Christian. 00:19:55.659 --> 00:20:01.099 After Jesus told the disciples that they would be witnesses, they spoke, right? 00:20:01.099 --> 00:20:02.859 They didn't keep it to themselves. 00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:04.139 They spoke. 00:20:04.659 --> 00:20:07.480 They proclaimed what they saw and knew to be true. 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:13.399 So there must be verbal proclamation if we are to be authentic witnesses. 00:20:13.659 --> 00:20:17.819 Sometimes, and I've heard this in my church, maybe you hear this here. 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:24.039 Sometimes we hear Christians say that they witness for Jesus by how they live their lives. 00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:29.079 There's a famous quote that's credited to St. Francis of Assisi that says, 00:20:29.619 --> 00:20:33.899 preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:34.799 Sounds very enlightened. 00:20:35.139 --> 00:20:36.059 Sounds very spiritual. 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:38.720 In reality, St. Francis never said that. 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:46.159 He was in fact a rigorous advocate for the verbal proclamation of the gospel. 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:52.840 One of his biographers said that Francis preached the gospel filled with the power of the spirit, 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:58.740 penetrating the marrow of the heart so that his listeners were turned with great amazement. 00:21:00.080 --> 00:21:03.920 Now, Francis did say that a preacher should practice what he preaches. 00:21:04.860 --> 00:21:11.220 A Christian's deeds should match his words because our deeds validate what we proclaim. 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:17.319 But we must never think that biblical witness can ever happen with deeds alone. 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:21.220 Gospel witness is essentially and characteristically verbal. 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:22.980 The classic verse, right? 00:21:23.079 --> 00:21:24.100 Romans 10, 14. 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:27.319 How will they call on him in whom they've never believed? 00:21:27.839 --> 00:21:31.600 And how are they to believe in him in whom they have never heard? 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:37.600 And how are they to hear without someone preaching or proclaiming? 00:21:39.400 --> 00:21:40.860 People simply can't believe. 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:49.000 Unless someone speaks, proclaims, maybe even writes out what they know to be true about Jesus. 00:21:49.920 --> 00:21:54.559 And we understand that this verse doesn't apply to just pastors and missionaries, right? 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:57.680 It's true for every believer in Jesus. 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:59.460 We are called to be proclaimers. 00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:04.460 So biblical witnesses must first and foremost be proclaimers of the gospel message. 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:12.880 And what we proclaim is who Jesus is, what he came to do, and what our response to him should be. 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:13.779 So who is Jesus? 00:22:14.579 --> 00:22:14.740 Right? 00:22:14.840 --> 00:22:21.240 The gospel of Luke chapter 9, Jesus asks the disciples who other people say he is. 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:23.340 And there are a number of different answers. 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:28.460 But then he asks them directly, but who do you say that I am? 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:36.759 And the apostle Peter answers with this amazing declaration, Jesus, you are the Christ of God. 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:45.160 Christ is simply the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word Messiah, which means anointed one, 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:51.620 or someone who is especially appointed and empowered for a particular task. 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:57.339 The Old Testament teaches that God would provide a deliverer, a Messiah, 00:22:57.659 --> 00:23:04.039 and his task would be to release God's people from their oppression and suffering. 00:23:04.699 --> 00:23:09.079 This Messiah is also known as the Son of Man, meaning he would be human, 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:15.179 but he would also have divine qualities, making him both God and man. 00:23:15.180 --> 00:23:23.080 And as he comes to deliver his people, he would also establish the eternal reign of God on earth. 00:23:23.400 --> 00:23:30.539 As we've said, not only for the Jewish people, but among all people groups all over the world who would turn to him. 00:23:31.380 --> 00:23:37.340 This Messiah makes this happen, not as a military or political conqueror, 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:41.640 but as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:44.560 That's the deliverance that they needed. 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:46.539 Because that's their greatest enemy. 00:23:46.660 --> 00:23:48.060 That's their greatest oppression. 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:54.200 Not merely from physical or national oppression, but friends, from the oppression of sin. 00:23:55.100 --> 00:23:55.400 Why? 00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:59.160 Because sin is the root of all oppression. 00:24:00.100 --> 00:24:05.279 And so back in Luke 9, Peter says, when he says, you are the Christ of God, 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:07.360 Jesus confirms this. 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:09.220 He affirms this and says, yes, that's right. 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:13.940 And the Son of Man must suffer and be rejected and be killed. 00:24:13.940 --> 00:24:16.320 And on the third day, rise from the dead. 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:18.539 That's who Jesus is. 00:24:18.700 --> 00:24:20.019 God in human flesh. 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:23.259 And what he did was establish his kingdom. 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:24.100 How? 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:31.140 By delivering people from their sin through his death on the cross as the payment as their sins deserve. 00:24:31.220 --> 00:24:31.700 And you know what? 00:24:31.700 --> 00:24:36.059 If all he did was die, then he's just a lot of talk. 00:24:36.380 --> 00:24:36.500 Right? 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:38.400 Because anybody can say, hey, you know what? 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:40.420 I'm going to die for your sins. 00:24:40.860 --> 00:24:41.860 Anybody can say that. 00:24:42.140 --> 00:24:44.840 And then they die and so what? 00:24:45.360 --> 00:24:45.539 Right? 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:49.659 So how do you know if that person is legitimate? 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:54.019 By conquering the very thing that sin produces, death itself. 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:55.379 That's what Jesus has done. 00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:55.859 Right? 00:24:55.960 --> 00:24:57.019 He doesn't just die. 00:24:57.099 --> 00:25:03.480 He also rises from the dead as a public witness, a public declaration that he's got all power 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:05.759 to fulfill what he said he would do. 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:12.180 And that's why the disciples are willing to risk their lives by being Jesus' witnesses 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:13.599 because he rose from the dead. 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:14.660 That was the thing. 00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:23.839 And as witnesses, friends, we then call people to repent of their sins and trust in Jesus. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:28.059 Trust what we proclaim about the crucified and risen Christ. 00:25:28.160 --> 00:25:34.559 So we want to tell people who Jesus is, what he's done, but we also want to call them to make a response. 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:35.000 Right? 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:42.440 I remember one time we were, when I was in Bible college, we had what was called practical Christian ministry. 00:25:43.139 --> 00:25:49.940 And I had this partner and we went door to door doing evangelism like surveys in the inner city of Chicago. 00:25:50.919 --> 00:25:58.700 And we met this young woman, this single mom, and my partner, who was a gal, she shares the gospel with her 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.859 and the lady's listening. 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:01.099 Yes, yes, yes. 00:26:01.099 --> 00:26:04.539 And then my friend says, okay, thanks. 00:26:05.659 --> 00:26:06.480 And that was it. 00:26:07.099 --> 00:26:11.199 And I said, wait, do you believe that? 00:26:11.659 --> 00:26:14.279 Do you know that to be true for yourself? 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:16.579 And she said, yes, I think I do. 00:26:16.719 --> 00:26:18.199 I'm not trying to pat myself on the back here. 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:19.879 That was the spirit of God, right? 00:26:19.899 --> 00:26:21.980 It would have been easy to say, see you later. 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:27.259 But we want to call people to respond with repentance and faith. 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:33.339 That's the only appropriate response to the one who's conquered death that we might have forgiveness 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:37.220 and eternal life and joy in his presence forever. 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:39.960 So that's what we're called to be witness. 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:41.120 That's our first main point. 00:26:41.119 --> 00:26:45.659 And secondly, we are called to do that locally and globally, right? 00:26:45.719 --> 00:26:47.859 That's where we discover this is supposed to happen. 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:54.339 Looking at verse eight in our passage, we see that it's to happen where they are locally in Jerusalem. 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:59.379 And then they're to go regionally and nationally into Judea and all Samaria. 00:26:59.380 --> 00:27:02.160 And then to all the earth, right? 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:07.700 It was to be an ever outward expanding witness. 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:15.960 And so the particular emphasis here, interestingly, is to the people who have not yet heard. 00:27:16.760 --> 00:27:22.560 Who have little or no opportunity to hear unless someone is sent. 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:26.360 In our day, as I said, we would speak of unreached people groups, 00:27:26.359 --> 00:27:34.079 least evangelized ethnic groupings of people who have little or no opportunity to hear a clear gospel message. 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:39.619 Jesus' followers are to strategically evangelize neighborhoods and cities, 00:27:40.199 --> 00:27:45.539 see people converted and baptized and local churches started. 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:46.859 Why? 00:27:46.959 --> 00:27:48.079 Why do they need the local churches? 00:27:48.659 --> 00:27:52.319 So that they can be cared for, that they can be equipped, 00:27:52.319 --> 00:28:00.200 they can be strengthened and sent out to do the same thing among other people groups who still haven't heard. 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:06.639 And why would Jesus want this witness to go out to the ends of the earth? 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:10.259 Why go to all those really hard places? 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:12.139 I just came back from the Middle East. 00:28:12.399 --> 00:28:13.299 It's hard. 00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:15.059 It's hot. 00:28:15.179 --> 00:28:17.919 It's 115 degrees during the day and 104 at night. 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:19.259 Like, why do you want to go there? 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:19.379 Why? 00:28:21.700 --> 00:28:26.400 Because Jesus is not only the king of Israel, he is the king of the entire world. 00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:27.579 He is the king. 00:28:28.099 --> 00:28:33.599 There will be people from every tribe and tongue and nation worshiping at the feet of Jesus 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:38.720 because he is worthy of praise among every one of those people groups. 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:45.940 And not only that, those who do receive him, those who hear and respond to our proclamation, 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:53.120 they will know deep joy and satisfaction in him because that's what we were made for, friends. 00:28:54.279 --> 00:29:01.940 So we're to be witnesses right where we are locally, but also where Jesus is still not known globally. 00:29:01.940 --> 00:29:07.140 Dr. David Platt once said that the local mission, what we do right in our area, 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:09.940 the local mission is totally necessary. 00:29:11.559 --> 00:29:12.019 Totally. 00:29:13.380 --> 00:29:16.759 But global mission is often tragically neglected. 00:29:18.320 --> 00:29:22.759 Local mission to unsaved people growing in biblical community as you do here, 00:29:22.880 --> 00:29:26.940 being equipped for ministry in the church and in the community is totally necessary. 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:29.420 We will never negate that. 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:31.720 That's why we love what you're doing here. 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:35.019 That's why we love this brother and his family and this church, right? 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:36.860 Because you're doing that in Cambridge. 00:29:36.920 --> 00:29:38.620 We're so thankful for that. 00:29:39.480 --> 00:29:45.779 But when it comes to global missions, did you know that for every dollar given to missions, 00:29:46.120 --> 00:29:54.360 only one cent goes to the most unreached, difficult people groups that have no church, 00:29:54.359 --> 00:29:58.159 no global, no gospel witness, no missionaries. 00:29:58.359 --> 00:30:03.039 And only three percent of all missionaries are going to those unreached people. 00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:10.319 So that's why in Sovereign Grace, we're working to help our churches build a vision for gospel 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:14.000 mission to people in places that don't have that kind of a witness. 00:30:14.119 --> 00:30:19.079 We want to see unreached Muslim peoples reached in the Middle East and in Central Asia. 00:30:19.079 --> 00:30:25.159 So we have a team in Turkey learning the language, learning the culture, getting into the lives 00:30:25.159 --> 00:30:28.259 of men and women who may have, they may have heard about Jesus. 00:30:28.779 --> 00:30:33.039 Oh, Muslims know about Jesus, but they only know him as a prophet. 00:30:33.119 --> 00:30:34.539 They only believe that he is a prophet. 00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:40.980 They do not know him as the one who alone can save by his vicarious death on our behalf. 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:45.699 We want to see people in India, people going to India where there are over, check this out, 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:50.580 2,500 people groups in one country, one nation. 00:30:51.860 --> 00:30:56.740 And the majority of them have no one to bring them this great news of the gospel. 00:30:57.400 --> 00:31:04.160 That's why we have a team bring gospel hope to Buddhists in Southeast Asia. 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:09.660 As we send the missionaries, as we support them, encourage them, pray for them, we join 00:31:09.660 --> 00:31:10.460 them in the work. 00:31:11.120 --> 00:31:13.680 We are gospel partners with them. 00:31:13.680 --> 00:31:16.720 Now, you may not be able to physically go. 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:19.240 Maybe you can't. 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:21.400 Maybe you can't. 00:31:21.640 --> 00:31:23.400 Maybe God is calling you to do that. 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:30.400 But as we partner with the ones that have gone, we join them with going spirits. 00:31:32.039 --> 00:31:38.500 In doing so, we are part of fulfilling Jesus' call to be witnesses to the nation. 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:45.539 But even though global missions can be tragically neglected, I think sometimes, friends, even 00:31:45.539 --> 00:31:49.619 the local mission, right where we are, can be tragically neglected. 00:31:50.519 --> 00:31:58.200 In my small groups, I sometimes ask this question, why is it so hard for us to talk to people? 00:31:58.640 --> 00:31:58.859 Why? 00:32:00.160 --> 00:32:04.079 Typical answers I get are, I'm afraid of what people might think of me. 00:32:04.079 --> 00:32:06.119 I'm afraid they're going to think I'm stupid. 00:32:06.839 --> 00:32:08.559 I'm afraid of losing relationships. 00:32:08.720 --> 00:32:09.599 I understand that. 00:32:10.500 --> 00:32:12.500 I don't think I'm really well equipped for it. 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:14.179 I don't know enough to do it. 00:32:15.259 --> 00:32:21.399 Most recently, I got an answer that I thought was quite surprising. 00:32:21.400 --> 00:32:26.600 This young woman said, when asked, why don't we do it? 00:32:27.120 --> 00:32:31.740 She said, sometimes I just forget that I'm living in the last days. 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:35.740 Last days meaning from Jesus' ascension till he comes again. 00:32:35.840 --> 00:32:37.480 That's what the Bible says are the last days. 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:40.380 She says, sometimes I just forget I'm living in the last days. 00:32:40.580 --> 00:32:44.480 And I'm just thinking about what I'm having for dinner and what I'm going to do after that. 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.120 Do you ever feel that way? 00:32:46.119 --> 00:32:51.959 Sometimes we forget we're in the last days and that we've been given a mission. 00:32:52.119 --> 00:32:54.979 And if I'm going to be honest, that's my answer sometimes. 00:32:56.159 --> 00:33:01.759 And so friends, I want to urge us with God's help, with each other's encouragement, 00:33:02.219 --> 00:33:05.959 that we remember these are the last days. 00:33:06.659 --> 00:33:10.359 And live those days with the mission in mind. 00:33:10.899 --> 00:33:14.579 So go to the supermarket with the mission in mind. 00:33:14.579 --> 00:33:18.240 Send your kids to school with the mission in mind. 00:33:18.619 --> 00:33:21.939 Go to university with the mission in mind. 00:33:22.039 --> 00:33:24.960 Come to church with the mission in mind. 00:33:25.159 --> 00:33:28.099 Leave church with the mission in mind. 00:33:28.460 --> 00:33:30.399 Drive with the mission in mind. 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:31.659 Oh, there's a good one, right? 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:32.919 That's a hard one. 00:33:34.339 --> 00:33:35.319 That's a challenge, right? 00:33:35.339 --> 00:33:40.000 Because if somebody cuts you off, you're ready to ball them out, not, you know, tell them about Jesus. 00:33:40.000 --> 00:33:45.039 I remember a Belarusian pastor that I went to college with. 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:50.440 He's in his home country and someone cuts him off and he's ticked. 00:33:50.460 --> 00:33:53.240 And he rolls down the window and he says, Christ is risen. 00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:57.200 That's driving with the mission in mind, right? 00:33:59.599 --> 00:34:02.319 Go to work with the mission in mind. 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:05.900 Interact with your family and neighbors with the mission in mind. 00:34:05.980 --> 00:34:07.880 Go to the gym with the mission in mind. 00:34:07.880 --> 00:34:10.180 Go on vacation with the mission in mind. 00:34:10.340 --> 00:34:12.340 Now, please, please don't misunderstand me here. 00:34:12.760 --> 00:34:17.760 I'm not saying that you need to talk about Jesus to every person that comes your way. 00:34:17.820 --> 00:34:20.099 You will never sleep, right? 00:34:21.340 --> 00:34:26.280 I'm just saying, have a mindset that says, this is who I am. 00:34:27.079 --> 00:34:33.160 A child of God, disciple, follower of Jesus Christ, witness for the gospel. 00:34:33.380 --> 00:34:34.360 That's who I am. 00:34:34.360 --> 00:34:42.720 That's what I'm here to do, to know Jesus, to delight in him, to obey him, and to come alongside Christ's people. 00:34:43.920 --> 00:34:47.780 And help them to make him known locally and globally. 00:34:47.880 --> 00:34:48.960 Is that too much to think about? 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:49.680 Maybe it is. 00:34:49.740 --> 00:34:50.519 Maybe it is sometimes. 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:52.660 So that's why we need help, right? 00:34:52.720 --> 00:34:53.900 That's why we need the power of God. 00:34:54.039 --> 00:34:54.360 Third point. 00:34:55.160 --> 00:34:58.360 We need to do this witnessing in the power of the spirit. 00:34:58.680 --> 00:34:59.480 In the power of the spirit. 00:34:59.680 --> 00:35:01.240 We can't do it in our own strength, right? 00:35:01.239 --> 00:35:03.279 We don't have the savvy. 00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:05.000 We don't have the intellect. 00:35:05.139 --> 00:35:07.059 And there's a lot of smart people here. 00:35:07.239 --> 00:35:08.599 Sorry, you're not smart enough, right? 00:35:08.759 --> 00:35:09.559 Not on your own. 00:35:09.899 --> 00:35:14.479 We don't have the powers of persuasion that we need to do this sort of witness. 00:35:15.819 --> 00:35:17.579 On top of all that, check this out. 00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:26.299 Our job is to proclaim a message to people who don't even have the spiritual capacity to receive it. 00:35:27.119 --> 00:35:27.500 Right? 00:35:27.500 --> 00:35:29.719 1 Corinthians 2.14. 00:35:29.860 --> 00:35:35.420 The natural person, that is the unbeliever, the natural person does not accept the things of the spirit, 00:35:35.519 --> 00:35:41.119 for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them. 00:35:41.980 --> 00:35:43.860 Because they are spiritually discerned. 00:35:45.380 --> 00:35:50.860 So friends, on our own, unbelievers cannot understand or even believe the things of God. 00:35:50.920 --> 00:35:52.280 That doesn't mean we don't study. 00:35:52.820 --> 00:35:54.500 It doesn't mean that we don't learn about apologetics. 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:57.460 It doesn't mean that we don't pray for people. 00:35:58.000 --> 00:36:00.360 We want to do all of that, right? 00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:04.519 But one sense, it's an impossible task beyond ourselves. 00:36:04.900 --> 00:36:07.539 So we need the power of the spirit. 00:36:07.539 --> 00:36:13.159 And if we're in Christ, we already have the spirit dwelling in us. 00:36:13.239 --> 00:36:22.820 But we want to be humbly dependent on the spirit and to enable us to do anything of any spiritual value. 00:36:23.199 --> 00:36:26.000 So how do we experience this power? 00:36:26.139 --> 00:36:28.139 First of all, we want to remember. 00:36:28.340 --> 00:36:33.340 Remember and believe that every Christian has the Holy Spirit within them. 00:36:33.420 --> 00:36:35.139 So power is available. 00:36:35.139 --> 00:36:35.699 Right? 00:36:36.159 --> 00:36:38.179 You know what Jesus says right in the Great Commission? 00:36:38.980 --> 00:36:40.199 You do this work. 00:36:40.799 --> 00:36:44.019 You go out and make disciples, teaching them, baptizing them. 00:36:45.159 --> 00:36:47.279 He says, I will be with you. 00:36:48.139 --> 00:36:53.119 When you do the work of witnessing, of doing the work of evangelism and outreach, 00:36:53.639 --> 00:36:56.139 Jesus himself is with you. 00:36:56.219 --> 00:36:59.079 That's an amazing means of grace. 00:36:59.339 --> 00:36:59.500 Right? 00:36:59.779 --> 00:37:01.199 So power is available. 00:37:01.199 --> 00:37:07.759 Second, as we look at the disciples in Acts, as they experience the power of the spirit, 00:37:08.359 --> 00:37:09.960 it happens as they prayed. 00:37:11.439 --> 00:37:17.159 In Acts 2, after Jesus ascended and told them to wait for the spirit, what did they do? 00:37:17.299 --> 00:37:18.339 They went and prayed. 00:37:18.539 --> 00:37:20.799 They prayed for 10 days. 00:37:21.199 --> 00:37:23.639 Sometimes we have trouble praying for 10 minutes. 00:37:23.719 --> 00:37:25.799 They did it for 10 days. 00:37:25.800 --> 00:37:38.060 It was after this time of prayer that they were filled with the spirit and began speaking about the mighty things that God has done in Jesus. 00:37:38.240 --> 00:37:44.120 Later, in Acts 4, after being persecuted, I mean, you're being put in jail. 00:37:44.200 --> 00:37:44.940 You're being beat up. 00:37:45.539 --> 00:37:46.760 They still want to do it. 00:37:46.760 --> 00:37:49.960 They're being persecuted. 00:37:50.180 --> 00:37:53.460 They prayed, asking God to give them boldness to speak. 00:37:53.820 --> 00:37:56.780 It says that the place where they were was shaken. 00:37:58.600 --> 00:38:00.080 And they were filled with the spirit. 00:38:00.200 --> 00:38:03.100 And they again proclaimed the word with boldness. 00:38:03.340 --> 00:38:05.820 So they prayed, asking God to work. 00:38:05.960 --> 00:38:07.500 And then they were filled. 00:38:08.000 --> 00:38:08.200 Right? 00:38:08.199 --> 00:38:11.000 So what is this filling of the spirit? 00:38:11.119 --> 00:38:17.980 Listen, in Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul tells the Christians to be filled with the spirit. 00:38:18.199 --> 00:38:19.419 I find this very interesting. 00:38:19.579 --> 00:38:19.699 Right? 00:38:20.779 --> 00:38:26.299 When Paul says that they should be filled with the spirit, I take that to mean that in prayer, 00:38:26.619 --> 00:38:32.539 they are to come under the influencing effects of the spirit according to the word. 00:38:33.299 --> 00:38:33.619 All right? 00:38:33.619 --> 00:38:36.980 You've heard if someone is driving drunk, they get what? 00:38:37.019 --> 00:38:37.880 A DUI. 00:38:38.039 --> 00:38:40.039 Driving under the influence. 00:38:40.539 --> 00:38:44.019 The alcohol influences them in a certain way. 00:38:45.059 --> 00:38:51.099 As believers, we are to be filled with the spirit coming under the influencing effects of the spirit 00:38:51.099 --> 00:38:56.880 through the word that then moves us to speak for Jesus and to live for him. 00:38:56.880 --> 00:39:04.160 So as we read the word, meditate on it, believe it, and prayerfully seek God to live it out, 00:39:04.500 --> 00:39:11.740 we're being filled with the spirit who empowers us to live and to speak for Jesus. 00:39:12.360 --> 00:39:14.980 So far, we've seen that we are called to be witnesses. 00:39:15.800 --> 00:39:20.460 Those who speak of who Jesus is, what he's done, and then calling people to believe in him. 00:39:20.519 --> 00:39:24.740 Next, we saw that we are called to be those witnesses both locally and globally. 00:39:24.739 --> 00:39:27.699 Not one or the other, but always both. 00:39:28.799 --> 00:39:31.539 We are saved to live with the mission in mind. 00:39:31.679 --> 00:39:36.139 Third, we are to be witnesses in the power of the spirit that's available to every believer. 00:39:36.459 --> 00:39:42.619 We can pray for it, and we can seek it as we look to the word in faith. 00:39:43.500 --> 00:39:44.759 Our last major point. 00:39:45.859 --> 00:39:50.299 God calls us to be witnesses with a passion for Jesus. 00:39:50.959 --> 00:39:53.939 Calls us to be witnesses with a passion for Jesus. 00:39:53.940 --> 00:39:56.139 Perhaps you're convinced that we're called to be witnesses. 00:39:56.300 --> 00:39:57.079 I don't doubt that. 00:39:57.980 --> 00:40:01.599 Perhaps you're persuaded that you need the power of the spirit to do it. 00:40:02.980 --> 00:40:07.740 Maybe you're lacking motivation at times to do something about it. 00:40:08.639 --> 00:40:11.480 I think as we look at these last verses in the passage, 00:40:11.659 --> 00:40:16.659 we can see something of the motivation that God gives the disciples, and I believe us. 00:40:16.760 --> 00:40:18.440 Look at verses 9 to 11. 00:40:18.440 --> 00:40:27.200 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 00:40:27.920 --> 00:40:36.280 And while they were gazing into heaven, as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes and said, 00:40:36.280 --> 00:40:39.980 men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? 00:40:40.480 --> 00:40:48.580 This Jesus who was taking up from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. 00:40:48.680 --> 00:40:51.780 A cloud took him out of their sights. 00:40:52.780 --> 00:40:58.700 Most commentators would say that this is not an ordinary cloud, but the cloud of God's glory. 00:40:58.699 --> 00:41:04.559 Throughout Scripture, this cloud represents the presence and the power of God. 00:41:04.639 --> 00:41:15.839 As the disciples see Jesus going up into the cloud, they are likely reminded of the pillar of cloud that led Israel through the desert in the Exodus. 00:41:17.059 --> 00:41:21.199 It might make them think of the cloud that rested on the tabernacle, 00:41:22.460 --> 00:41:26.279 reassuring the Israelites of God's presence and power with them. 00:41:26.280 --> 00:41:32.480 It most likely reminded a few of the disciples, I'm talking about Peter, James, and John. 00:41:32.820 --> 00:41:36.260 It most likely reminded them of the Mount of Transfiguration, 00:41:36.519 --> 00:41:40.220 when Jesus revealed himself to them in all of his glory, 00:41:41.140 --> 00:41:45.700 and two men come and join him, right? 00:41:46.120 --> 00:41:47.700 Moses and Elijah. 00:41:48.360 --> 00:41:54.200 And at that time, they are talking with him, and a cloud appeared. 00:41:54.199 --> 00:41:56.059 And a voice spoke. 00:41:56.159 --> 00:41:56.799 It was God. 00:41:58.119 --> 00:42:01.679 Here now in our verses, Jesus is ascending in the clouds. 00:42:01.799 --> 00:42:04.699 Their eyes are fixed on this amazing sight. 00:42:05.079 --> 00:42:06.339 They're staring at him. 00:42:06.539 --> 00:42:09.299 There's no doubt that they are awestruck by what they see. 00:42:09.639 --> 00:42:11.559 And two guys show up. 00:42:12.079 --> 00:42:15.399 Just like at the Mount of Transfiguration. 00:42:15.400 --> 00:42:18.360 So what's happening? 00:42:19.599 --> 00:42:21.519 Dr. Sinclair Ferguson says this. 00:42:21.860 --> 00:42:29.599 God is giving them one last amazing supernatural manifestation at the ascension of Christ. 00:42:29.840 --> 00:42:32.039 To make sure, check this out, 00:42:32.539 --> 00:42:37.639 to make sure that they remembered what God said to them on the mountain of transfiguration. 00:42:37.740 --> 00:42:38.519 What did he say, friends? 00:42:38.860 --> 00:42:40.619 This is my beloved son. 00:42:41.260 --> 00:42:42.680 Listen to him. 00:42:42.679 --> 00:42:44.980 Listen to what he says. 00:42:45.299 --> 00:42:48.159 Ferguson's saying, two men on the mountain? 00:42:48.579 --> 00:42:49.359 Two men now? 00:42:50.139 --> 00:42:51.980 It's a reminder for them. 00:42:52.460 --> 00:42:53.579 Listen to what God says. 00:42:53.799 --> 00:42:55.719 Look at who Jesus is, right? 00:42:56.980 --> 00:42:58.440 Jesus is coming back. 00:42:58.719 --> 00:43:03.019 So as you saw him go, it's as if he's saying to them, the men are saying, 00:43:03.099 --> 00:43:04.099 don't just stand there. 00:43:04.599 --> 00:43:05.319 Do something. 00:43:06.539 --> 00:43:07.480 Do something. 00:43:08.139 --> 00:43:10.259 Remember what you saw. 00:43:10.260 --> 00:43:14.000 Remember what has been said and then do something. 00:43:14.380 --> 00:43:20.620 So friends, we want to do three things as we go out in the power of the spirit to witness. 00:43:20.960 --> 00:43:21.600 Three things. 00:43:21.740 --> 00:43:22.680 I'll begin with the letter A. 00:43:23.080 --> 00:43:26.660 Be amazed, ask, and act. 00:43:27.240 --> 00:43:29.500 Be amazed, ask, and act. 00:43:29.680 --> 00:43:34.720 Be amazed at the person and the wonderful grace of Jesus again and again. 00:43:34.719 --> 00:43:39.059 Now you might say, okay, that sounds good, but what if I'm not feeling very amazed? 00:43:40.000 --> 00:43:40.219 All right? 00:43:41.379 --> 00:43:47.539 I have to say one of the ways to be amazed again is to come and sing with God's people in church. 00:43:47.639 --> 00:43:51.399 I was amazed again this morning of what God has done in my life. 00:43:51.459 --> 00:43:55.459 But remember, remember who he really is, who Jesus is. 00:43:55.559 --> 00:44:02.939 Son of God, who by a sinless life, sacrificial death, powerful resurrection, came to deliver you. 00:44:02.940 --> 00:44:07.519 From the kingdoms of darkness into his marvelous light. 00:44:07.599 --> 00:44:09.920 Remember what he has done for you. 00:44:10.099 --> 00:44:17.240 You know, scripture tells us over and over again, remember the deeds of the Lord, especially how he saved us from the slavery of sin. 00:44:17.679 --> 00:44:20.139 Some of you may have heard of Stephen Curtis Chapman. 00:44:20.200 --> 00:44:22.220 He's an old Christian gospel singer. 00:44:23.500 --> 00:44:25.519 He writes a song that says this. 00:44:26.179 --> 00:44:27.360 Remember your chains. 00:44:28.099 --> 00:44:28.760 Your chains. 00:44:28.760 --> 00:44:35.440 Remember the prison that once held you before the love of God broke through. 00:44:35.820 --> 00:44:36.860 Remember the place. 00:44:36.960 --> 00:44:40.780 Oh, remember the place where you were without grace. 00:44:42.120 --> 00:44:45.060 When you see where you're now, remember your chains. 00:44:45.160 --> 00:44:48.020 And friends, remember your chains are gone. 00:44:48.540 --> 00:44:50.700 Sometimes people don't want to think of their past. 00:44:50.760 --> 00:44:51.580 And I get it. 00:44:51.840 --> 00:44:53.120 Because it can be painful. 00:44:53.440 --> 00:44:56.740 You can look back on the things you've done and think, I don't want to remember that. 00:44:56.739 --> 00:44:57.659 I want to move ahead. 00:44:58.000 --> 00:44:59.539 But you know what the Apostle Paul says? 00:44:59.939 --> 00:45:01.799 He says, I was a blasphemer. 00:45:02.159 --> 00:45:04.119 I was a persecutor of the church. 00:45:04.299 --> 00:45:06.199 And God had mercy on me. 00:45:06.359 --> 00:45:10.739 He remembered where he came from and what God did for him. 00:45:11.500 --> 00:45:14.500 Remember your chains and that they're gone. 00:45:15.779 --> 00:45:16.919 So be amazed. 00:45:16.920 --> 00:45:26.840 Remember where you're now and how the grace of God is delivering you from your sins and weaknesses even now. 00:45:27.019 --> 00:45:27.880 You're a new creation. 00:45:28.000 --> 00:45:29.800 If you're in Jesus, you're a different person. 00:45:30.039 --> 00:45:31.559 You may not feel like it at times. 00:45:33.000 --> 00:45:42.659 I remember being on a mission trip and just kind of grieving over besetting sins. 00:45:42.659 --> 00:45:45.440 Things that I struggle with again and again. 00:45:46.719 --> 00:45:51.779 And the Spirit of God really reminded me, I'm better. 00:45:53.319 --> 00:45:57.239 I don't give in to those sins like I used to. 00:45:58.239 --> 00:46:00.940 I'm not doing the same things. 00:46:01.039 --> 00:46:05.119 I might not be where I want to be, but I'm not who I was. 00:46:05.119 --> 00:46:12.099 I'm better because of God's faithfulness to do that work of sanctification in you. 00:46:12.259 --> 00:46:14.239 You may not feel like you're making much progress. 00:46:14.579 --> 00:46:16.099 Oh, yes, you are. 00:46:16.799 --> 00:46:18.199 More than you even realize. 00:46:19.079 --> 00:46:22.059 So remember that God is at work in you now. 00:46:22.139 --> 00:46:25.699 He's faithful to do that work. 00:46:25.819 --> 00:46:26.119 Be amazed. 00:46:26.920 --> 00:46:28.239 It might seem like a little thing. 00:46:28.900 --> 00:46:29.559 Be amazed. 00:46:30.940 --> 00:46:33.859 Remember to look ahead at what Jesus will do, right? 00:46:33.860 --> 00:46:36.500 He's coming back for those He's died for. 00:46:36.539 --> 00:46:38.500 The passage says that He's going to do that. 00:46:38.700 --> 00:46:41.680 And when He does, He'll make all things new. 00:46:42.280 --> 00:46:44.420 A new heaven, a new earth. 00:46:44.620 --> 00:46:45.460 And check it out. 00:46:45.700 --> 00:46:47.039 A new you. 00:46:48.320 --> 00:46:49.120 A new you. 00:46:51.280 --> 00:46:52.380 No more sickness. 00:46:53.180 --> 00:46:54.120 No more sadness. 00:46:54.360 --> 00:46:55.200 No more sin. 00:46:55.900 --> 00:46:56.920 No more disappointment. 00:46:57.420 --> 00:46:58.360 No more death. 00:46:58.360 --> 00:47:05.559 And you will be with that good and glorious and supremely excellent Jesus forever. 00:47:05.780 --> 00:47:07.720 Friends, remember that hope. 00:47:08.420 --> 00:47:11.000 God sent those two men to help them remember. 00:47:12.120 --> 00:47:15.200 God's given you the story to help you remember. 00:47:15.360 --> 00:47:17.780 Remember and be amazed. 00:47:18.840 --> 00:47:20.079 And as you're doing it, right? 00:47:20.200 --> 00:47:21.059 All this remembering. 00:47:21.739 --> 00:47:24.679 We talk about things like preaching the gospel to yourselves. 00:47:25.079 --> 00:47:25.940 Rehearsing the gospel. 00:47:26.099 --> 00:47:26.559 All good. 00:47:26.619 --> 00:47:27.099 I like it. 00:47:27.500 --> 00:47:28.519 But you know what I want you to do? 00:47:28.699 --> 00:47:30.799 I want you to do it with Jesus. 00:47:31.380 --> 00:47:33.980 I want you to rehearse it talking to Jesus. 00:47:34.340 --> 00:47:39.480 I want you to engage with Jesus so that you are actually communing with Him. 00:47:39.480 --> 00:47:45.659 Listen to what Henry Martin, amazing missionary to, I think, India and to Iran. 00:47:45.739 --> 00:47:46.400 He says this. 00:47:46.400 --> 00:47:51.039 The spirit of Jesus is the spirit of missions. 00:47:51.680 --> 00:47:56.579 The nearer we get to Jesus, the more missionary we become. 00:47:57.180 --> 00:47:59.420 So remember, be amazed. 00:47:59.800 --> 00:48:01.180 Draw near to Jesus. 00:48:01.539 --> 00:48:06.320 You will become more missionary minded because that's what Jesus is like. 00:48:07.380 --> 00:48:07.980 So be amazed. 00:48:08.139 --> 00:48:08.800 Second, ask. 00:48:08.960 --> 00:48:13.559 Pray and ask that God would give you His help and power to be His witness. 00:48:14.320 --> 00:48:15.980 Admit that you're weak in it. 00:48:16.400 --> 00:48:20.039 And ask Him for grace to have this mindfulness of the mission. 00:48:20.619 --> 00:48:25.079 Ask for courage and wisdom to know when to speak, to know when to shut up, right? 00:48:25.820 --> 00:48:31.360 In prayer, bring to Him the souls of your family and friends. 00:48:32.000 --> 00:48:39.000 Praying, listen, not only that He would save them, but that He might use you to speak the 00:48:39.000 --> 00:48:39.960 words of life to them. 00:48:41.320 --> 00:48:42.519 So be amazed. 00:48:43.360 --> 00:48:44.860 Ask and then act. 00:48:44.860 --> 00:48:46.980 Consider making a plan. 00:48:47.140 --> 00:48:49.220 I get this from my friend Jim Donahue. 00:48:49.320 --> 00:48:50.320 Has Jim spoken here before? 00:48:50.440 --> 00:48:50.620 Yeah. 00:48:51.240 --> 00:48:55.240 He's kind of like, I call him the evangelist at large in Sovereign Grace. 00:48:55.300 --> 00:48:56.579 He's like, why do you call me that? 00:48:56.599 --> 00:48:59.680 It sounds like I'm going to be arrested for something, right? 00:48:59.860 --> 00:49:02.599 But he's the guy who helps train this in evangelism. 00:49:02.760 --> 00:49:04.000 He says, make a plan. 00:49:04.579 --> 00:49:09.260 Write down who in your life that you might want to see reach with the gospel. 00:49:09.260 --> 00:49:11.460 And don't make it like a list of 15 people. 00:49:11.580 --> 00:49:12.360 Two or three people. 00:49:12.880 --> 00:49:13.620 Two or three people. 00:49:14.520 --> 00:49:15.580 Begin praying for them. 00:49:16.120 --> 00:49:19.860 Consider ideas of how you can simply get together with them. 00:49:20.120 --> 00:49:22.400 And it doesn't have to be anything really special. 00:49:22.940 --> 00:49:25.800 Perhaps something you're already doing that you can do with others. 00:49:25.900 --> 00:49:26.520 Taking a walk. 00:49:26.640 --> 00:49:28.460 Invite a non-Christian friend on a walk. 00:49:28.820 --> 00:49:30.180 Go bowling, right? 00:49:30.440 --> 00:49:31.340 Watch a game. 00:49:31.680 --> 00:49:32.480 Play a game. 00:49:33.000 --> 00:49:34.080 Go out shopping. 00:49:34.240 --> 00:49:34.640 See a movie. 00:49:34.740 --> 00:49:35.240 Whatever it is. 00:49:35.239 --> 00:49:38.379 Just build relationships with non-Christians. 00:49:38.459 --> 00:49:39.899 You know what Kevin DeYoung says? 00:49:40.899 --> 00:49:46.979 One of the greatest obstacles, one of the greatest reasons we don't witness is because we don't 00:49:46.979 --> 00:49:48.699 know many non-Christians. 00:49:50.319 --> 00:49:56.099 Who do you know that you can just get together with and begin to build a relationship with? 00:49:57.139 --> 00:49:58.819 Just think about that. 00:49:58.959 --> 00:50:04.179 Think about what you might do and actually contact someone and do it. 00:50:04.179 --> 00:50:05.919 Like maybe this week. 00:50:07.199 --> 00:50:08.739 Who are those two or three people? 00:50:09.139 --> 00:50:12.500 Who can you contact and do something with even this week? 00:50:12.619 --> 00:50:18.519 Here's where fear or tiredness or busyness can mess up the whole plan. 00:50:19.159 --> 00:50:21.219 We need help to follow through. 00:50:21.819 --> 00:50:22.500 I need help. 00:50:22.599 --> 00:50:23.719 I need reminders. 00:50:24.259 --> 00:50:25.679 Thank God for your community groups. 00:50:26.339 --> 00:50:29.199 Thank God for your pastors who preach about these things. 00:50:29.199 --> 00:50:33.719 Thank God for your friends who say, hey, how's that going with your non-Christian brother 00:50:33.719 --> 00:50:34.839 or sister, right? 00:50:35.119 --> 00:50:36.739 We need help and reminders. 00:50:38.019 --> 00:50:38.619 And you know what? 00:50:39.019 --> 00:50:46.159 If something is really important to us, we always make plans and we always give time and 00:50:46.159 --> 00:50:47.719 energy to making it happen. 00:50:47.799 --> 00:50:48.679 I think I've said it before. 00:50:48.980 --> 00:50:50.759 I never miss a meal. 00:50:50.760 --> 00:50:55.660 I plan for it because food is really important to me. 00:50:56.900 --> 00:50:58.480 We can make a plan for this. 00:50:59.700 --> 00:51:00.640 Is it important? 00:51:00.800 --> 00:51:01.360 It is. 00:51:01.880 --> 00:51:07.940 There's nothing greater than people knowing the glory and the goodness of Jesus and having 00:51:07.940 --> 00:51:09.060 their lives transformed. 00:51:10.120 --> 00:51:12.220 So we can ask God to do that in us. 00:51:12.440 --> 00:51:17.080 So let's be amazed at Jesus, who he is, what he's done, what he's going to do. 00:51:17.440 --> 00:51:18.620 Spend time with him. 00:51:18.619 --> 00:51:19.980 Worship him, delight in him. 00:51:20.119 --> 00:51:23.460 Let's ask God for help for his power. 00:51:23.940 --> 00:51:32.179 Let's ask, let's act then and plan to do something to move us in the power of the spirit to be 00:51:32.179 --> 00:51:32.719 his witnesses. 00:51:32.880 --> 00:51:33.079 Amen? 00:51:33.719 --> 00:51:34.039 Amen. 00:51:34.179 --> 00:51:34.579 Let's pray. 00:51:34.900 --> 00:51:37.259 Father in heaven, thank you for your grace. 00:51:38.599 --> 00:51:40.420 Thank you for saving us. 00:51:41.159 --> 00:51:48.359 Thank you that someone took the time to invite us, to talk to us, to read with us, whatever 00:51:48.360 --> 00:51:54.660 it might be, and that you graciously work to open our eyes to see the wonder and the beauty 00:51:54.660 --> 00:51:55.160 of Jesus. 00:51:55.400 --> 00:52:03.960 Oh, Father, please help us as individuals and as a church to grow in our power for witness. 00:52:04.480 --> 00:52:05.620 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:52:05.800 --> 00:52:06.019 Amen. 00:52:06.019 --> 00:52:06.099 Amen. 00:52:06.099 --> 00:52:06.120 Amen. 00:52:06.120 --> 00:52:06.140 Amen. 00:52:06.140 --> 00:52:06.180 Amen. 00:52:06.180 --> 00:52:06.200 Amen. 00:52:06.200 --> 00:52:06.240 Amen. 00:52:06.240 --> 00:52:06.260 Amen. 00:52:06.260 --> 00:52:06.300 Amen. 00:52:06.300 --> 00:52:06.320 Amen. 00:52:06.320 --> 00:52:06.340 Amen. 00:52:06.340 --> 00:52:06.360 Amen. 00:52:06.360 --> 00:52:06.820 Amen. 00:52:06.820 --> 00:52:06.860 Amen. 00:52:06.860 --> 00:52:07.360 Amen. 00:52:07.360 --> 00:52:08.360 Amen. 00:52:08.360 --> 00:52:09.360 Amen. 00:52:09.360 --> 00:52:10.360 Amen. 00:52:10.360 --> 00:52:11.360 Amen. 00:52:11.360 --> 00:52:12.360 Amen. 00:52:12.360 --> 00:52:13.360 Amen. 00:52:13.360 --> 00:52:14.360 Amen. 00:52:14.360 --> 00:52:15.360 Amen. 00:52:15.360 --> 00:52:16.360 Amen. 00:52:16.360 --> 00:52:17.360 Amen.