Let's Roll Series

LET’S ROLL – ACTS 1:1-8

One of the heroic stories to come out of the 9/11 tragedy is the story of Todd Beamer. He along with several passengers on flight __ have become hero’s to us because of their bravery. In all likelyhood, their actions, in the face of death, saved hundreds of life, possibly the White House or Capital. The phrase he used as they decided to storm the cockpit was ‘Let’s Roll.’

In many ways, this is the theme of Acts - let’s get going. Let’s go out and share – but first, they had to get their bearings - listen to one last message from the Lord and gain focus.

Acts 1:1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

Afraid the church wants to roll over & go back to sleep. We aren’t interested in - risk - sacrifice. We want safety, security.

✒ No time for business as usual.

✒ There’s more to Xn life than most are experiencing. Victory is possible. Church can make a difference.

Church today consumed w/ entertaining - feeding - serving the saints - and we’re losing the world.

Lloyd Ogilvie talking to Sr. Adult man - in church all his life, served on committees and said, ‘the one thing my church never gave me was a relationship w/ Christ that would make my life exciting. All I’m asked to do is usher, fold envelopes and go on outings with other equally unfulfilled people.’

Ray Steadman - “...whatever happens in the world happens as a result of something that is, or is not, happening in the church.’

Books detailing great events of the 20th century – where’s the church? We’ve been relegated to the back page - Church is old news & it’s our fault. CHURCH LACKS POWER.

Our standpoint – early ch. had NOTHING going for it.

✒ No buildings – no budget.

✒ No TV ministry/ no cassettes/ ‘How To’ books.

✒ No famous celebrity/ athlete testimony.

✒ No technology - denominational literature.

✒ faced the loss of their leader – opposition from religious establishment - threat of Roman govt.

✒ BUT GOSPEL SPREAD JER. TO ROME IN 1 GENERATION.

I. ACKNOWLEDGE WHO’S IN CHARGE.

What Jesus started on earth - he continues in heaven.

1:1 ‘all that Jesus began to do & teach’ -- didn’t end when he died. Still continuing. APPEARED to disciples 40 days ‘convincing proofs’ ASCENDED 10 days before Pentecost.

✖ Given specific orders – wait

✖ GATHERED before they SCATTER.

✖ Established how His kingdom was going to work.

I’ve read the church growth books - strategies - many are nothing more than baptized pagan systems of growing an organization.

JESUS NEVER CONSULTED THE MIGHTY ROMAN EMPIRE FOR ADVICE ON HOW TO BUILD HIS KINGDOM.

God’s ways are not man’s ways. He works in a different realm, with a different power, by different means.

“I will build MY church” - He’s in charge/ sets agenda/ determines methods. Lord of the Harvest. He’s in charge through Spirit.

1ST 14 vs. of Acts - STRATEGY of the Savior. SECRET of power.

2.RESPOND TO GOD’S CALL.

‘the apostles he had chosen’ - never chosen most of those folks - not ‘leaders’ didn’t have the qualifications.

Greatest mistake we make in kingdom business is to think we can do it in our flesh - personality - strengths.

✖ Your strengths are no help to God. God wants willingness & availability.

God touches - calls - equips – each in a unique way. Gifts us differently. Builds a team and every member has a purpose/ function/ responsibility. Each gift compliments the others.