Reconnecting with Power
Acts 1:8
9/22/13
Introduction
One of the popular ads for the 2011 Super Bowl was a Volkswagen commercial that pictures a child dressed in a Darth Vader costume attempting to use "the force" around the house.
With the familiar Star Wars music associated with Darth Vader playing in the background, the boy marches down the hallway and then raises his hands dramatically toward a dryer in the utility room--nothing happens.
Next the young Darth points his hands at the family dog lying on the floor. The dog looks up quizzically--but again nothing happens.
Darth does not give up. Now in the bedroom, he raises his hands forcefully toward a doll seated on the bed. The doll stares back blankly without budging an inch. Darth's arms drop to his sides in frustration, and he slumps in discouragement.
In the kitchen, still in costume, he now stands dejectedly at the counter with his black-helmeted head on his hand. Then his father pulls into the driveway, and Darth runs out to the car as his father walks into the house. He hasn't given up! One more time he raises his hands and points them dramatically at the auto. He waits, hands upraised. Suddenly the car's yellow turn signals light up and the engine starts!
The startled child stumbles backward. We see that the playful father had started the car from the kitchen using a push-button ignition. The amazed child whirls to look toward the house, then back again toward the car.
This ad playfully illustrates a fundamental principle of doing God's invisible kingdom work. Just as the child could do nothing without the intervention of the father, so we can do nothing in the work of the Lord apart from God. When spiritual things happen, we can be sure that God did it.
Video: Darth Vadar Volkswagen Video
FAILING TO RECONNECT LEADS TO POWERLESS LIVING.
Acts 1:3-9
3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
NIV
We need to reconnect with Power because. . .
We're tempted to go it alone.
"Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised
Jeanne Robertson tells the story of traveling to Hawaii with her husband who she affectionately refers to a left brain. She notes that he tends to be frugal (which she spells C H E A P).
Having to travel on differ flights Jeanne needed her husband to bring with him 6 boxes of books for the event she was speaking at.
Not wanting to pay for a cab or shuttle, her husband loaded all the books in to old suitcases and a trunk for the trip, at the airport he took the city bus too the hotel except the bus stopped three blocks from the hotel, so shuttle the boxes one block and then went back for more, until he moved the one block and then he moved them again.
When the bellmen saw him coming they realized he was likely a guest so they went to assist. Left Brain replied. Nope I've got. He struggled all the way. Late a bellman asks Jeanie is your husband averse to paying a tip?
Because he refused to pay the price he struggled with the load.
We can be just like that that unwilling to pay the price of humbling ourselves before him and admit we need help
Acknowledge the source
Lord
Admit our need
When the day of Pentecost came,
We're called to be more than we are.
and you will be my witnesses
"There are two great moments in a person's life: the moment you were born and the moment you realize why you were born."
--Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell at a Willow Creek Leadership Conference
Willow Creek Leadership Conference (August 2002); submitted by Bill White, Paramount, California
We're limited in our knowledge, understanding and ability.
6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
The Holy Spirit is our ongoing personal connection with the presence of God.
We were designed for relationship and the Holy Spirit is God in person living in us giving us his power his direction, his influence for everyday living.
We reconnect with Power by. . .
Acts 2:1-4
Unexpectedly expecting to be filled
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Unexpectedly expecting to be filled and filled again
Eph 5:15-19
15 Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
NIV
Simple Ways to reconnect with power.
1. Ask
2. Regularly refill
3. Prayer Gathering
they were all together in one place.
4. Connect and Pray -- A Learning Lab
