Class Lesson August 18, 2013

Hey Gang,



This Sunday we will have the next to the last lesson in our series on God's Story with Jesus Commissions His Church. Jesus came to earth, lived, died, and rose again. End of story, right? 

Nope.

Actually, it's just the beginning. Jesus' death and resurrection were the linchpin between the past and the present. Old Covenant and New Covenant. What was and will be. Though the Jews were looking for a Messiah that would undo Roman rule and give them their eternal kingdom, Jesus came to give them even better security.

So now that Jesus had returned to His Father, what now? 

It was the job of those who knew Him to take the message out. Out of the temple, out of Jerusalem, and out of Israel. 

Life Goal

Move from spectator to participant in what God is doing.




Who is the church?
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I. WAITING FOR GOD’S POWER – LUKE 24:44-49

44 Then He told them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”



How important were the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms? Why did God foretell Christ through Old Testament Scriptures?

WHERE IS THE LAW?

In the Old Testament, believers were instructed to write God’s Word on their foreheads, hands, and doorposts (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). However, Jeremiah prophesied that there would be a new covenant, and His Word would be written in a new place. (Jeremiah 31:33-34)



Where would this law be written? How would it get there?





II. ENGAGE IN MISSION – ACTS 1:6-8

6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”



What question did the disciples ask Jesus? Why did Jesus inform them this question was not most important? 

WHAT TIME IS IT?

Did you know that the early morning is the most likely time for a heart attack? Between the stress of our REM sleep and the blood flow needed to wake up and get moving, the strain on the arteries is sometimes too much for an unhealthy heart. 




How does the time of day affect your walk with Christ? At what times are you most likely to honor God with your words and actions? At what times do you defer to the strains of life? At what times are you most prone to temptation? How will you let God’s heart pump within you no matter what? 

III. CONNECT TO GROW – ACTS 2:41-47

A Generous and Growing Church

41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. 43 Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.



Was the primary focus of the early church bringing others to Jesus or growing as a body of believers? Why does each feed the other?

Prayer of Commitment

Jesus, my Savior, I accept Your commission. Fill me with Your power by Your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Susan and I will be away this week and Paul Mahrle will be teaching in my place. Each day this week think about some of these thoughts: Each time you sit down to read something, thank God that He has opened your mind to know what His Word says. When you plug your cell phone into its charger at night, thank God for how He empowers you. Give some thought to how consistently you called upon God's power today to manage daily tasks and decision. Give some thought as to whether or not you showed devotion to God today no matter what those around you did. Did you reflect Christ in your attitude today - did anybody see this? Remember, you are the church, and Jesus' commission is to YOU!

See you soon...

In His Love,

David & Susan