Leaving Our Upper Room

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) 

I heard a preacher this week talk about when Jesus showed Himself to the disciples in the upper room following the resurrection. He said that a lot of pages from Bible commentaries have dealt with how Jesus came through the wall, and left through the wall. But the greatest challenge was how Jesus got those disciples out those locked doors, to get the message of the gospel to the world. They were afraid, and did not want what happened to Jesus, to happen to them. 

Let's look at two questions concerning our work of evangelism today. 

1. What Is The Purpose Of The Church? 

 According to our text, Jesus told His disciples (and us today) that we are His witnesses. And even though we were not there to witness Jesus! resurrection, we can testify to how the Lord has been present in our lives, and has ministered to us, in our Christian walk. How will people know about Jesus, unless we tell them? How will they come to accept Him as Savior, unless we share how He has saved us, and keeps us in His providential care? The church is not to have it's focus on social activities, special programs, and activities. But we are to be involved in personal evangelism. Who can we influence for the cause of Christ. 

Are there not people in our families, in our social circles, at work, at school, who have not accepted Jesus Christ. Without a saving relationship with Him, where will they be in the eternal scheme of things? This is urgent, and we as the church, need to leave our upper rooms, and fulfill our calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

2. What Is The Phobia Of The Church? 

The church in America, as well as all around the world, needs to have a boldness to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that in different places in the world, Christians are being persecuted for their faith. 

And we need to expect that if we take a bold stand for Jesus Christ, persecution in various forms will come our way. We are not called to crawl in a corner and not be heard. We are called to share the "good news' concerning Jesus Christ. That through our accepting of Him, we have freedom from our sins, and the hope of eternal life. The Lord is counting on us to be salt, and light for Him (Matthew 5:13-16). 

The apostle Paul told Timothy (and us) that..."God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7) We need to leave our upper rooms, and walk in the strength of the Lord, and boldly share concerning our faith, and the hope that we hold in our hearts. 

We are to influence our culture for the glory of God. It's time for us to leave our upper room. Jesus has died, and He has risen, and He is always with us, in our witnessing for Him. It's time church, to GO and Get To It! GP 

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We Need To Get To It!

 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16) 

There was once a pastor who had a five- year-old daughter. The little girl noticed that every time her dad stood behind the pulpit, and was getting ready to preach, he would bow his head for a moment before he began to preach. The little girl noticed that he did this every time. So one day after the service the little girl went to her dad and asked him, "Why do you bow your head right before you preach your sermon.?" Well, honey" the preacher answered, "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon." The little girl looked up at her father and asked, "Then how come He doesn't do it?" 

We are all called to share the Gospel. But how well are we doing with that? I'll be the first to say that I am guilty of not being in involved in this like I should be. 

John 3:16 summarizes the Gospel: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Every opportunity that comes our way, we are to share this brief, but essential truth. But how often do we do it? We get so busy with our lives, that we don't treat this activity as a priority. With so many people living and dying without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, it is a matter of strong urgency. 

 In our text the apostle Paul shares three essentials concerning the gospel. 

1. It is the power of God unto salvation. It is the message concerning our Savior Jesus Christ, that when read, or heard, and realized, it will brings us to the person, of whom we can position ourselves with, to obtain salvation, and have it. 

2. The response on our part is to believe the gospel message to be true. We are then to follow through with the salvation process of repentance, confession, and baptism by immersion, in order to walk in our new life in Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:4) 

3. It is for the Jew first, and then the Greek. Our Savior came from the Jewish line, and the first Christians were Jewish, and later the Gentiles were invited to accept the Gospel call. In essence, salvation is available to all who believe, and follow through with the salvation process. 

In 2 Corinthians 6:2, "For He says:“In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." The time is now, to share the message the world needs to hear so desperately. 

We as Christians need to get to it! GP  

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Our Great Commission Mission

"After starting a new diet, I changed my drive to town to avoid passing by my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and there in the window was a collection of all my favorite goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I started to pray, "Lord, It's up to you. If you want me to have any of these delicious goodies, create a parking space for me directly in front of the bakery." Sure enough, He answered my prayer. On my eighth trip around the block, a space opened up." * Country Magazine.

The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-49, John 20:21-23, Acts 1:8) is an order given to us as Christians, to witness for Christ, and make disciples (learners) of Him.

As Christians when we began our relationship with Christ, we were given a responsibility. A responsibility to lead people to the baptismal waters, (by immersion) for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) To teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. To live lives of righteousness before God.

Would you say that this is a tall order? Indeed it is. And the Great Commission comes with a promise. The promise of the Lord Jesus, that He will be with us, to help us, fulfill this ministry, even to the end of the age."(Mt.28:20)

I would not be too off track to say that there are very few who feel the urgency of fulfilling this call. Satan has Christians today, so wrapped up in their own affairs, that the priority of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others, is just a passing thought, if even that.

Does it bother us that so many are dying, and entering an eternal state of separation from God. Once you step over into eternity, there is no coming back, and making things right.
"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 
(2 Cor. 6:2b)

The church is the rescue unit for this lost and dying world.
Are you one of the team?

I laughed one time when a father who was standing by his son, (who was in the military) responded to a question by someone who asked concerning the future plans of the young soldier. The father responded: "We're waiting for orders" It seemed that the father was going too.

Well God is with us, and we as Christians have our orders.
Now its time to "GO" (GP)

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What Is Our Excuse?

"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:16) The Apostle Paul could have received full time financial support, but he did not want to be a burden to the Gospel, or to the church, and so he refused this right. God had chosen Him for this work of evangelism, and even though he had a right to financial support, he chose to have his reward be the fulfillment of what the sharing of the Gospel would accomplish. It is true that we can get side tracked on a number of things, that can and will hinder the sharing of the Gospel. We say, "I can't afford to do that, it will cost too much!" "I don't have time to do it, because I have a lot of other things I need to attend to." We end up majoring in minor things, and making excuses for why we can't be involved in the most important work of the ages. Where would you and I be, if someone had not taken the time to share the Gospel with us? As Christians, what is our excuse? The great commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is very clear for us. Why is it that we make it a gray area? GP Photo by renjith krishnan. Published on 16 February 2011
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A Flicker, Or A Flame?

"But if I say "I will not mentioned Him, or speak any more in His name, His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." (Jeremiah 20:9)

 As Christians, how excited are we about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
How fired up do we get about sharing how the Lord has worked in our lives? If we as Christians are not excited about the Lord, how do we expect the world to grab the torch?

As a teenager, when I became a Christian, it seemed that our church was really on fire for Jesus. The church was full for Sunday worship, revivals were well attended, vacation Bible school, and youth rallies, were constant events. It seemed that we had an excitement for the Lord, that is not seen today.

We felt like the prophet Jeremiah (in our text). Even though he suffered for speaking on behalf of the Lord, He couldn't keep quiet about it.
It was like a fire shut up in his bones. With church attendance declining, churches closing, and Bible colleges fading away; is this an indication, that we have lost that fire for the Word of God. A desire to fulfill the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:19-20)

And in our personal lives, is there a strong desire to live and serve Jesus? Is our passion for Him, a flicker, or a flame? It makes the Lord sick if we are lukewarm. (Revelation 3:16) Oh how we need to re-kindle the fire in our hearts, to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only with our lips, but with our lives. GP

"Let the lower lights be burning! 
Send a gleam across the wave! 
Some poor *struggling, fainting seaman 
You may rescue, you may save." (Philip P. Bliss) 

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Our Food

"Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work." (John 4:34) 

Now that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, what's next? Hard to believe that many who have been Christians for many years, have not taken this question seriously.

We have taken the notion, that all that is involved, is an occasional attendance to worship services, an occasional gift of money placed in the offering plate, and when there is a fellowship meal, we partake heatedly. Is that all there is to this life our Lord Jesus has called us to?

Jesus wanted His disciples to know what was involved in Kingdom work. After talking with the Samaritan woman, and getting her excited about what He offered, He looks at the people coming out of the city of Sychar to meet with Him. He was not concerned about His physical food, as He was about the purpose for His life.

As Christians, shouldn't it be the same way with us? God will take care of us. He promised that He would (Matthew 6:25-34). Shouldn't we be about our Father's business, and reach out to people with the Gospel? People need Jesus desperately! Without Him they will perish eternally.

How can we take the purpose for our Christian life, so casually, so indifferently. It should be the most important part of our lives.
The Lord will bring us opportunities to share, as He had. Let's say with Him."My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His Work." The greatest work of the ages! GP

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Which Piece Am I?

 "From whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes growth of the body for the building of itself up in love." 
(Ephesians 4:16)

A line from a song, (From the group Sawyer Brown) entitled "Thank God For You" gives us some perspective on the attitude we should have, as members of the Christian community:
"I'm just a part of a greater plan, It doesn't matter which part I am." 

As Christians, if we could imagine being pieces in a Chess game, which of the pieces would we be? I am not a Chess player, but I know that each piece has a position, and a purpose. And when the players know how to use those pieces to their advantage, victory is at hand.

Maybe this is not a good analogy to describe, how God uses Christians, to accomplish His purposes. But I believe that God wants to use us, to build His kingdom here on earth. He wants to use us to reach this lost world, and to build up His church in love. The Chess game portrays what is involved in our stand for the truth of God's Word. It is a battle, and people's souls are at stake.

The power of the Gospel is shown, when we share it with love, and concern.
It is the key to an eternal future, that we don't want people to miss out on.

No matter how God uses us; it is an exciting and fulfilling venture to be an instrument of salvation, and restoration. Are you ready to be God's piece today? GP

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When Will It Be About The Gospel?

"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 
To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 
I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) 

We are not to be a chameleons who change their message and methods with each new situation. Nor are we to compromise our message to please our audience.

We are to be ambassadors, not politicians. We are to have a burden for those who are walking without hope in Jesus Christ. And instead of being preoccupied with the many petty matters, we are to try to get as close as we we can, to those who are walking in sin, and darkness, and share the message of the Gospel with them.

It's time for the church to wake up, and get with the program.
A program that is called the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Let's read our orders, and get out there where lost souls are, and bring them to Christ! The time is NOW! GP  5/2/2016

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Our Christian Role

"But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24) 

Of all the things that we are called to do in the kingdom of God, what Paul mentions here in our text, is the most important. Why do you say that, you ask? Because the living out, and sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the most important role a Christian is given.

In many churches, we are majoring in minor things, and it is creating chaos and disunity. Our enemy Satan does not want us to join together to focus on the preaching of the Gospel, because that is delivering the most precious, and the most life changing message there is.

The Apostle Paul said" "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Acts 1:16) 

Satan does not want people saved, he wants them destroyed, forever! He is going to try to distract God's people from doing what he knows will build the kingdom of God, here on earth. People's souls are at stake, and we have the message, that will secure their souls for eternity. If that doesn't put some urgency in our hearts, I wonder what will?

Paul was willing to lay down his life for the role that God gave him, through Jesus Christ. How far are we willing to go, to share the Gospel, and work with all of our heart, to bring people to our Savior.

Let's take off the minor coat, and put on the major one, and make a difference for Jesus, every opportunity that comes our way! GP

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Without A Preacher

"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Romans 10:14) 

Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word "preach" as to "Give a religious sermon" - "to give moral advice."

For over forty years I have "preached" the Word of God. But I believe that the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is not just the responsibility of those of us who proclaim God's truth, from pulpit and platform. I believe that every Christian has the responsibility to share the "good news" of Jesus Christ.

In those times when we meet people in our community, we have the opportunities to share, what Jesus has done for us. A personal testimony of how Jesus Christ, is making a difference in our lives, is the best preaching there is.

And in those times when people in our family, and our community are hurting; What a great opportunity to share how Jesus Christ can help them deal with that hurt.

In essence the Apostle Paul in our text, is issuing a challenge through his question. "How will people come to know the Lord, Jesus Christ as Savior and Shepherd, if there is not a preacher?"
If they don't hear the message, how can they respond to it?

Today, let's tell people about Jesus. Let's tell them the "Good News!"

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Hurry Up, And Wait

 "And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;" (Acts 1:4)

You hurry to the doctor's office for your appointment, only to find yourself waiting for them to call you to it. And sometimes it's a long wait.

The apostles were called by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem for "the promise of the Father." And the wait was forty days. The promise of the Father was the Holy Spirit, who was promised to come and help the apostles ignite the greatest evangelistic campaign in history.

"For John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."(ASV) With the Holy Spirit's help, they were to be witnesses for Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samara and to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) And with the Holy Spirit's help these men of great faith, turned the world upside down for Jesus Christ.

Now that Resurrection Sunday is over, what now? As Christians we are to keep allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This "good news" is to be shared with a lost and dying world.
We are to share this message of grace and hope, until Jesus come again to take us home.
The opportunities will come. We need to get get ready, and wait for them. So many people need Jesus today. Let's not let an opportunity go by to share about Him, and  how He can make a difference in people's lives. GP

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A Decision To Decline

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it." (Matthew 16:18) 

I heard these disturbing words last week: "There is sure a lot of churches that are closing!" *"The United States Census Bureau Records give some startling statistics, backed up by denominational reports and the Assemblies of God U.S. Missions:"Every year more than 4000 churches close their doors compared to just over 1000 new church starts!There were about 4,500 new churches started between 1990 and 2000, with a twenty year average of nearly 1000 a year. Every year, 2.7 million church members fall into inactivity. This translates into the realization that people are leaving the church. From our research, we have found that they are leaving as hurting and wounded victims-of some kind of abuse, disillusionment, or just plain neglect!" * (Churchleadership.org) 

Prior to Jesus' statement in our text, Peter is commended for stating who Jesus is. "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." (v.16) 
Not only is Peter commended, but he is given the responsibility, that all Christians have, and that (as the church) we are to share with the world, who Jesus is, and what He did to save the world, from sin and eternal death. How can we accomplish this, if we keep on declining and quitting?

If we plug into the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be that mighty army that Satan cannot overpower. It comes down to having a strong handle on our purpose. (Matthew 28:19-20) Letting our light shine for Jesus, is our call, and commitment. How many people will come to the Savior, if we decide that the best thing to do is to decline, and eventually quit? GP

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A Movement

"Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Gospel." 
(Acts 8:4) 

Yesterday, President-elect Donald Trump said in his first press conference (1/11/2017) in reference to inauguration day, and to the future: "We're going to have a very, very elegant day. The 20th is going to be something that will be very, very special, very beautiful. And I think we're going to have massive crowds, because we have a movement. It's a movement like the world has never seen before. It's a movement that a lot of people didn't expect..."(CNBC) 

Webster's New Life Dictionary gives the word "Movement" this definition: "An organized action by people working towards a goal." We wish our new elected president and his staff, all the best, as they work towards the goal, of leading this nation to a place of productivity.

From the very beginning of the church's formation, on the day of Pentecost, the early Christians were given a goal; and that goal was to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they went. As they fled persecution, they preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and beyond.

As Christians, are we excited about this same movement, that we are called to today? The Lord Jesus Christ has given us a purpose in life, that transcends all other pursuits. This work, involves sharing a life changing message, that is vital for the salvation of people's souls today.

We who have been blessed by the workings of the Lord, in our lives, should never be quiet about what we have experienced, and what we have to look forward to. Let's move forward with the Gospel! GP

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An Ambassador's Aim

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us, we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20)
My online dictionary defines an "ambassador" as being: "an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country."a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity."

As a Christian, where ever I go, whatever I say, whatever I do, I represent Christ. I am to do as Jesus said in Matthew 5: 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." That is a tall order.

I am not a perfect witness all the time. And there are times I would be ashamed, because I don't always do what the Lord expects of me. Have you been there?

But it is something that we should never give up on. The Lord certainly doesn't want us to give up, and say to Him, as well as to ourselves: "I am just not worthy to be a sold witness for you!" I believe that the Bible tells us to let our light shine, by loving others, and ministering to their needs.

We may not be perfect, but the love of Christ is. Even though we are broken vessels, what we have inside is so precious, and necessary, for people to have. And that is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

We can say to those who are lost in this world. "Come and meet a person who is helping me to overcome my sins and weaknesses." What He is doing in and through me, He can do the same for you.

Yes, in spite of our weaknesses, we can still be an ambassador for Christ, and encourage people to be reconciled to God, through Christ! GP

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A Faithful Witness

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, an to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) 

"One hundred and twenty ordinary people hardly constitute an imposing army; but in a few days, they would make an impact that is felt even today. The same resources God gave them are still available today." (Warren Wiersbe With The Word-Devotional Commentary-Acts One)

 There was no doubt that the apostles and the early Christians, with the spark from heaven (The Holy Spirit) and the "boldness" they exhibited, helped in turning the world upside down for Jesus Christ, in those early days of the Church.

 But today, when I hear of division in the church, declining attendance, churches even closing, I question if we are in touch with the Holy Spirit like we should be. We have allowed so many petty things to divide us, and gradually destroy us.

With so many people in our nation, and all over the world, who have not accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, why is it, that instead of boldness there is fear and apathy. Jesus promises His disciples, and us, that power would be available to do the work that He has called us to do. How important is it to plug into that power through the study of God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with fellow Christians? When it came for the Lord to save us on the cross, He was completely faithful. When it comes for us to be witnesses unto Him in this world, where are we? GP

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Sounding Forth

"For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." 
 (1 Thessalonians 1:8) 

What do people hear from you, concerning the Lord Jesus Christ?  As Christians we are to be like the Christians at Thessalonica. The word of the Lord had been made known by them in Macedonia and Achaia, and the surrounding area. It was very evident how important the Lord was to them. Wherever they went they told people how important He was.

I have heard it said that if you want to get the word out about something that "by word of mouth is the best way." It is a great witness for the Lord, when we can personally tell people how the Lord has saved us, and how He is sustaining us each and every day. How in the midst of trials, He has been our strength, and our guide through those tough times.

And in regards to right living, we can say that we are living according to the principles of God's Word, that will keep us pure, and away from the course of evil destruction.

Yes, its time for us to "sound forth" and let our voice be heard, concerning our faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
People need to hear it, and respond to it, before it's too late. GP

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