Sermon Notes, May 27, 2012

Pastor Garry Smith

Pastor Garry’s sermon was titled “Being Relational.”  His text was Acts 1:1-8.

Jesus is the picture of God.  In the Old Testament,  we see God as Almighty, and holy; in the New Testament we see Him through Jesus, as Father, and love.  God is holy love, at work even today through Jesus and the church.  Jesus’ entire earthly ministry was relational (outside the church).  It was one on one, with people He healed and the disciples, as well as His preaching to the multitudes.

The book of Acts is a continuation of Luke.  It was an insolated society in those days, much like it is today.  People are restless, and in despair.  They want answers.  Even the church is secularized.

In verses 2-3 Jesus confirmed the truth of His resurrection.  For 40 days, He showed Himself to His followers.  Luke lists proofs.  For 40 days they ‘eyeballed’ Him.  He taught them about God’s kingdom.  He ate with them.

In verses 4-5 He commanded them to wait for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit.  “He who is resident in us wants to be president in us.”

In verse 8, Jesus commended the power of the Holy Spirit.  His life continues in us. When we are relational with others we’re living Jesus’ life. 

Jesus charted the program for the church.  He gave us four models of relational living. 

1.  The power of the Holy Spirit results in dynamic witnessing that changes life from within. 

2.   A Spirit-empowered witness says “This is what Jesus has done for me.”

3.  Universal acceptance of The Great Commission is binding upon every Christian.

4.  God’s programs cannot be carried out without the power of the Holy Spirit.   Before we reach out to others, we need to reach out to each other.