THE GOSPEL: MESSAGE, MISSION, AND MOTIVE

Sermon Notes, August 25, 2013

Pastor Jan Sinozich

 

Pastor Jan’s sermon was titled “The Gospel: Message, Mission, and Motive.”  It was based on Acts 1:1-11.   Before returning to heaven, Jesus gave his followers what is known as “The Great Commission.”  (Matthew 28:19-20)  It is a personal, individual command to every child of God to go into his/her own personal world and share Jesus with every person.  The disciples took this command to heart, and within a few years the church at Jerusalem grew from 120 to 20,000.  What made the difference in their evangelistic endeavors?

The new church had the power of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost (Acts 2). We have the power of the Holy Spirit today.  What is different about the early Christians?  Jesus told them, and tells us, GO!  The message is the same: Jesus has only one story, and it has always been countercultural—to every generation.  The difference is their faith.  They were truly convinced of the things they had seen and heard.

They were convinced of Jesus’ love for them in the Gospel Message: Jesus is risen.  In verses 3 & 4 Jesus showed himself to the disciples and proved in many ways that he was alive.  1 Corinthians 15:5-8 is more detailed.  A man died and returned to life three days later—they were convinced: they’d seen him.  So they told everyone.  The gospel is good news, exciting news—we have Jesus in our hearts, help in the time of trouble.  We have eternal life.  Shouldn’t we do the same thing the early Christians did, tell everyone, the greatest news of all?

They were convinced of God’s love for them through the Gospel Mission: Jesus is ruling.  In verses 7-8 the disciples ask Jesus about reestablishing his kingdom in Israel.  Jesus tells them that the Father is the only one who has that authority, but that they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and in every part of the world.  Jesus’ command is not optional: as God’s people we have a mission.  The strategy, outlined by Jesus, is the challenge to every generation.  Start at home with your own family (Jerusalem).  Expand to your neighbors and friends (Judea and Samaria). Finally, reach out to your community (every part of the world).

Jesus doesn’t send us off to carry out our mission unarmed.  He has entrusted us with the “full armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)  His mission, which is our mission, is to reach a lost world with the message of a loving God.  We, too, can be convinced of the gospel message, lived out and recorded in God’s word.  We can be convinced of God’s mission, burning in our hearts.

They were convinced of God’s motive: His love for them.  Jesus is returning.  They thought it would be in their lifetime.  Many people in the years since have thought the same thing.  If we were as convinced of Jesus’ return as the disciples were, would it make a difference in how we live and who we talk to?  We know the truth.  We are compelled to go. We are to love others like Jesus loves us.

Jesus is Risen: we have a message!

Jesus is Ruling: we’re on a mission!

Jesus is Returning: we’re motivated by His love.