Archive for June 5th, 2011
Acts 1:6-14 “Stop Looking Up?” JUMC 20110605
Why are you staring into space when there is much to be done.
Witnesses of the rocket and shuttle launches report the awesome power and surreal experiences of feeling the earth shake and the blasts of millions of pounds of fuel and force to over come the grip of gravity and within two minutes the massive piece of technology disappears.
Why are you asking Questions that are not the most important ones.
The Disciples were hoping that Jesus return would be for the revealing of the mighty kingdom that the Jews and the disciples had hoped to see. In the middle of their questions about Jesus’ ministry starting up by their expectations, Jesus is lifted up, out of their sight and control.
The Rules have changed, and so has the community..
The band of Disciples had grown into a much larger following than Jesus and the twelve. There were several hundred by now. We witness the transfer of power from one person, to the faith community of Apostles.
What is an Apostle?
One who leads disciples. Some say, “I’m in on shape to lead, I have enough trouble following Christ my self.”
We start as followers, then we become disciples, and the moment we affirm Christ as our Saviour, we too become Apostles.
How do we do it?
We gather with other disciples for regular worship, fellowship and prayer. Men and women together, blood kin and faith kin, together we are the body of Christ for the world.
We don’t become Apostles, We already are, by having accepted Christ for ourselves.
Christ through the Power and Witness and Work of the Holy Spirit empowers us.
Community: Regular Gathering
Purpose: Prayer and Teaching
Too often we go to the extreme of distancing ourselves from the title of Apostle, not even Disciple..
We act as if not talking about it makes it not true.
What is our Response?
Build the Faith community through Regular Fellowship with Prayer and Teaching.
While we debate paint and plaster, traditions or doctrines, more and more people walk or drive past without joining our fellowship.
Our Number ONE calling is to build Christian Fellowship
Our Number ONE activity is to pray and study, TOGETHER.
We are responsible for community in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the Earth.
That means we are responsible for building community in our members, in our county, in the USA, and Uganda and Honduras and where ever else we can go.
How important is our reputation? Does it really matter to us? Because no matter what we do or leave undone, we will have one in this congregation, this community, this country and the world.. What if we were undoubtedly known as the people who pray.
Here is our mission for year two together: We are going to practice prayers, share prayers, teach prayers, test prayers, experiment with prayers, we are going to be Christ’s people of prayer, together. When ever and where ever we meet.. We are going to be a people speaking to God and listen for God’s direction.