The Evangelistic Imperative

Dale Gooding - Acts 1:6-11

https://youtu.be/b0eTjfFn0FA

Things they are changing!  Yet some things stay the same.  They must stay the same.  The Gospel is an example of that.  Often the delivery methods & messengers change but message cannot.  So it is with the Gospel.

I) The Apostolic Inquiry - Acts 1:6
     A) Kingdom Restoration;
          1) Covenant w/Israel everlasting - Jer 32:40
          2) Apostles expected the Kingdom - Acts 1:6
     B) The Apostolic Interest
          1) They remembered the promise to
               them - Luke 22:28-30; Matt 19:28
               This is to be fulfilled in Jesus’
               earthly Millennial Kingdom reign                         
          2) The fact that they asked indicates
               an expectation of a soon coming

     Application: It would be wrong to not have
     any desire or anticipation for The Lord’s 
     return. But, we shouldn’t be so focused on
     it that we are negligent to keep the Main
     thing, the main thing.

II) The Lord’s Response - Acts 1:7-8
     Jesus had a way of seeing past one’s
     question and addressing the root issues.
     A) The Intended Ignorance - Acts 1:7
          1) Times & Seasons = 1 Thess. 5:1-3
          2) The Father’s prerogative - this
               shouldn’t be the Apostle’s focus
     B) The Evangelistic Emphasis - Acts 1:8
          1) Will be Powerful - Necessary since
               it’s spiritual (Gospel brings the
               dead to life - Eph. 2:7) Rom. 1:16
          2) Will be Personal - The Holy Spirit
               (John 3:7; 1 Cor 2:14)
          3) Will be Purposeful - God’s Strategic Plan
                a) Jew 1st then Gentile - 
                     Jerusalem - Acts 2:14 - 8:3)
                b) Samaria & Judea - Acts 8:4 - 12:24
                c) World - Acts 12:25-28:31
     C) The Universal Evangel - Isa. 49:6 
           quoted by Paul in Acts 13:47

     Application:  It cannot be missed or 
     understated that these were the very last
     words of Jesus. Acts 1:8 may be the thrust
     of the entire book!  Witness x 39 in Acts

III) The Angelic Attendance - Acts 1:9-11
      A) The Apostle’s Attention - they were
           “looking on” (vs. 9); "gazing into” (vs. 10)
           1) Cloud transport (Shekinah? - Ex. 40:34)
                Transfiguration - Matt. 17:5)?
           2) They may have expected an immediate
                 return as in Matt. 17
           3) Such an expectation may be why they
                 asked Acts 1:6
     B) The Angel’s Inquiry - Acts 1:11
           1) Challenge to be about Master’s business
           2) Encouragement - His return - Luke 21:27
     C) The Lord’s Return - Acts 1:11
           1) Will be Visible
           2) Will be Literal
           3) Is Immanent - 1 Thes. 4:14-17

     Application: There is much disagreement on
     Millennial views (Pre-Post & A-millennialism).
     But one thing is sure and this text is proof:
            - We are His Witnesses
            - We are to be Witnessing
            - He is Returning

Are we wasting time on things we cannot know?  Are we doing what He said to do?   Are we preparing for His return?  Are we saved?