1 00:00:00,660 --> 00:00:03,420 Speaker 1: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has 2 00:00:03,460 --> 00:00:10,580 Speaker 1: come upon you. Acts 1.8 Heavenly Father, we come before 3 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:16,739 Speaker 1: you with grateful hearts, acknowledging your incredible promise in Acts 1.8. 4 00:00:16,739 --> 00:00:19,140 Speaker 1: We thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, 5 00:00:19,760 --> 00:00:22,880 Speaker 1: who empowers us to be your witnesses to the ends 6 00:00:22,940 --> 00:00:26,930 Speaker 1: of the earth. Lord, we recognize our deep need for 7 00:00:26,970 --> 00:00:31,180 Speaker 1: your strength and guidance in our daily lives. without you, 8 00:00:31,940 --> 00:00:36,140 Speaker 1: we are powerless. Fill us afresh with your Spirit so 9 00:00:36,159 --> 00:00:40,040 Speaker 1: that we may boldly share the good news of Jesus 10 00:00:40,140 --> 00:00:43,520 Speaker 1: Christ with those around us. Help us to be courageous 11 00:00:43,640 --> 00:00:47,860 Speaker 1: in our faith, spreading your love and truth wherever we go. 12 00:00:48,479 --> 00:00:51,909 Speaker 1: Strengthen our hearts to trust in your timing and plan, 13 00:00:52,600 --> 00:00:56,200 Speaker 1: even when we face challenges. Use us, Lord, to bring 14 00:00:56,340 --> 00:01:00,380 Speaker 1: light into the darkness and hope to the helpless. and 15 00:01:00,420 --> 00:01:03,400 Speaker 1: to be a reflection of your grace and mercy in 16 00:01:03,440 --> 00:01:10,830 Speaker 1: this world. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thank you 17 00:01:10,890 --> 00:01:15,130 Speaker 1: for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. 18 00:01:16,130 --> 00:01:20,130 Speaker 1: Remain here for our mini-series on the birth of the church. 19 00:01:21,490 --> 00:01:24,430 Speaker 1: If this podcast has blessed you, we would love it 20 00:01:24,790 --> 00:01:28,510 Speaker 1: if you left a review. Doing so makes a huge 21 00:01:28,670 --> 00:01:34,540 Speaker 1: impact on our team. Luke hunched over the small table 22 00:01:34,600 --> 00:01:38,520 Speaker 1: set in the corner of the room. Parchment and ink 23 00:01:38,540 --> 00:01:42,560 Speaker 1: stains littered its surface as the sound of his stylus 24 00:01:42,600 --> 00:01:46,390 Speaker 1: scratched across the pavers. He peered up and out the window. 25 00:01:47,430 --> 00:01:50,670 Speaker 1: His eyes were fixated on the blue expanse, but his 26 00:01:50,770 --> 00:01:54,910 Speaker 1: mind was focused on his research. For months he had 27 00:01:54,930 --> 00:01:59,260 Speaker 1: been Paul's companion in adventure and ministry, but this wasn't 28 00:01:59,620 --> 00:02:02,890 Speaker 1: enough for Luke. There was more to be told, that 29 00:02:02,930 --> 00:02:06,710 Speaker 1: he hadn't seen himself. As a result, Luke traveled from 30 00:02:06,830 --> 00:02:11,030 Speaker 1: city to city, endeavoring to find eyewitnesses of the ministry 31 00:02:11,050 --> 00:02:15,150 Speaker 1: of Jesus and the subsequent boom of his church. And 32 00:02:15,210 --> 00:02:19,790 Speaker 1: now he labored over accurately recalling the stories he had heard. 33 00:02:20,530 --> 00:02:23,850 Speaker 1: He was writing a letter to Theophilus, hoping to see 34 00:02:23,960 --> 00:02:27,760 Speaker 1: his faith grow. If the great Theophilus could see what 35 00:02:27,840 --> 00:02:32,220 Speaker 1: Luke saw and hear what Luke heard, then perhaps everyone 36 00:02:32,340 --> 00:02:36,489 Speaker 1: in his influence would as well. Luke's background as a 37 00:02:36,530 --> 00:02:41,590 Speaker 1: physician drew him to facts and a meticulous understanding of 38 00:02:41,630 --> 00:02:45,660 Speaker 1: his subject, but it also stemmed from a desire to 39 00:02:45,720 --> 00:02:50,179 Speaker 1: help others. His writing was no different. Each word was 40 00:02:50,340 --> 00:02:55,440 Speaker 1: carefully selected. Accuracy was of the utmost importance in retelling 41 00:02:55,480 --> 00:02:58,609 Speaker 1: the gospel message. If it meant that the one who 42 00:02:58,690 --> 00:03:02,820 Speaker 1: read it might find salvation in Jesus, who was the Christ. 43 00:03:03,500 --> 00:03:06,510 Speaker 1: He read the words set before him and struck them out. 44 00:03:07,990 --> 00:03:13,430 Speaker 2: No, that's not it. Where to start? Where to start? 45 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:18,620 Speaker 1: Luke wondered to himself. In his last letter to Theophilus, 46 00:03:19,360 --> 00:03:23,280 Speaker 1: he had concluded on Jesus' ascension into heaven. But the 47 00:03:23,320 --> 00:03:24,799 Speaker 1: story was far from over. 48 00:03:25,620 --> 00:03:29,530 Speaker 2: I suppose I could start in Jerusalem. But so much 49 00:03:29,590 --> 00:03:30,950 Speaker 2: happened even before then. 50 00:03:31,620 --> 00:03:35,460 Speaker 1: He rifled through his papers, determined to piece together the 51 00:03:35,500 --> 00:03:39,340 Speaker 1: most compelling narrative. He slunk back into his chair and 52 00:03:39,480 --> 00:03:43,600 Speaker 1: pressed his hands firmly over his eyes. He sighed deeply, 53 00:03:44,180 --> 00:03:47,730 Speaker 1: wondering if the words would ever come to him. In 54 00:03:47,790 --> 00:03:51,630 Speaker 1: transcribing his thoughts in his first letter, he worried that 55 00:03:51,670 --> 00:03:55,090 Speaker 1: he had finally run out of words. He began to 56 00:03:55,170 --> 00:03:59,200 Speaker 1: question his efforts. Would any of this matter? Would it 57 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:03,100 Speaker 1: even make a difference in witnessing to Theophilus, let alone 58 00:04:03,160 --> 00:04:06,500 Speaker 1: anyone else who might read the letter? He stared out 59 00:04:06,540 --> 00:04:10,100 Speaker 1: the window again. He cleared his mind and muttered a 60 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:14,160 Speaker 1: silent prayer to himself. A gentle wind stirred the curtains 61 00:04:14,530 --> 00:04:19,330 Speaker 1: as he prayed and whispered around the room. Almost instantly, 62 00:04:20,270 --> 00:04:24,270 Speaker 1: Luke felt at peace. His heart slowed and his thoughts 63 00:04:24,350 --> 00:04:28,680 Speaker 1: seemed to knit themselves together apart from his efforts. He 64 00:04:28,740 --> 00:04:33,200 Speaker 1: took his stylus up again, plunged the end into the inkwell, 65 00:04:33,839 --> 00:04:37,750 Speaker 1: and began writing. When satisfied, he picked up the stack 66 00:04:37,790 --> 00:04:40,830 Speaker 1: of parchment and read the words back to himself. 67 00:04:42,370 --> 00:04:46,130 Speaker 2: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that 68 00:04:46,250 --> 00:04:49,310 Speaker 2: Jesus began to do and to teach until the day 69 00:04:49,370 --> 00:04:53,170 Speaker 2: he was taken up to heaven after giving instructions through 70 00:04:53,210 --> 00:04:58,790 Speaker 2: the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After suffering, 71 00:04:59,630 --> 00:05:03,360 Speaker 2: he presented himself to them and gave convincing proof that 72 00:05:03,480 --> 00:05:07,700 Speaker 2: he was alive. He appeared to them over forty days 73 00:05:08,300 --> 00:05:10,680 Speaker 2: and spoke about the kingdom of God. 74 00:05:11,460 --> 00:05:15,440 Speaker 1: He smiled to himself, content with the words that seemed 75 00:05:15,460 --> 00:05:17,779 Speaker 1: to have been given to him by the spirit himself. 76 00:05:18,680 --> 00:05:22,529 Speaker 1: Dipping his stylus back into the black ink, he leaned 77 00:05:22,610 --> 00:05:24,330 Speaker 1: over the desk and carried on. 78 00:05:27,680 --> 00:05:30,960 Speaker 3: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 79 00:05:31,440 --> 00:05:35,000 Speaker 3: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 80 00:05:35,040 --> 00:05:39,880 Speaker 3: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 81 00:05:40,060 --> 00:05:46,520 Speaker 3: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 82 00:05:46,620 --> 00:05:50,909 Speaker 3: soles and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. 83 00:05:51,510 --> 00:05:54,409 Speaker 3: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 84 00:05:54,430 --> 00:05:58,610 Speaker 3: the go, GDefy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 85 00:05:58,650 --> 00:06:03,190 Speaker 3: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled 86 00:06:03,230 --> 00:06:08,630 Speaker 3: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit GDefy.com 87 00:06:08,970 --> 00:06:11,810 Speaker 3: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 88 00:06:12,210 --> 00:06:16,920 Speaker 3: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 89 00:06:16,980 --> 00:06:20,340 Speaker 3: GDefy shoes. Visit G-D-E-F-Y.com today. 90 00:06:27,510 --> 00:06:30,750 Speaker 4: Imagine this. You're at the grand finale of your favorite 91 00:06:30,770 --> 00:06:34,510 Speaker 4: TV series. The hero, who has been through countless trials 92 00:06:34,570 --> 00:06:38,219 Speaker 4: and tribulations, is about to make their final exit. As 93 00:06:38,260 --> 00:06:41,300 Speaker 4: they ascend into the heavens, the screen fades to black. 94 00:06:41,900 --> 00:06:45,520 Speaker 4: But wait, what happens next? How do we carry on 95 00:06:45,600 --> 00:06:48,859 Speaker 4: without our hero? This is where the Book of Acts begins, 96 00:06:49,260 --> 00:06:53,160 Speaker 4: with an epic finale and an even grander sequel. Welcome 97 00:06:53,200 --> 00:06:57,089 Speaker 4: to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach, back again to guide 98 00:06:57,130 --> 00:07:00,390 Speaker 4: you through these epic stories of faith, devotion, and the 99 00:07:00,450 --> 00:07:03,190 Speaker 4: beginning of the church. We will spend the next few 100 00:07:03,250 --> 00:07:06,100 Speaker 4: weeks highlighting the first 10 chapters of the book of Acts. 101 00:07:06,700 --> 00:07:10,440 Speaker 4: What does this have to do with Jesus, you might ask? Well, everything. 102 00:07:11,040 --> 00:07:14,520 Speaker 4: This is Christ's church, fulfilling Christ's commission by the power 103 00:07:14,600 --> 00:07:18,870 Speaker 4: of Christ's spirit. You see, my friends, the church is 104 00:07:19,130 --> 00:07:23,320 Speaker 4: all about Jesus. As we dive into these epic adventures, 105 00:07:23,580 --> 00:07:26,140 Speaker 4: make sure to follow this podcast if you haven't done so, 106 00:07:26,500 --> 00:07:29,510 Speaker 4: leave a review because we love hearing from you, and 107 00:07:29,690 --> 00:07:32,630 Speaker 4: share this podcast with a friend. We start this mini-series 108 00:07:32,810 --> 00:07:36,190 Speaker 4: off with Jesus who, after a dramatic 40-day encore of 109 00:07:36,290 --> 00:07:40,250 Speaker 4: teaching and proving his resurrection, ascends into the sky. His 110 00:07:40,300 --> 00:07:43,720 Speaker 4: departure sets the stage for the continuation of his mission 111 00:07:44,180 --> 00:07:49,730 Speaker 4: through us, the people, his church. Acts 1, 1-11 serves 112 00:07:49,810 --> 00:07:53,550 Speaker 4: as a prologue to a transformative journey. Luke is the 113 00:07:53,670 --> 00:07:56,120 Speaker 4: author of the book of Acts. He's a physician and 114 00:07:56,210 --> 00:08:00,640 Speaker 4: a meticulous historian. Although he wasn't an eyewitness to Jesus' 115 00:08:00,700 --> 00:08:03,660 Speaker 4: ministry himself, he was an eyewitness to many of the 116 00:08:03,720 --> 00:08:07,500 Speaker 4: events that happened after his ascension. He writes this book 117 00:08:07,540 --> 00:08:10,960 Speaker 4: to a figure named Theophilus, which means God-lover. It's as 118 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:13,679 Speaker 4: though Luke is saying, for those who loved God, here's 119 00:08:13,720 --> 00:08:18,520 Speaker 4: how the story continues. The Gospel of Luke ends with Jesus' resurrection. 120 00:08:19,100 --> 00:08:23,440 Speaker 4: Acts picks up with his ascension and promises. This seamless 121 00:08:23,580 --> 00:08:27,730 Speaker 4: transition is crucial. Without Acts, we'd be left wondering how 122 00:08:27,750 --> 00:08:32,290 Speaker 4: a small, beleaguered group of followers becomes the global church 123 00:08:32,370 --> 00:08:36,069 Speaker 4: movement that we know today. Jesus' ascension isn't merely a 124 00:08:36,110 --> 00:08:39,430 Speaker 4: celestial exit. It's the beginning of a new era. The 125 00:08:39,490 --> 00:08:42,770 Speaker 4: ascension witnessed by his disciples is a significant shift from 126 00:08:42,790 --> 00:08:46,410 Speaker 4: his earthly ministry to his ongoing work through the Holy Spirit, 127 00:08:46,830 --> 00:08:50,450 Speaker 4: and this transition holds vital lessons for us today. Let's 128 00:08:50,510 --> 00:08:53,490 Speaker 4: dive into the story now and be swept away in 129 00:08:53,510 --> 00:08:55,590 Speaker 4: the beginning of the birth of the church. 130 00:08:58,330 --> 00:09:00,830 Speaker 1: Jesus sat on a stone near the base of the 131 00:09:00,870 --> 00:09:06,000 Speaker 1: Mount of Olives. The disciples were seated around him, unfolded 132 00:09:06,100 --> 00:09:10,719 Speaker 1: cloths on their laps, and bread and dried fruit topped 133 00:09:10,760 --> 00:09:11,420 Speaker 1: off their plates. 134 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:14,730 Speaker 5: Peter, Would you pass me some of the olives? Ever 135 00:09:14,760 --> 00:09:17,150 Speaker 5: since my resurrection, I just can't seem to get enough 136 00:09:17,190 --> 00:09:17,429 Speaker 5: of them. 137 00:09:17,990 --> 00:09:21,670 Speaker 1: Peter passed a small bowl to Jesus, forcing a smile 138 00:09:21,750 --> 00:09:25,709 Speaker 1: as he did so. Even after 40 days, the reality 139 00:09:25,770 --> 00:09:29,550 Speaker 1: that Jesus had risen from the dead was still fresh 140 00:09:29,700 --> 00:09:33,100 Speaker 1: for the disciples. For some of them, it would have 141 00:09:33,140 --> 00:09:37,440 Speaker 1: been nearly unbelievable if they hadn't touched the very wounds 142 00:09:37,500 --> 00:09:41,320 Speaker 1: of Jesus with their own hands. The day of Jesus' 143 00:09:41,400 --> 00:09:46,240 Speaker 1: death was the darkest in history as they scattered into hiding. 144 00:09:47,360 --> 00:09:51,340 Speaker 1: But three days later, he had proven that not even 145 00:09:51,559 --> 00:09:55,250 Speaker 1: death could hold the Son of Man, and that the 146 00:09:55,309 --> 00:09:59,830 Speaker 1: enemy's schemes were no match for the perfect plan of 147 00:09:59,850 --> 00:10:05,170 Speaker 1: the Father. But rather than returning with trumpets, fires, or earthquakes, 148 00:10:06,110 --> 00:10:10,219 Speaker 1: Jesus walked with them, ate with them, and taught them 149 00:10:10,410 --> 00:10:14,680 Speaker 1: just as he always had. On the surface, they felt 150 00:10:14,740 --> 00:10:19,880 Speaker 1: like nothing had changed. Yet there was something distinctly different now. 151 00:10:20,760 --> 00:10:25,940 Speaker 1: An unseen aura radiated from Jesus that let them know 152 00:10:26,059 --> 00:10:29,900 Speaker 1: in their souls that nothing would ever be the same. 153 00:10:31,360 --> 00:10:35,300 Speaker 1: The group ate in relative silence. The air was unusually 154 00:10:35,400 --> 00:10:39,090 Speaker 1: still and only helped to amplify the silence of their meal. 155 00:10:40,330 --> 00:10:45,570 Speaker 1: Each day came with unspoken curiosities about Jesus' plan on 156 00:10:45,710 --> 00:10:49,130 Speaker 1: this side of the grave. However, not wanting to seem 157 00:10:49,190 --> 00:10:53,429 Speaker 1: doubtful of Jesus' mission, none of them dared to ask 158 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:55,980 Speaker 1: him to share more than what he did on his 159 00:10:56,040 --> 00:11:00,300 Speaker 1: own accord. Peter was the most concerned about coming off 160 00:11:00,460 --> 00:11:04,679 Speaker 1: as an opponent to Jesus. With a twinge of pain 161 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:08,160 Speaker 1: in his heart, he remembered how Jesus had called him 162 00:11:08,280 --> 00:11:12,810 Speaker 1: Satan for rebuking Jesus' revelation of his death, and again 163 00:11:12,830 --> 00:11:16,630 Speaker 1: he cringed as he remembered denying the Lord three times. 164 00:11:17,390 --> 00:11:21,890 Speaker 1: In his most desperate hour, Peter closed his eyes softly 165 00:11:22,770 --> 00:11:27,179 Speaker 1: and took a breath. In these moments of condemnation, he 166 00:11:27,260 --> 00:11:31,500 Speaker 1: knew that Jesus' love was the only hope of finding 167 00:11:31,600 --> 00:11:36,800 Speaker 1: forgiveness within himself. He reminded himself of Jesus' words immediately 168 00:11:37,100 --> 00:11:42,990 Speaker 1: after his resurrection. Three times Jesus questioned Peter's affection for him, 169 00:11:43,790 --> 00:11:47,240 Speaker 1: and three times Peter reaffirmed with his heart that he 170 00:11:47,320 --> 00:11:52,380 Speaker 1: loved the Lord. Despite his failures, Jesus had restored him, 171 00:11:53,140 --> 00:11:57,660 Speaker 1: and he knew with full assurance that nothing could take 172 00:11:57,700 --> 00:12:01,400 Speaker 1: that away. Peter sat up straight and turned to Jesus. 173 00:12:02,140 --> 00:12:04,589 Speaker 1: He spoke firmly but kindly. 174 00:12:05,130 --> 00:12:09,030 Speaker 2: Lord, at the risk of spoiling our happy little lunch, 175 00:12:09,590 --> 00:12:11,450 Speaker 2: can I just say what. 176 00:12:11,309 --> 00:12:12,130 Speaker 6: We're all thinking? 177 00:12:12,540 --> 00:12:13,960 Speaker 5: It's never stopped you before. 178 00:12:14,460 --> 00:12:19,220 Speaker 2: Well, it's just... Now that you're back, when will we 179 00:12:19,300 --> 00:12:23,780 Speaker 2: start the next phase of your plan? I mean, no offense, 180 00:12:24,270 --> 00:12:27,650 Speaker 2: but surely sitting here to eat lunch with us isn't 181 00:12:27,730 --> 00:12:28,970 Speaker 2: why you rose from the dead. 182 00:12:29,450 --> 00:12:32,370 Speaker 5: I take no offense to your words, though I don't 183 00:12:32,410 --> 00:12:33,990 Speaker 5: believe the offense was mine to take. 184 00:12:34,590 --> 00:12:36,870 Speaker 1: Jesus winked at the disciples as he said this. 185 00:12:37,370 --> 00:12:40,910 Speaker 5: But you are right. Much more must be accomplished in 186 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:43,510 Speaker 5: order to see the will... the Father fulfilled. 187 00:12:44,929 --> 00:12:47,219 Speaker 2: Does that mean we'll be leaving Jerusalem soon? 188 00:12:47,740 --> 00:12:48,679 Speaker 5: We won't be. 189 00:12:49,179 --> 00:12:53,240 Speaker 2: Is that to say you won't be staying with us? 190 00:12:53,960 --> 00:12:57,439 Speaker 1: Jesus' eyes were full of deep love for the disciples. 191 00:12:58,480 --> 00:13:01,590 Speaker 1: During their years together, he had always been mindful of 192 00:13:01,610 --> 00:13:05,730 Speaker 1: their struggles to understand what he was doing. Compassion had 193 00:13:05,929 --> 00:13:10,130 Speaker 1: always motivated him to lead the disciples through each new challenge. 194 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:15,079 Speaker 1: But he knew the following words would start their most 195 00:13:15,240 --> 00:13:16,479 Speaker 1: significant challenge. 196 00:13:17,120 --> 00:13:19,810 Speaker 5: In a certain way, yes, I won't be staying with you. 197 00:13:20,250 --> 00:13:23,610 Speaker 5: But in a greater way, you must know by now 198 00:13:23,690 --> 00:13:25,510 Speaker 5: that I will never truly leave you. 199 00:13:26,190 --> 00:13:29,970 Speaker 1: The disciples took great comfort in his words, even if 200 00:13:30,070 --> 00:13:33,380 Speaker 1: they didn't fully comprehend what he meant by the apparent 201 00:13:33,500 --> 00:13:34,580 Speaker 1: paradox in what. 202 00:13:34,500 --> 00:13:35,059 Speaker 6: He was saying. 203 00:13:35,900 --> 00:13:38,280 Speaker 2: What shall we do? Where shall we go? 204 00:13:39,150 --> 00:13:42,050 Speaker 1: Peter was eager to do all that Jesus commanded him. 205 00:13:43,270 --> 00:13:47,550 Speaker 1: The hunger to lead was quickly revitalizing itself in Peter's veins. 206 00:13:48,710 --> 00:13:52,530 Speaker 1: He envisioned what being the rock meant in this new 207 00:13:52,610 --> 00:13:57,819 Speaker 1: paradigm of Jesus' resurrection. He felt pride beginning to grow 208 00:13:57,929 --> 00:14:02,100 Speaker 1: small roots and quickly reminded himself of Jesus' words on 209 00:14:02,120 --> 00:14:07,079 Speaker 1: the beach, Feed my sheep. He couldn't take any credit 210 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:09,559 Speaker 1: for what God had done through him up to this point, 211 00:14:10,600 --> 00:14:13,120 Speaker 1: just as much as he couldn't blame him for his 212 00:14:13,220 --> 00:14:17,400 Speaker 1: missteps and failures. He knew there was nothing he could 213 00:14:17,480 --> 00:14:22,270 Speaker 1: do in his own power. Though learning that lesson had 214 00:14:22,310 --> 00:14:28,050 Speaker 1: come with difficulty, Peter now found it comforting. He knew 215 00:14:28,190 --> 00:14:31,750 Speaker 1: Jesus would sustain him and the rest of the disciples 216 00:14:32,510 --> 00:14:33,930 Speaker 1: through whatever lay ahead. 217 00:14:34,700 --> 00:14:38,560 Speaker 5: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my 218 00:14:38,680 --> 00:14:43,700 Speaker 5: father has promised. He who I spoke of before my betrayal. 219 00:14:44,460 --> 00:14:47,180 Speaker 5: You will have much to do, but none can be 220 00:14:47,240 --> 00:14:50,140 Speaker 5: done without him. Without him? 221 00:14:50,160 --> 00:14:52,420 Speaker 7: Are you not the one who will lead us on 222 00:14:52,460 --> 00:14:52,860 Speaker 7: our mission? 223 00:14:53,400 --> 00:14:59,250 Speaker 1: Jesus smiled graciously at Andrew. The disciples would always have questions, 224 00:15:00,030 --> 00:15:02,550 Speaker 1: and Jesus knew the answer he was about to give. 225 00:15:03,350 --> 00:15:05,530 Speaker 1: would be better than anything else he could offer them 226 00:15:05,950 --> 00:15:06,870 Speaker 1: in this next season. 227 00:15:07,370 --> 00:15:09,850 Speaker 5: I have shared many lessons with you regarding my spirit. 228 00:15:10,600 --> 00:15:13,359 Speaker 5: It is he who empowered me during my time with you. 229 00:15:13,380 --> 00:15:17,200 Speaker 5: Think back to when we first met, Andrew. Do you 230 00:15:17,240 --> 00:15:19,620 Speaker 5: remember that day? Of course, Lord. 231 00:15:20,460 --> 00:15:23,450 Speaker 7: It was after your baptism. And what a glorious time 232 00:15:23,490 --> 00:15:26,110 Speaker 7: that was. What I wouldn't have given to be there 233 00:15:26,150 --> 00:15:28,950 Speaker 7: when the heavens opened up. I can't imagine any of 234 00:15:28,990 --> 00:15:30,729 Speaker 7: the stories I've heard do it justice. 235 00:15:31,670 --> 00:15:34,630 Speaker 5: I can assure you the stories have more power for 236 00:15:34,690 --> 00:15:38,220 Speaker 5: you than you know, and they will continue to embolden 237 00:15:38,260 --> 00:15:42,960 Speaker 5: my people. But beyond the stories, there is something, or 238 00:15:42,980 --> 00:15:47,140 Speaker 5: should I say, someone, who will give you even greater 239 00:15:47,600 --> 00:15:51,580 Speaker 5: strength and an everlasting hope. Believe it or not, I 240 00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:54,000 Speaker 5: meant it when I said it would be better if 241 00:15:54,090 --> 00:15:58,330 Speaker 5: I left. In many ways, I will still. 242 00:15:58,090 --> 00:15:58,560 Speaker 2: Be with you. 243 00:15:59,070 --> 00:16:04,150 Speaker 1: The disciples marveled at Jesus' words. They leaned forward. Their 244 00:16:04,210 --> 00:16:09,220 Speaker 1: hearts began to race. Could anything really be better if 245 00:16:09,320 --> 00:16:13,400 Speaker 1: Jesus left? He had been their teacher regarding all things 246 00:16:13,480 --> 00:16:18,620 Speaker 1: about God and his kingdom, their pillar of strength through persecution, 247 00:16:19,520 --> 00:16:24,440 Speaker 1: their strong tower in times of trouble, and their peace 248 00:16:25,180 --> 00:16:28,660 Speaker 1: in the storms of anxiety, doubt, and fear. 249 00:16:29,250 --> 00:16:32,370 Speaker 5: In the early days of my ministry, John baptized a 250 00:16:32,490 --> 00:16:36,180 Speaker 5: baptism of repentance with water. But just as I was 251 00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:40,240 Speaker 5: baptized in the Spirit, I now share that gift with you. 252 00:16:41,200 --> 00:16:43,820 Speaker 5: In a few days, you will be baptized with the 253 00:16:43,880 --> 00:16:47,310 Speaker 5: Holy Spirit. It is with him that you will do 254 00:16:47,530 --> 00:16:49,930 Speaker 5: more wondrous works than I. 255 00:16:51,650 --> 00:16:56,100 Speaker 1: There was a deafening silence. as this revolutionary news danced 256 00:16:56,170 --> 00:17:01,880 Speaker 1: around their minds, delving into their hearts. Surely the Spirit 257 00:17:01,900 --> 00:17:05,560 Speaker 1: had been with them this whole time, but it was 258 00:17:05,680 --> 00:17:09,640 Speaker 1: evident that this baptism of the Spirit held an even 259 00:17:09,820 --> 00:17:14,899 Speaker 1: greater significance than just His presence with them. Jesus spoke 260 00:17:14,960 --> 00:17:18,889 Speaker 1: of intimacy with the Spirit. This was the beginning of 261 00:17:19,030 --> 00:17:24,330 Speaker 1: something new and unheard of, the baptism of the Spirit 262 00:17:25,010 --> 00:17:28,330 Speaker 1: was more than just a new mission. It was the 263 00:17:28,390 --> 00:17:34,170 Speaker 1: beginning of new, fresh life. They wondered if they were 264 00:17:34,230 --> 00:17:38,439 Speaker 1: ready for everything it entailed. With each word Jesus shared, 265 00:17:39,060 --> 00:17:41,860 Speaker 1: it was as though scales were falling from their eyes. 266 00:17:42,619 --> 00:17:46,399 Speaker 1: They could see the world more clearly in the light 267 00:17:46,440 --> 00:17:51,570 Speaker 1: of the Father's perfect plan unfolding before them. Their musings 268 00:17:51,670 --> 00:17:54,470 Speaker 1: bubbled over with a plea to know what Jesus would 269 00:17:54,510 --> 00:17:54,990 Speaker 1: do next. 270 00:17:55,630 --> 00:18:00,140 Speaker 2: Lord, is it finally time? Are you going to restore 271 00:18:00,160 --> 00:18:01,219 Speaker 2: the kingdom to Israel? 272 00:18:01,740 --> 00:18:04,360 Speaker 5: I shared this with you and the Sons of Thunder 273 00:18:04,420 --> 00:18:07,760 Speaker 5: on the mountain at my transfiguration. But for the benefit 274 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:11,280 Speaker 5: of the others here, I'll say it again. I'm sure 275 00:18:11,340 --> 00:18:14,110 Speaker 5: it's hard to accept, but it is not for you 276 00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:17,310 Speaker 5: to know the times or the dates the Father has 277 00:18:17,410 --> 00:18:20,720 Speaker 5: set by His authorities. Of course, this is no mark 278 00:18:20,760 --> 00:18:25,380 Speaker 5: against you. But my father works in mysterious ways that 279 00:18:25,580 --> 00:18:27,699 Speaker 5: no human could ever comprehend. 280 00:18:28,369 --> 00:18:32,750 Speaker 1: At this, the disciples' shoulders slumped over so slightly. Any 281 00:18:32,810 --> 00:18:36,990 Speaker 1: time a question of timing was posed to Jesus, obscurity 282 00:18:37,070 --> 00:18:41,630 Speaker 1: was always involved. And time seemed to be an enigma 283 00:18:42,220 --> 00:18:45,359 Speaker 1: when it came to Jesus' plans. They did their best 284 00:18:45,400 --> 00:18:48,580 Speaker 1: to fight the confusion and stay focused on their faith. 285 00:18:49,410 --> 00:18:52,670 Speaker 5: Do not worry. There is good news to be had 286 00:18:52,710 --> 00:18:56,750 Speaker 5: while waiting. You are to stay here in Jerusalem, where 287 00:18:56,770 --> 00:19:00,920 Speaker 5: you will receive power, a power unlike any you've ever 288 00:19:01,040 --> 00:19:05,580 Speaker 5: seen before. Kings could only wish for authority like this. 289 00:19:06,260 --> 00:19:11,100 Speaker 1: And just like that, Jesus had pulverized their doubts and 290 00:19:11,160 --> 00:19:16,180 Speaker 1: laid the foundation for courage again. Like a master craftsman, 291 00:19:16,910 --> 00:19:21,760 Speaker 1: he chiseled away at their hearts. Precisely and patiently. 292 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:25,879 Speaker 5: The Holy Spirit will descend upon you, filling you with 293 00:19:26,180 --> 00:19:27,940 Speaker 5: unimaginable power. 294 00:19:28,420 --> 00:19:31,659 Speaker 1: Their eyes sparkled in amazement at the very thought. 295 00:19:32,280 --> 00:19:36,609 Speaker 5: Remember his purpose. He comes to testify of me. And 296 00:19:36,650 --> 00:19:40,250 Speaker 5: when he empowers you, you too will be my witnesses. 297 00:19:40,869 --> 00:19:44,210 Speaker 7: And are we to stay here in Jerusalem? How will 298 00:19:44,230 --> 00:19:46,090 Speaker 7: we know what to do when all this has come 299 00:19:46,109 --> 00:19:46,590 Speaker 7: to pass? 300 00:19:47,090 --> 00:19:49,770 Speaker 5: Yes, Andrew. there will be work to do here in 301 00:19:49,790 --> 00:19:52,820 Speaker 5: Jerusalem I know I've stirred the pot quite a bit, 302 00:19:52,859 --> 00:19:57,080 Speaker 5: but Jerusalem is only the start. The Helper will direct 303 00:19:57,100 --> 00:20:00,939 Speaker 5: your steps, and it's time. You will be my witnesses 304 00:20:00,960 --> 00:20:06,199 Speaker 5: in Jerusalem and beyond, to Judea and Sumeria and the 305 00:20:06,359 --> 00:20:09,230 Speaker 5: ends of the earth. The Spirit will bring forth my 306 00:20:09,369 --> 00:20:12,550 Speaker 5: gospel message with unstoppable force. 307 00:20:13,290 --> 00:20:17,120 Speaker 1: Like a garden in heavy rain after a drought, the 308 00:20:17,150 --> 00:20:23,600 Speaker 1: disciples vigorously soaked up every word Jesus shared. Following Jesus 309 00:20:23,640 --> 00:20:28,000 Speaker 1: had become natural to them over the years. Yet everything 310 00:20:28,140 --> 00:20:33,720 Speaker 1: he said spoke of the supernatural, a mission beyond themselves, 311 00:20:34,740 --> 00:20:38,300 Speaker 1: and a life that would lead the world with unprecedented 312 00:20:38,340 --> 00:20:43,320 Speaker 1: hope and transformation. Sweat dripped from their brows, but it 313 00:20:43,380 --> 00:20:45,660 Speaker 1: was hard to tell if it was from the heat 314 00:20:45,840 --> 00:20:49,629 Speaker 1: of the glaring sun or the welling up of anticipation 315 00:20:50,210 --> 00:20:54,070 Speaker 1: for the arrival of the Advocate. Each man who stood 316 00:20:54,170 --> 00:21:00,810 Speaker 1: before Jesus knew this promised gift would start a cataclysmic 317 00:21:01,010 --> 00:21:06,090 Speaker 1: chain of events spreading across the world. The clouds gently 318 00:21:06,190 --> 00:21:11,570 Speaker 1: sailed through the skies before anchoring themselves directly overhead, dampening 319 00:21:11,650 --> 00:21:16,149 Speaker 1: the sunlight. Jesus peered up and let out a sigh, 320 00:21:16,840 --> 00:21:19,740 Speaker 1: but this was not a sigh of dejection or weariness. 321 00:21:20,600 --> 00:21:24,640 Speaker 1: This was the exhale of one catching their breath after 322 00:21:24,740 --> 00:21:30,100 Speaker 1: a job well done. Though he came from eternity, the 323 00:21:30,180 --> 00:21:34,070 Speaker 1: humanity in him felt the sorrow of saying goodbye. 324 00:21:35,340 --> 00:21:36,080 Speaker 6: He lifted his. 325 00:21:36,200 --> 00:21:40,790 Speaker 1: Arms and smiled, addressing them one final time. 326 00:21:41,210 --> 00:21:44,190 Speaker 5: My friends, to say our time together was short would 327 00:21:44,210 --> 00:21:48,830 Speaker 5: be an understatement. Each of you has grown tremendously, and 328 00:21:48,869 --> 00:21:50,570 Speaker 5: I'm oh so very proud of you. 329 00:21:51,010 --> 00:21:54,800 Speaker 1: The disciples knew the tone of Jesus' voice. They were 330 00:21:54,840 --> 00:21:59,580 Speaker 1: no strangers to parting words, leaving their family and friends 331 00:21:59,740 --> 00:22:03,859 Speaker 1: regularly to travel with Jesus. They could feel an imminent 332 00:22:03,960 --> 00:22:08,109 Speaker 1: goodbye coming as the heavy weight of sadness pressed on 333 00:22:08,130 --> 00:22:12,600 Speaker 1: their hearts like a millstone. Tears sat in the corner 334 00:22:12,619 --> 00:22:17,160 Speaker 1: of their eyes, as a whirlwind of mourning and joy 335 00:22:17,320 --> 00:22:21,320 Speaker 1: intermingled in their souls. All they could do was listen 336 00:22:21,900 --> 00:22:27,180 Speaker 1: with trepidation. Before they could ready themselves for the inevitable, 337 00:22:27,950 --> 00:22:29,810 Speaker 1: Jesus bid them farewell. 338 00:22:30,369 --> 00:22:34,490 Speaker 5: Goodbye for now, my good and faithful servants. Do not fear. 339 00:22:35,369 --> 00:22:37,270 Speaker 5: for I would be with you. 340 00:22:37,730 --> 00:22:42,250 Speaker 1: Before their eyes, Jesus began to levitate off the ground 341 00:22:43,050 --> 00:22:46,910 Speaker 1: like an invisible army of angels hoisted in the air. 342 00:22:47,730 --> 00:22:51,210 Speaker 1: The disciples felt a strong gust of wind push them back, 343 00:22:52,150 --> 00:22:55,470 Speaker 1: leaving them in a state of tumult. The wind had 344 00:22:55,530 --> 00:23:00,000 Speaker 1: no discernible origin, but was sweeping from the ground towards 345 00:23:00,060 --> 00:23:04,949 Speaker 1: the heavens. It cast rocks ricocheting against one another. and 346 00:23:05,080 --> 00:23:09,679 Speaker 1: bent back crackling boughs of nearby trees. The blend of 347 00:23:09,820 --> 00:23:13,740 Speaker 1: sounds was like a natural aria of stones and flora 348 00:23:14,020 --> 00:23:21,480 Speaker 1: crying out. Creation itself was praising its creator. The disciples' 349 00:23:21,660 --> 00:23:26,399 Speaker 1: eyes never left Jesus during his ascent. The further away 350 00:23:26,460 --> 00:23:31,000 Speaker 1: he got from them, the nearer they subconsciously drew towards 351 00:23:31,160 --> 00:23:36,129 Speaker 1: one another in solidarity. The clouds began to shift once more, 352 00:23:36,890 --> 00:23:41,639 Speaker 1: as though heaven was constructing a door to welcome the 353 00:23:41,840 --> 00:23:47,240 Speaker 1: king home. Time seemed to be irrelevant. No man could 354 00:23:47,320 --> 00:23:51,980 Speaker 1: say whether seconds or hours had passed, nor did they 355 00:23:52,100 --> 00:23:57,480 Speaker 1: dare look away, afraid they might miss a magnificent celestial 356 00:23:57,560 --> 00:24:03,240 Speaker 1: event above. Seemingly, out of nowhere, two men of great 357 00:24:03,300 --> 00:24:07,740 Speaker 1: stature stood to the left of the disciples. Their attire 358 00:24:07,820 --> 00:24:11,260 Speaker 1: was the first sign that these men were not of 359 00:24:11,359 --> 00:24:16,460 Speaker 1: any earthly community. Their robes were woven of immaculate white 360 00:24:16,670 --> 00:24:21,230 Speaker 1: linen and sparkled in the light like polished granite. 361 00:24:21,790 --> 00:24:23,609 Speaker 6: Men of Galilee! 362 00:24:24,010 --> 00:24:27,909 Speaker 1: The disciples were aghast and jumped back. Their heads swiveled 363 00:24:27,950 --> 00:24:31,150 Speaker 1: around to find the booming voice that drew their attention 364 00:24:31,210 --> 00:24:35,310 Speaker 1: from the miracle they witnessed. What they saw stunned them, 365 00:24:35,890 --> 00:24:40,109 Speaker 1: two large men, and drawn only a few paces away 366 00:24:40,670 --> 00:24:45,219 Speaker 1: without so much as a sound. Surely they would have 367 00:24:45,260 --> 00:24:49,580 Speaker 1: heard them approaching, but their sudden appearance indicated that they 368 00:24:49,680 --> 00:24:52,660 Speaker 1: likely hadn't walked to greet the disciples. 369 00:24:53,340 --> 00:24:56,610 Speaker 6: Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This 370 00:24:56,700 --> 00:25:00,330 Speaker 6: same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven 371 00:25:00,990 --> 00:25:03,830 Speaker 6: will come back in the same way you have seen 372 00:25:03,869 --> 00:25:04,490 Speaker 6: him go. 373 00:25:06,900 --> 00:25:10,609 Speaker 1: The disciples quickly bounced their eyes toward one another before 374 00:25:10,730 --> 00:25:13,670 Speaker 1: darting them back to the skies. And in a blink 375 00:25:13,710 --> 00:25:18,610 Speaker 1: of an eye, the clouds careened together like waves breaking 376 00:25:18,890 --> 00:25:23,470 Speaker 1: against a promontory. The disciples were left with more questions 377 00:25:23,890 --> 00:25:28,139 Speaker 1: than answers. But more importantly, they were left with a 378 00:25:28,280 --> 00:25:32,360 Speaker 1: promise that would be the key to unlocking the mystery 379 00:25:32,740 --> 00:25:37,540 Speaker 1: of God's plan. to spread the gospel message to the 380 00:25:37,760 --> 00:25:42,320 Speaker 1: ends of the earth. They knew this was the definitive 381 00:25:42,440 --> 00:25:46,760 Speaker 1: end to the first chapter of their ministry. But it 382 00:25:46,859 --> 00:25:50,119 Speaker 1: certainly wasn't the end of the story. 383 00:25:53,420 --> 00:25:57,900 Speaker 4: Jesus' final instructions to his disciples were to wait. This 384 00:25:57,960 --> 00:26:01,159 Speaker 4: might sound like a simple request, but it's packed with significance. 385 00:26:01,680 --> 00:26:04,379 Speaker 4: We all know that waiting's hard. And we have to 386 00:26:04,400 --> 00:26:08,919 Speaker 4: understand this. Waiting isn't passive. It's an active preparation for 387 00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:11,320 Speaker 4: what's to come. You know, I used to wait tables 388 00:26:11,540 --> 00:26:16,570 Speaker 4: back in the day and waiting tables was anything but passive. 389 00:26:17,090 --> 00:26:20,889 Speaker 4: We were constantly on the move, constantly taking orders and 390 00:26:21,190 --> 00:26:24,550 Speaker 4: constantly serving the people around us. You see, that's kind 391 00:26:24,590 --> 00:26:27,139 Speaker 4: of what waiting on the Lord is like. Waiting on 392 00:26:27,180 --> 00:26:30,280 Speaker 4: the Lord is serving. It's serving the people around you. 393 00:26:30,380 --> 00:26:33,830 Speaker 4: It's serving Him. It's serving His purposes and His kingdom. 394 00:26:34,350 --> 00:26:36,869 Speaker 4: The disciples were not to sit idly by, but to 395 00:26:36,930 --> 00:26:41,010 Speaker 4: anticipate the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit. Jesus' 396 00:26:41,070 --> 00:26:44,379 Speaker 4: directive underscores that sometimes the most profound work in our 397 00:26:44,440 --> 00:26:48,220 Speaker 4: lives and ministries happens in the waiting. It's in these 398 00:26:48,300 --> 00:26:50,540 Speaker 4: moments that we align our hearts with God's timing and 399 00:26:50,580 --> 00:26:54,389 Speaker 4: prepare ourselves for the next chapter. Jesus promises the disciples 400 00:26:54,430 --> 00:26:57,109 Speaker 4: that they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This 401 00:26:57,170 --> 00:26:59,899 Speaker 4: is more than a mere upgrade from John's baptism of water. 402 00:27:00,280 --> 00:27:04,320 Speaker 4: It's a complete immersion in divine power. Jesus acknowledges that 403 00:27:04,340 --> 00:27:06,920 Speaker 4: the task ahead, the mission to witness to the ends 404 00:27:06,960 --> 00:27:10,300 Speaker 4: of the earth, cannot be accomplished through human strength alone. 405 00:27:10,850 --> 00:27:14,129 Speaker 4: It requires the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has 406 00:27:14,150 --> 00:27:16,770 Speaker 4: been talking about the Holy Spirit a lot up until now, 407 00:27:17,170 --> 00:27:19,530 Speaker 4: but this concept of the Holy Spirit is very abstract 408 00:27:19,550 --> 00:27:22,660 Speaker 4: to the disciples. But as we go through our series now, 409 00:27:22,720 --> 00:27:26,160 Speaker 4: we're going to find out that the Holy Spirit is dynamic, present, 410 00:27:26,300 --> 00:27:29,820 Speaker 4: and practical. This promise wasn't just for the early church. 411 00:27:29,880 --> 00:27:32,510 Speaker 4: It's a continual promise for every believer, you and I, 412 00:27:32,760 --> 00:27:35,409 Speaker 4: who would testify to the name of Jesus. If the 413 00:27:35,450 --> 00:27:37,830 Speaker 4: glorified Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit, how much more 414 00:27:37,869 --> 00:27:41,990 Speaker 4: do we need his empowering presence in our lives? Jesus' 415 00:27:42,050 --> 00:27:44,090 Speaker 4: command to be witnesses to the end of the earth 416 00:27:44,170 --> 00:27:48,010 Speaker 4: reveals the expansive nature of the mission. The gospel is 417 00:27:48,070 --> 00:27:52,170 Speaker 4: not confined by geography, ethnicity, or social status. It's meant 418 00:27:52,190 --> 00:27:55,570 Speaker 4: for everyone. The disciples might have felt overwhelmed by this mandate, 419 00:27:55,650 --> 00:27:59,030 Speaker 4: considering their limited resources and the hostile environment that they 420 00:27:59,070 --> 00:28:02,530 Speaker 4: were going to be ministering to. Yet Jesus' words assure 421 00:28:02,570 --> 00:28:05,190 Speaker 4: them that their mission is not dependent on their abilities, 422 00:28:05,270 --> 00:28:08,650 Speaker 4: but on the power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel 423 00:28:08,690 --> 00:28:11,350 Speaker 4: spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of 424 00:28:11,369 --> 00:28:13,859 Speaker 4: the earth, becomes a guiding framework for the book of 425 00:28:14,000 --> 00:28:17,379 Speaker 4: Acts and a reminder of our global mission here and 426 00:28:17,510 --> 00:28:21,510 Speaker 4: now and today. Yet the disciples' waiting period was essential 427 00:28:21,590 --> 00:28:25,429 Speaker 4: for their preparation. Similarly, in our own lives, periods of waiting, 428 00:28:25,470 --> 00:28:28,230 Speaker 4: whether for a new job or relationship or spiritual growth, 429 00:28:28,690 --> 00:28:31,930 Speaker 4: are not void of purpose. Use these times to deepen 430 00:28:31,970 --> 00:28:35,189 Speaker 4: your relationship with God. Seek His guidance and prepare for 431 00:28:35,210 --> 00:28:39,370 Speaker 4: the next steps He has for you. Remember, Waiting often 432 00:28:39,470 --> 00:28:44,050 Speaker 4: is a precursor to great things. Just as the disciples 433 00:28:44,150 --> 00:28:46,290 Speaker 4: were to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too should 434 00:28:46,330 --> 00:28:48,810 Speaker 4: seek his presence and power in our lives in the waiting. 435 00:28:49,350 --> 00:28:51,570 Speaker 4: It's easy to rely on our own strength and resources 436 00:28:51,630 --> 00:28:54,530 Speaker 4: for things, but true effectiveness in the kingdom of God 437 00:28:54,770 --> 00:28:58,210 Speaker 4: requires the Spirit's empowerment. I want you to think about 438 00:28:58,250 --> 00:29:01,560 Speaker 4: it this way. When's the last time that you dreamed 439 00:29:01,620 --> 00:29:04,820 Speaker 4: for something that was only big enough if God showed 440 00:29:05,080 --> 00:29:08,000 Speaker 4: up and if God used his Spirit to empower you 441 00:29:08,440 --> 00:29:12,460 Speaker 4: and move things around you? Have we been praying small prayers? 442 00:29:13,120 --> 00:29:15,980 Speaker 4: You see, the disciples had a big task ahead of them, 443 00:29:16,180 --> 00:29:20,850 Speaker 4: and the big task required big power. We as disciples 444 00:29:20,910 --> 00:29:24,230 Speaker 4: of Jesus today ought to follow suit of these disciples 445 00:29:24,290 --> 00:29:27,830 Speaker 4: who sought Jesus eagerly and knew that only by his 446 00:29:27,930 --> 00:29:30,960 Speaker 4: strength would they accomplish the things ahead. As we reflect 447 00:29:30,960 --> 00:29:34,190 Speaker 4: on Acts 1, 1-11, let's remember that the ascension of 448 00:29:34,190 --> 00:29:37,270 Speaker 4: Jesus is not just a historical event but a call 449 00:29:37,270 --> 00:29:40,220 Speaker 4: to action. It's a remember to wait with expectation, seek 450 00:29:40,240 --> 00:29:43,180 Speaker 4: the Holy Spirit's power, expand our vision for the gospel, 451 00:29:43,540 --> 00:29:46,080 Speaker 4: and live with the assurance of Christ's return. In this 452 00:29:46,140 --> 00:29:50,540 Speaker 4: grand narrative, we're not passive observers, but active participants in 453 00:29:50,580 --> 00:29:53,640 Speaker 4: the unfolding story of God's kingdom. So let's step into 454 00:29:53,700 --> 00:29:57,400 Speaker 4: our role with faith, courage, and anticipation, knowing that the 455 00:29:57,440 --> 00:30:01,400 Speaker 4: same Jesus who ascended will return. But in the meantime, 456 00:30:01,540 --> 00:30:03,680 Speaker 4: as we wait for his return, we are going to 457 00:30:03,720 --> 00:30:06,590 Speaker 4: be witnesses to the ends of the earth. I'm so 458 00:30:06,650 --> 00:30:08,810 Speaker 4: happy to be back with you as we go through 459 00:30:08,830 --> 00:30:12,130 Speaker 4: the Jesus podcast. In our next episode, we're going to 460 00:30:12,170 --> 00:30:15,690 Speaker 4: follow Peter, James, John, and all the disciples as they 461 00:30:15,820 --> 00:30:19,800 Speaker 4: figure out what's next. Have you ever been in a 462 00:30:19,860 --> 00:30:23,920 Speaker 4: time of uncertainty, not really knowing what's ahead? The disciples 463 00:30:24,260 --> 00:30:25,800 Speaker 4: certainly know that feeling.