1 00:00:00,640 --> 00:00:03,400 Speaker 1: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has 2 00:00:03,440 --> 00:00:10,580 Speaker 1: come upon you. Acts 1.8 Heavenly Father, we come before 3 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:16,750 Speaker 1: you with grateful hearts, acknowledging your incredible promise in Acts 1.8. 4 00:00:16,750 --> 00:00:19,130 Speaker 1: We thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, 5 00:00:19,750 --> 00:00:22,890 Speaker 1: who empowers us to be your witnesses to the ends 6 00:00:22,930 --> 00:00:26,930 Speaker 1: of the earth. Lord, we recognize our deep need for 7 00:00:26,950 --> 00:00:31,160 Speaker 1: your strength and guidance in our daily lives. without you, 8 00:00:31,940 --> 00:00:36,120 Speaker 1: we are powerless. Fill us afresh with your Spirit so 9 00:00:36,159 --> 00:00:40,030 Speaker 1: that we may boldly share the good news of Jesus 10 00:00:40,130 --> 00:00:43,529 Speaker 1: Christ with those around us. Help us to be courageous 11 00:00:43,630 --> 00:00:47,870 Speaker 1: in our faith, spreading your love and truth wherever we go. 12 00:00:48,470 --> 00:00:51,890 Speaker 1: Strengthen our hearts to trust in your timing and plan, 13 00:00:52,610 --> 00:00:56,190 Speaker 1: even when we face challenges. Use us, Lord, to bring 14 00:00:56,330 --> 00:01:00,360 Speaker 1: light into the darkness and hope to the helpless. and 15 00:01:00,400 --> 00:01:03,380 Speaker 1: to be a reflection of your grace and mercy in 16 00:01:03,420 --> 00:01:06,330 Speaker 1: this world. In Jesus' name we pray. 17 00:01:06,950 --> 00:01:07,230 Speaker 2: Amen. 18 00:01:10,330 --> 00:01:13,750 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 19 00:01:13,790 --> 00:01:18,990 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on the 20 00:01:19,069 --> 00:01:23,130 Speaker 1: birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 21 00:01:23,690 --> 00:01:27,130 Speaker 1: we would love it if you left a review. Doing 22 00:01:27,190 --> 00:01:33,390 Speaker 1: so makes a huge impact on our team. Luke hunched 23 00:01:33,450 --> 00:01:35,860 Speaker 1: over the small table set in the corner of the room. 24 00:01:37,319 --> 00:01:41,740 Speaker 1: Parchment and ink stains littered its surface as the sound 25 00:01:41,780 --> 00:01:45,480 Speaker 1: of his stylus scratched across the pavers. He peered up 26 00:01:45,600 --> 00:01:49,040 Speaker 1: and out the window. His eyes were fixated on the 27 00:01:49,080 --> 00:01:53,220 Speaker 1: blue expanse, but his mind was focused on his research. 28 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:57,740 Speaker 1: For months he had been Paul's companion in adventure and ministry, 29 00:01:58,460 --> 00:02:01,820 Speaker 1: but this wasn't enough for Luke. There was more to 30 00:02:01,840 --> 00:02:05,710 Speaker 1: be told, that he hadn't seen himself. As a result, 31 00:02:05,770 --> 00:02:10,170 Speaker 1: Luke traveled from city to city, endeavoring to find eyewitnesses 32 00:02:10,250 --> 00:02:13,970 Speaker 1: of the ministry of Jesus and the subsequent boom of 33 00:02:14,030 --> 00:02:18,620 Speaker 1: his church. And now he labored over accurately recalling the 34 00:02:18,680 --> 00:02:22,419 Speaker 1: stories he had heard. He was writing a letter to Theophilus, 35 00:02:23,120 --> 00:02:26,899 Speaker 1: hoping to see his faith grow. If the great Theophilus 36 00:02:26,960 --> 00:02:29,820 Speaker 1: could see what Luke saw and hear what Luke heard, 37 00:02:30,870 --> 00:02:35,430 Speaker 1: then perhaps everyone in his influence would as well. Luke's 38 00:02:35,490 --> 00:02:39,790 Speaker 1: background as a physician drew him to facts and a 39 00:02:39,830 --> 00:02:44,419 Speaker 1: meticulous understanding of his subject, but it also stemmed from 40 00:02:44,460 --> 00:02:48,540 Speaker 1: a desire to help others. His writing was no different. 41 00:02:49,280 --> 00:02:54,060 Speaker 1: Each word was carefully selected. Accuracy was of the utmost 42 00:02:54,139 --> 00:02:58,010 Speaker 1: importance in retelling the gospel message. If it meant that 43 00:02:58,050 --> 00:03:01,440 Speaker 1: the one who read it might find salvation in Jesus, 44 00:03:02,070 --> 00:03:04,870 Speaker 1: who was the Christ. He read the words set before 45 00:03:04,910 --> 00:03:06,490 Speaker 1: him and struck them out. 46 00:03:07,990 --> 00:03:13,410 Speaker 3: No, that's not it. Where to start? Where to start? 47 00:03:14,669 --> 00:03:18,610 Speaker 1: Luke wondered to himself. In his last letter to Theophilus, 48 00:03:19,330 --> 00:03:23,250 Speaker 1: he had concluded on Jesus' ascension into heaven. But the 49 00:03:23,290 --> 00:03:24,790 Speaker 1: story was far from over. 50 00:03:25,590 --> 00:03:29,520 Speaker 4: I suppose I could start in Jerusalem. But so much 51 00:03:29,580 --> 00:03:30,959 Speaker 4: happened even before then. 52 00:03:31,600 --> 00:03:35,440 Speaker 1: He rifled through his papers, determined to piece together the 53 00:03:35,480 --> 00:03:39,340 Speaker 1: most compelling narrative. He slunk back into his chair and 54 00:03:39,460 --> 00:03:43,590 Speaker 1: pressed his hands firmly over his eyes. He sighed deeply, 55 00:03:44,170 --> 00:03:47,710 Speaker 1: wondering if the words would ever come to him. In 56 00:03:47,770 --> 00:03:51,610 Speaker 1: transcribing his thoughts in his first letter, he worried that 57 00:03:51,650 --> 00:03:55,070 Speaker 1: he had finally run out of words. He began to 58 00:03:55,160 --> 00:03:59,200 Speaker 1: question his efforts. Would any of this matter? Would it 59 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:03,100 Speaker 1: even make a difference in witnessing to Theophilus, let alone 60 00:04:03,140 --> 00:04:06,480 Speaker 1: anyone else who might read the letter? He stared out 61 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:10,090 Speaker 1: the window again. He cleared his mind and muttered a 62 00:04:10,150 --> 00:04:14,150 Speaker 1: silent prayer to himself. A gentle wind stirred the curtains 63 00:04:14,530 --> 00:04:19,330 Speaker 1: as he prayed and wisped around the room. Almost instantly, 64 00:04:20,250 --> 00:04:24,270 Speaker 1: Luke felt at peace. His heart slowed and his thoughts 65 00:04:24,330 --> 00:04:28,680 Speaker 1: seemed to knit themselves together apart from his efforts. He 66 00:04:28,720 --> 00:04:33,190 Speaker 1: took his stylus up again, plunged the end into the inkwell, 67 00:04:33,830 --> 00:04:37,730 Speaker 1: and began writing. When satisfied, he picked up the stack 68 00:04:37,770 --> 00:04:40,830 Speaker 1: of parchment and read the words back to himself. 69 00:04:42,350 --> 00:04:46,110 Speaker 4: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that 70 00:04:46,230 --> 00:04:49,300 Speaker 4: Jesus began to do and to teach until the day 71 00:04:49,360 --> 00:04:53,160 Speaker 4: he was taken up to heaven after giving instructions through 72 00:04:53,200 --> 00:04:58,790 Speaker 4: the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After suffering, 73 00:04:59,610 --> 00:05:03,350 Speaker 4: he presented himself to them and gave convincing proof that 74 00:05:03,450 --> 00:05:07,679 Speaker 4: he was alive. He appeared to them over forty days 75 00:05:08,300 --> 00:05:09,340 Speaker 4: and spoke. 76 00:05:09,180 --> 00:05:10,659 Speaker 3: About the kingdom of God. 77 00:05:11,440 --> 00:05:15,419 Speaker 1: He smiled to himself, content with the words that seemed 78 00:05:15,460 --> 00:05:17,780 Speaker 1: to have been given to him by the spirit himself. 79 00:05:18,660 --> 00:05:22,500 Speaker 1: Dipping his stylus back into the black ink, he leaned 80 00:05:22,580 --> 00:05:24,330 Speaker 1: over the desk and carried on. 81 00:05:27,680 --> 00:05:30,940 Speaker 5: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 82 00:05:31,420 --> 00:05:34,980 Speaker 5: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 83 00:05:35,020 --> 00:05:39,870 Speaker 5: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 84 00:05:40,050 --> 00:05:46,510 Speaker 5: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. 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You're at the grand finale of your favorite 94 00:06:30,750 --> 00:06:31,529 Speaker 6: TV series. 95 00:06:31,990 --> 00:06:33,070 Speaker 3: The hero, who has. 96 00:06:32,990 --> 00:06:36,600 Speaker 6: Been through countless trials and tribulations, is about to make 97 00:06:36,620 --> 00:06:39,900 Speaker 6: their final exit. As they ascend into the heavens, the 98 00:06:39,960 --> 00:06:44,620 Speaker 6: screen fades to black. But wait, what happens next? How 99 00:06:44,660 --> 00:06:47,700 Speaker 6: do we carry on without our hero? This is where 100 00:06:47,720 --> 00:06:50,650 Speaker 6: the Book of Acts begins, with an epic finale and 101 00:06:50,670 --> 00:06:55,750 Speaker 6: an even grander sequel. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach, 102 00:06:55,870 --> 00:07:00,030 Speaker 6: back again to guide you through these epic stories of faith, devotion, 103 00:07:00,210 --> 00:07:02,750 Speaker 6: and the beginning of the church. We will spend the 104 00:07:02,790 --> 00:07:05,490 Speaker 6: next few weeks highlighting the first 10 chapters of the 105 00:07:05,510 --> 00:07:08,190 Speaker 6: book of Acts. What does this have to do with Jesus, 106 00:07:08,230 --> 00:07:12,850 Speaker 6: you might ask? Well, everything. This is Christ's church, fulfilling 107 00:07:12,910 --> 00:07:16,970 Speaker 6: Christ's commission by the power of Christ's spirit. You see, 108 00:07:17,030 --> 00:07:21,780 Speaker 6: my friends, the church is all about Jesus. As we 109 00:07:21,820 --> 00:07:24,550 Speaker 6: dive into these epic adventures, make sure to follow this 110 00:07:24,590 --> 00:07:27,530 Speaker 6: podcast if you haven't done so, leave a review because 111 00:07:27,690 --> 00:07:30,590 Speaker 6: we love hearing from you, and share this podcast with 112 00:07:30,650 --> 00:07:33,850 Speaker 6: a friend. We start this mini-series off with Jesus who, 113 00:07:34,110 --> 00:07:38,220 Speaker 6: after a dramatic 40-day encore of teaching and proving his resurrection, 114 00:07:38,620 --> 00:07:42,180 Speaker 6: ascends into the sky. His departure sets the stage for 115 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:47,179 Speaker 6: the continuation of his mission through us, the people, his church. 116 00:07:47,980 --> 00:07:52,140 Speaker 6: Acts 1, 1-11 serves as a prologue to a transformative journey. 117 00:07:52,640 --> 00:07:55,160 Speaker 6: Luke is the author of the book of Acts. He's 118 00:07:55,200 --> 00:07:59,160 Speaker 6: a physician and a meticulous historian. Although he wasn't an 119 00:07:59,380 --> 00:08:03,060 Speaker 6: eyewitness to Jesus' ministry himself, he was an eyewitness to 120 00:08:03,180 --> 00:08:06,720 Speaker 6: many of the events that happened after his ascension. He 121 00:08:06,800 --> 00:08:10,180 Speaker 6: writes this book to a figure named Theophilus, which means God-lover. 122 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:13,080 Speaker 6: It's as though Luke is saying, for those who loved God, 123 00:08:13,320 --> 00:08:17,060 Speaker 6: here's how the story continues. The Gospel of Luke ends 124 00:08:17,100 --> 00:08:21,720 Speaker 6: with Jesus' resurrection. Acts picks up with his ascension and promises. 125 00:08:22,380 --> 00:08:27,070 Speaker 6: This seamless transition is crucial. Without Acts, we'd be left 126 00:08:27,150 --> 00:08:31,310 Speaker 6: wondering how a small, beleaguered group of followers becomes the 127 00:08:31,390 --> 00:08:35,609 Speaker 6: global church movement that we know today. Jesus' ascension isn't 128 00:08:35,670 --> 00:08:38,790 Speaker 6: merely a celestial exit. It's the beginning of a new era. 129 00:08:39,330 --> 00:08:42,600 Speaker 6: The ascension witnessed by his disciples is a significant shift 130 00:08:42,640 --> 00:08:45,650 Speaker 6: from his earthly ministry to to his ongoing work through 131 00:08:45,670 --> 00:08:49,189 Speaker 6: the Holy Spirit, and this transition holds vital lessons for 132 00:08:49,250 --> 00:08:52,350 Speaker 6: us today. Let's dive into the story now and be 133 00:08:52,429 --> 00:08:55,570 Speaker 6: swept away in the beginning of the birth of the church. 134 00:08:58,320 --> 00:09:00,820 Speaker 1: Jesus sat on a stone near the base of the 135 00:09:00,860 --> 00:09:05,979 Speaker 1: Mount of Olives. The disciples were seated around him, unfolded 136 00:09:06,100 --> 00:09:10,699 Speaker 1: cloths on their laps, and bread and dried fruit topped 137 00:09:10,740 --> 00:09:11,400 Speaker 1: off their plates. 138 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:14,709 Speaker 7: Peter, Would you pass me some of the olives? Ever 139 00:09:14,750 --> 00:09:17,150 Speaker 7: since my resurrection, I just can't seem to get enough 140 00:09:17,190 --> 00:09:17,410 Speaker 7: of them. 141 00:09:17,990 --> 00:09:21,650 Speaker 1: Peter passed a small bowl to Jesus, forcing a smile 142 00:09:21,730 --> 00:09:25,699 Speaker 1: as he did so. Even after 40 days, the reality 143 00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:29,540 Speaker 1: that Jesus had risen from the dead was still fresh 144 00:09:29,700 --> 00:09:33,080 Speaker 1: for the disciples. For some of them, it would have 145 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:37,430 Speaker 1: been nearly unbelievable if they hadn't touched the very wounds 146 00:09:37,490 --> 00:09:41,310 Speaker 1: of Jesus with their own hands. The day of Jesus' 147 00:09:41,390 --> 00:09:46,220 Speaker 1: death was the darkest in history as they scattered into hiding. 148 00:09:47,340 --> 00:09:51,320 Speaker 1: But three days later, he had proven that not even 149 00:09:51,540 --> 00:09:55,230 Speaker 1: death could hold the Son of Man, and that the 150 00:09:55,309 --> 00:09:59,810 Speaker 1: enemy's schemes were no match for the perfect plan of 151 00:09:59,830 --> 00:10:05,170 Speaker 1: the Father. But rather than returning with trumpets, fires, or earthquakes, 152 00:10:06,110 --> 00:10:10,220 Speaker 1: Jesus walked with them, ate with them, and taught them 153 00:10:10,390 --> 00:10:14,660 Speaker 1: just as he always had. On the surface, they felt 154 00:10:14,720 --> 00:10:19,859 Speaker 1: like nothing had changed. Yet there was something distinctly different now. 155 00:10:20,740 --> 00:10:25,940 Speaker 1: An unseen aura radiated from Jesus that let them know 156 00:10:26,040 --> 00:10:29,900 Speaker 1: in their souls that nothing would ever be the same. 157 00:10:31,360 --> 00:10:35,280 Speaker 1: The group ate in relative silence. The air was unusually 158 00:10:35,400 --> 00:10:39,090 Speaker 1: still and only helped to amplify the silence of their meal. 159 00:10:40,309 --> 00:10:45,570 Speaker 1: Each day came with unspoken curiosities about Jesus' plan on 160 00:10:45,710 --> 00:10:49,120 Speaker 1: this side of the grave. However, not wanting to seem 161 00:10:49,179 --> 00:10:53,420 Speaker 1: doubtful of Jesus' mission, none of them dared to ask 162 00:10:53,460 --> 00:10:55,960 Speaker 1: him to share more than what he did on his 163 00:10:56,020 --> 00:11:00,280 Speaker 1: own accord. Peter was the most concerned about coming off 164 00:11:00,440 --> 00:11:04,679 Speaker 1: as an opponent to Jesus. With a twinge of pain 165 00:11:04,820 --> 00:11:08,160 Speaker 1: in his heart, he remembered how Jesus had called him 166 00:11:08,280 --> 00:11:12,780 Speaker 1: Satan for rebuking Jesus' revelation of his death, and again 167 00:11:13,020 --> 00:11:16,610 Speaker 1: he cringed as he remembered denying the Lord three times. 168 00:11:17,380 --> 00:11:21,880 Speaker 1: In his most desperate hour, Peter closed his eyes softly 169 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:27,160 Speaker 1: and took a breath. In these moments of condemnation, he 170 00:11:27,240 --> 00:11:31,489 Speaker 1: knew that Jesus' love was the only hope of finding 171 00:11:31,590 --> 00:11:36,790 Speaker 1: forgiveness within himself. He reminded himself of Jesus' words immediately 172 00:11:37,090 --> 00:11:42,970 Speaker 1: after his resurrection. Three times Jesus questioned Peter's affection for him, 173 00:11:43,770 --> 00:11:47,220 Speaker 1: and three times Peter reaffirmed with his heart that he 174 00:11:47,300 --> 00:11:52,360 Speaker 1: loved the Lord. Despite his failures, Jesus had restored him, 175 00:11:53,140 --> 00:11:57,650 Speaker 1: and he knew with full assurance that nothing could take 176 00:11:57,690 --> 00:12:01,390 Speaker 1: that away. Peter sat up straight and turned to Jesus. 177 00:12:02,150 --> 00:12:04,589 Speaker 1: He spoke firmly but kindly. 178 00:12:05,130 --> 00:12:09,010 Speaker 4: Lord, at the risk of spoiling our happy little lunch, 179 00:12:09,580 --> 00:12:12,120 Speaker 4: can I just say what we're all thinking? 180 00:12:12,540 --> 00:12:13,940 Speaker 7: It's never stopped you before. 181 00:12:14,460 --> 00:12:19,200 Speaker 3: Well, it's just... Now that you're back, when will we 182 00:12:19,280 --> 00:12:21,160 Speaker 3: start the next phase of your plan? 183 00:12:21,860 --> 00:12:26,100 Speaker 4: I mean, no offense, but surely sitting here to eat 184 00:12:26,160 --> 00:12:28,959 Speaker 4: lunch with us isn't why you rose from the dead. 185 00:12:29,420 --> 00:12:32,349 Speaker 7: I take no offense to your words, though I don't 186 00:12:32,380 --> 00:12:33,989 Speaker 7: believe the offense was mine to take. 187 00:12:34,570 --> 00:12:36,850 Speaker 1: Jesus winked at the disciples as he said this. 188 00:12:37,350 --> 00:12:38,110 Speaker 3: But you are right. 189 00:12:38,650 --> 00:12:41,690 Speaker 7: Much more must be accomplished in order to see the 190 00:12:41,770 --> 00:12:43,510 Speaker 7: will the Father fulfilled. 191 00:12:44,910 --> 00:12:47,210 Speaker 3: Does that mean we'll be leaving Jerusalem soon? 192 00:12:47,730 --> 00:12:48,650 Speaker 7: We won't be. 193 00:12:49,150 --> 00:12:53,220 Speaker 3: Is that to say you won't be staying with us? 194 00:12:53,929 --> 00:12:57,420 Speaker 1: Jesus' eyes were full of deep love for the disciples. 195 00:12:58,460 --> 00:13:01,559 Speaker 1: During their years together, he had always been mindful of 196 00:13:01,600 --> 00:13:05,700 Speaker 1: their struggles to understand what he was doing. Compassion had 197 00:13:05,900 --> 00:13:10,100 Speaker 1: always motivated him to lead the disciples through each new challenge. 198 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:15,059 Speaker 1: But he knew the following words would start their most 199 00:13:15,220 --> 00:13:16,480 Speaker 1: significant challenge. 200 00:13:17,100 --> 00:13:19,800 Speaker 7: In a certain way, yes, I won't be staying with you. 201 00:13:20,220 --> 00:13:23,600 Speaker 7: But in a greater way, you must know by now 202 00:13:23,679 --> 00:13:25,500 Speaker 7: that I will never truly leave you. 203 00:13:26,179 --> 00:13:29,960 Speaker 1: The disciples took great comfort in his words, even if 204 00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:33,360 Speaker 1: they didn't fully comprehend what he meant by the apparent 205 00:13:33,460 --> 00:13:35,020 Speaker 1: paradox in what he was saying. 206 00:13:35,880 --> 00:13:38,250 Speaker 3: What shall we do? Where shall we go? 207 00:13:39,130 --> 00:13:42,050 Speaker 1: Peter was eager to do all that Jesus commanded him. 208 00:13:43,270 --> 00:13:47,550 Speaker 1: The hunger to lead was quickly revitalizing itself in Peter's veins. 209 00:13:48,690 --> 00:13:52,510 Speaker 1: He envisioned what being the rock meant in this new 210 00:13:52,590 --> 00:13:57,800 Speaker 1: paradigm of Jesus' resurrection. He felt pride beginning to grow 211 00:13:57,920 --> 00:14:02,300 Speaker 1: small roots and quickly reminded himself of Jesus' words. 212 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:02,460 Speaker 2: On the beach. 213 00:14:03,530 --> 00:14:04,550 Speaker 3: Feed my sheep. 214 00:14:05,790 --> 00:14:08,070 Speaker 1: He couldn't take any credit for what God had done 215 00:14:08,130 --> 00:14:11,390 Speaker 1: through him up to this point, just as much as 216 00:14:11,429 --> 00:14:15,770 Speaker 1: he couldn't blame him for his missteps and failures. He 217 00:14:15,840 --> 00:14:19,500 Speaker 1: knew there was nothing he could do in his own power. 218 00:14:20,460 --> 00:14:25,040 Speaker 1: Though learning that lesson had come with difficulty, Peter now 219 00:14:25,140 --> 00:14:30,410 Speaker 1: found it comforting. He knew Jesus would sustain him and 220 00:14:30,490 --> 00:14:33,990 Speaker 1: the rest of the disciples in through whatever lay ahead. 221 00:14:34,670 --> 00:14:38,550 Speaker 7: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my 222 00:14:38,670 --> 00:14:43,690 Speaker 7: father has promised. He who I spoke of before my betrayal. 223 00:14:44,450 --> 00:14:47,170 Speaker 7: You will have much to do, but none can be 224 00:14:47,230 --> 00:14:48,570 Speaker 7: done without him. 225 00:14:49,250 --> 00:14:52,300 Speaker 8: Without him? Are you not the one who will lead us. 226 00:14:52,340 --> 00:14:52,859 Speaker 3: On our mission? 227 00:14:53,380 --> 00:14:59,200 Speaker 1: Jesus smiled graciously at Andrew. The disciples would always have questions. 228 00:15:00,020 --> 00:15:02,560 Speaker 1: And Jesus knew the answer he was about to give 229 00:15:03,340 --> 00:15:05,520 Speaker 1: would be better than anything else he could offer them 230 00:15:05,940 --> 00:15:06,860 Speaker 1: in this next season. 231 00:15:07,360 --> 00:15:09,840 Speaker 7: I have shared many lessons with you regarding my spirit. 232 00:15:10,590 --> 00:15:13,330 Speaker 7: It is he who empowered me during my time with you. 233 00:15:13,350 --> 00:15:17,190 Speaker 7: Think back to when we first met, Andrew. Do you 234 00:15:17,230 --> 00:15:18,030 Speaker 7: remember that day? 235 00:15:18,590 --> 00:15:19,610 Speaker 3: Of course, Lord. 236 00:15:20,450 --> 00:15:23,430 Speaker 8: It was after your baptism. And what a glorious time 237 00:15:23,470 --> 00:15:26,120 Speaker 8: that was. What I wouldn't have given to be there 238 00:15:26,140 --> 00:15:28,920 Speaker 8: when the heavens opened up. I can't imagine any of 239 00:15:28,960 --> 00:15:30,720 Speaker 8: the stories I've heard do it justice. 240 00:15:31,660 --> 00:15:34,620 Speaker 7: I can assure you the stories have more power for 241 00:15:34,700 --> 00:15:38,200 Speaker 7: you than you know. And they will continue to embolden 242 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:42,950 Speaker 7: my people. But beyond the stories, there is something, or 243 00:15:42,970 --> 00:15:47,130 Speaker 7: should I say, someone, who will give you even greater 244 00:15:47,610 --> 00:15:51,570 Speaker 7: strength and an everlasting hope. Believe it or not, I 245 00:15:52,010 --> 00:15:54,000 Speaker 7: meant it when I said it would be better if 246 00:15:54,080 --> 00:15:54,580 Speaker 7: I left. 247 00:15:55,520 --> 00:15:56,200 Speaker 1: In many ways. 248 00:15:57,320 --> 00:15:58,580 Speaker 7: We'll still be with you. 249 00:15:59,060 --> 00:16:04,140 Speaker 1: The disciples marveled at Jesus' words. They leaned forward. Their 250 00:16:04,220 --> 00:16:09,200 Speaker 1: hearts began to race. Could anything really be better if 251 00:16:09,320 --> 00:16:13,380 Speaker 1: Jesus left? He had been their teacher regarding all things 252 00:16:13,460 --> 00:16:18,610 Speaker 1: about God and his kingdom. Their pillar of strength through persecution. 253 00:16:19,510 --> 00:16:24,430 Speaker 1: Their strong tower in times of trouble. And their peace 254 00:16:25,170 --> 00:16:28,700 Speaker 1: in the storms of anxiety. doubt and fear. 255 00:16:29,240 --> 00:16:32,360 Speaker 7: In the early days of my ministry, John baptized a 256 00:16:32,480 --> 00:16:36,140 Speaker 7: baptism of repentance with water. But just as I was 257 00:16:36,230 --> 00:16:40,250 Speaker 7: baptized in the Spirit, I now share that gift with you. 258 00:16:41,190 --> 00:16:43,790 Speaker 7: In a few days, you will be baptized with the 259 00:16:43,870 --> 00:16:47,310 Speaker 7: Holy Spirit. It is with him that you will do 260 00:16:47,510 --> 00:16:49,910 Speaker 7: more wondrous works than I. 261 00:16:51,630 --> 00:16:56,080 Speaker 1: There was a deafening silence. as this revolutionary news danced 262 00:16:56,160 --> 00:17:01,860 Speaker 1: around their minds, delving into their hearts. Surely the Spirit 263 00:17:01,900 --> 00:17:05,540 Speaker 1: had been with them this whole time, but it was 264 00:17:05,680 --> 00:17:09,640 Speaker 1: evident that this baptism of the Spirit held an even 265 00:17:09,800 --> 00:17:14,910 Speaker 1: greater significance than just His presence with them. Jesus spoke 266 00:17:14,970 --> 00:17:18,869 Speaker 1: of intimacy with the Spirit. This was the beginning of 267 00:17:19,010 --> 00:17:23,820 Speaker 1: something new and unheard of, the baptism of of the 268 00:17:23,920 --> 00:17:28,100 Speaker 1: Spirit was more than just a new mission. It was 269 00:17:28,200 --> 00:17:34,000 Speaker 1: the beginning of new, fresh life. They wondered if they 270 00:17:34,040 --> 00:17:38,439 Speaker 1: were ready for everything it entailed. With each word Jesus shared, 271 00:17:39,040 --> 00:17:41,860 Speaker 1: it was as though scales were falling from their eyes. 272 00:17:42,600 --> 00:17:46,379 Speaker 1: They could see the world more clearly in the light 273 00:17:46,420 --> 00:17:51,560 Speaker 1: of the Father's perfect plan unfolding before them. Their musings 274 00:17:51,660 --> 00:17:54,460 Speaker 1: bubbled over with a plea to know what Jesus would 275 00:17:54,500 --> 00:17:54,960 Speaker 1: do next. 276 00:17:55,619 --> 00:18:00,100 Speaker 4: Lord, is it finally time? Are you going to restore 277 00:18:00,119 --> 00:18:01,199 Speaker 4: the kingdom to Israel? 278 00:18:01,720 --> 00:18:04,350 Speaker 7: I shared this with you and the Sons of Thunder 279 00:18:04,410 --> 00:18:07,750 Speaker 7: on the mountain at my transfiguration. But for the benefit 280 00:18:07,790 --> 00:18:11,270 Speaker 7: of the others here, I'll say it again. I'm sure 281 00:18:11,330 --> 00:18:14,090 Speaker 7: it's hard to accept, but it is not for you 282 00:18:14,150 --> 00:18:17,290 Speaker 7: to know the times or the dates the Father has 283 00:18:17,390 --> 00:18:20,700 Speaker 7: set by his authorities. Of course, this is no mark 284 00:18:20,740 --> 00:18:25,380 Speaker 7: against you. But my father works in mysterious ways that 285 00:18:25,560 --> 00:18:27,679 Speaker 7: no human could ever comprehend. 286 00:18:28,340 --> 00:18:32,730 Speaker 1: At this, the disciples' shoulders slumped over so slightly. Any 287 00:18:32,790 --> 00:18:36,970 Speaker 1: time a question of timing was posed to Jesus, obscurity 288 00:18:37,070 --> 00:18:41,630 Speaker 1: was always involved. And time seemed to be an enigma 289 00:18:42,190 --> 00:18:45,330 Speaker 1: when it came to Jesus' plans. They did their best 290 00:18:45,369 --> 00:18:48,550 Speaker 1: to fight the confusion and stay focused on their faith. 291 00:18:49,410 --> 00:18:52,650 Speaker 7: Do not worry. There is good news to be had 292 00:18:52,690 --> 00:18:56,730 Speaker 7: while waiting. You are to stay here in Jerusalem, where 293 00:18:56,780 --> 00:19:00,920 Speaker 7: you will receive power, a power unlike any you've ever 294 00:19:01,020 --> 00:19:05,580 Speaker 7: seen before. Kings could only wish for authority like this. 295 00:19:06,240 --> 00:19:11,080 Speaker 1: And just like that, Jesus had pulverized their doubts and 296 00:19:11,140 --> 00:19:16,180 Speaker 1: laid the foundation for courage again. Like a master craftsman, 297 00:19:16,880 --> 00:19:21,740 Speaker 1: he chiseled away at their hearts. Precisely and patiently. 298 00:19:22,300 --> 00:19:25,880 Speaker 7: The Holy Spirit will descend upon you, filling you with 299 00:19:26,160 --> 00:19:27,930 Speaker 7: unimaginable power. 300 00:19:28,410 --> 00:19:31,629 Speaker 1: Their eyes sparkled in amazement at the very thought. 301 00:19:32,270 --> 00:19:36,590 Speaker 7: Remember his purpose. He comes to testify of me. And 302 00:19:36,630 --> 00:19:40,250 Speaker 7: when he empowers you, you too will be my witnesses. 303 00:19:40,850 --> 00:19:44,190 Speaker 8: And are we to stay here in Jerusalem? How will 304 00:19:44,230 --> 00:19:46,070 Speaker 8: we know what to do when all this has come 305 00:19:46,109 --> 00:19:46,570 Speaker 8: to pass? 306 00:19:47,090 --> 00:19:47,650 Speaker 2: Yes, Andrew. 307 00:19:48,369 --> 00:19:51,260 Speaker 7: There will be work to do here in Jerusalem. I 308 00:19:51,300 --> 00:19:54,159 Speaker 7: know I've stirred the pot quite a bit, but Jerusalem 309 00:19:54,280 --> 00:19:57,619 Speaker 7: is only the start. The Helper will direct your steps, 310 00:19:58,420 --> 00:20:01,800 Speaker 7: and it's time. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem 311 00:20:01,820 --> 00:20:06,659 Speaker 7: and beyond, to Judea and Sumeria and the ends of 312 00:20:06,720 --> 00:20:10,260 Speaker 7: the earth. The Spirit will bring forth my gospel message 313 00:20:10,619 --> 00:20:12,540 Speaker 7: with unstoppable force. 314 00:20:13,300 --> 00:20:17,100 Speaker 1: Like a garden in heavy rain after a drought, the 315 00:20:17,160 --> 00:20:23,580 Speaker 1: disciples vigorously soaked up every word Jesus shared. Following Jesus 316 00:20:23,619 --> 00:20:27,979 Speaker 1: had become natural to them over the years. Yet everything 317 00:20:28,140 --> 00:20:33,680 Speaker 1: he said spoke of the supernatural, a mission beyond themselves, 318 00:20:34,720 --> 00:20:38,280 Speaker 1: and a life that would lead the world with unprecedented 319 00:20:38,340 --> 00:20:43,320 Speaker 1: hope and transformation. Sweat dripped from their brows, but it 320 00:20:43,359 --> 00:20:45,660 Speaker 1: was hard to tell if it was from the heat 321 00:20:45,820 --> 00:20:49,620 Speaker 1: of the glaring sun or the welling up of anticipation 322 00:20:50,200 --> 00:20:54,070 Speaker 1: for the arrival of the Advocate. Each man who stood 323 00:20:54,170 --> 00:21:00,790 Speaker 1: before Jesus knew this promised gift would start a cataclysmic 324 00:21:00,990 --> 00:21:06,500 Speaker 1: chain of events spreading across the world. Clouds gently sailed 325 00:21:06,520 --> 00:21:12,260 Speaker 1: through the skies before anchoring themselves directly overhead, dampening the sunlight. 326 00:21:13,760 --> 00:21:17,100 Speaker 1: Jesus peered up and let out a sigh, but this 327 00:21:17,140 --> 00:21:21,140 Speaker 1: was not a sigh of dejection or weariness. This was 328 00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:25,240 Speaker 1: the exhale of one catching their breath after a job 329 00:21:25,330 --> 00:21:31,010 Speaker 1: well done. Though he came from eternity, the humanity in 330 00:21:31,070 --> 00:21:35,989 Speaker 1: him felt the sorrow of saying goodbye. He lifted his 331 00:21:36,190 --> 00:21:40,790 Speaker 1: arms and smiled, addressing them one final time. 332 00:21:41,190 --> 00:21:44,170 Speaker 7: My friends, to say our time together was short would 333 00:21:44,190 --> 00:21:48,810 Speaker 7: be an understatement. Each of you has grown tremendously, and 334 00:21:48,850 --> 00:21:50,570 Speaker 7: I'm oh so very proud of you. 335 00:21:51,010 --> 00:21:54,780 Speaker 1: The disciples knew the tone of Jesus' voice. They were 336 00:21:54,820 --> 00:21:59,560 Speaker 1: no strangers to parting words, leaving their family and friends 337 00:21:59,720 --> 00:22:03,859 Speaker 1: regularly to travel with Jesus. They could feel an imminent 338 00:22:03,940 --> 00:22:08,100 Speaker 1: goodbye coming as the heavy weight of sadness pressed on 339 00:22:08,140 --> 00:22:12,580 Speaker 1: their hearts like a millstone. Tears sat in the corner 340 00:22:12,619 --> 00:22:17,140 Speaker 1: of their eyes, as a whirlwind of mourning and joy 341 00:22:17,320 --> 00:22:21,310 Speaker 1: intermingled in their souls. All they could do was listen 342 00:22:21,910 --> 00:22:27,190 Speaker 1: with trepidation. Before they could ready themselves for the inevitable, 343 00:22:27,930 --> 00:22:29,790 Speaker 1: Jesus bid them farewell. 344 00:22:30,350 --> 00:22:34,480 Speaker 7: Goodbye for now, my good and faithful servants. Do not fear. 345 00:22:35,369 --> 00:22:37,250 Speaker 7: for I will be with you. 346 00:22:37,730 --> 00:22:42,229 Speaker 1: Before their eyes, Jesus began to levitate off the ground 347 00:22:43,050 --> 00:22:46,890 Speaker 1: like an invisible army of angels hoisted in the air. 348 00:22:47,710 --> 00:22:51,190 Speaker 1: The disciples felt a strong gust of wind push them back, 349 00:22:52,150 --> 00:22:55,450 Speaker 1: leaving them in a state of tumult. The wind had 350 00:22:55,530 --> 00:22:59,970 Speaker 1: no discernible origin, but was sweeping from the ground towards 351 00:23:00,030 --> 00:23:04,959 Speaker 1: the heavens. It cast rocks ricocheting against one another, and 352 00:23:05,060 --> 00:23:09,679 Speaker 1: bent back crackling boughs of nearby trees. The blend of 353 00:23:09,800 --> 00:23:13,720 Speaker 1: sounds was like a natural aria of stones and flora 354 00:23:14,000 --> 00:23:21,460 Speaker 1: crying out. Creation itself was praising its creator. The disciples' 355 00:23:21,640 --> 00:23:26,409 Speaker 1: eyes never left Jesus during his ascent. The further away 356 00:23:26,470 --> 00:23:30,990 Speaker 1: he got from them, the nearer they subconsciously drew towards 357 00:23:31,170 --> 00:23:36,139 Speaker 1: one another in solidarity. The clouds began to shift once more, 358 00:23:36,880 --> 00:23:41,619 Speaker 1: as though heaven was constructing a door to welcome the 359 00:23:41,840 --> 00:23:47,220 Speaker 1: king home. Time seemed to be irrelevant. No man could 360 00:23:47,300 --> 00:23:51,960 Speaker 1: say whether seconds or hours had passed, nor did they 361 00:23:52,080 --> 00:23:57,460 Speaker 1: dare look away, afraid they might miss a magnificent celestial 362 00:23:57,540 --> 00:24:03,220 Speaker 1: event above. Seemingly, out of nowhere, two men of great 363 00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:07,720 Speaker 1: stature stood to the left of the disciples. Their attire 364 00:24:07,830 --> 00:24:11,250 Speaker 1: was the first sign that these men were not of 365 00:24:11,350 --> 00:24:16,450 Speaker 1: any earthly community. Their robes were woven of immaculate white 366 00:24:16,650 --> 00:24:21,210 Speaker 1: linen and sparkled in the light like polished granite. 367 00:24:21,770 --> 00:24:23,590 Speaker 2: Men of Galilee! 368 00:24:24,010 --> 00:24:27,889 Speaker 1: The disciples were aghast and jumped back. Their heads swiveled 369 00:24:27,950 --> 00:24:31,130 Speaker 1: around to find the booming voice that drew their attention 370 00:24:31,190 --> 00:24:35,290 Speaker 1: from the miracle they witnessed. What they saw stunned them, 371 00:24:35,890 --> 00:24:40,090 Speaker 1: two large men, and drawn only a few paces away 372 00:24:40,650 --> 00:24:45,199 Speaker 1: without so much as a sound. Surely they would have 373 00:24:45,240 --> 00:24:49,560 Speaker 1: heard them approaching, but their sudden appearance indicated that they 374 00:24:49,660 --> 00:24:52,659 Speaker 1: likely hadn't walked to greet the disciples. 375 00:24:53,320 --> 00:24:56,590 Speaker 2: Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This 376 00:24:56,680 --> 00:25:00,290 Speaker 2: same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, 377 00:25:00,990 --> 00:25:03,830 Speaker 2: will come back in the same way you have seen 378 00:25:03,869 --> 00:25:05,750 Speaker 2: him go Into heaven. 379 00:25:06,890 --> 00:25:10,609 Speaker 1: The disciples quickly bounced their eyes toward one another before 380 00:25:10,710 --> 00:25:13,650 Speaker 1: darting them back to the skies. And in a blink 381 00:25:13,690 --> 00:25:18,590 Speaker 1: of an eye, the clouds careened together like waves breaking 382 00:25:18,869 --> 00:25:23,450 Speaker 1: against a promontory. The disciples were left with more questions 383 00:25:23,869 --> 00:25:28,139 Speaker 1: than answers. But more importantly, they were left with a 384 00:25:28,260 --> 00:25:32,340 Speaker 1: promise that would be the key to unlocking the mystery 385 00:25:32,720 --> 00:25:37,520 Speaker 1: of God's plan. to spread the gospel message to the 386 00:25:37,760 --> 00:25:42,300 Speaker 1: ends of the earth. They knew this was the definitive 387 00:25:42,420 --> 00:25:46,740 Speaker 1: end to the first chapter of their ministry. But it 388 00:25:46,840 --> 00:25:50,100 Speaker 1: certainly wasn't the end of the story. 389 00:25:53,400 --> 00:25:57,900 Speaker 6: Jesus' final instructions to his disciples were to wait. This 390 00:25:57,940 --> 00:26:01,159 Speaker 6: might sound like a simple request, but it's packed with significance. 391 00:26:01,660 --> 00:26:04,359 Speaker 6: We all know that waiting's hard. And we have to 392 00:26:04,400 --> 00:26:08,899 Speaker 6: understand this. Waiting isn't passive. It's an active preparation for 393 00:26:08,940 --> 00:26:11,310 Speaker 6: what's to come. You know, I used to wait tables 394 00:26:11,530 --> 00:26:16,550 Speaker 6: back in the day and waiting tables was anything but passive. 395 00:26:17,090 --> 00:26:20,869 Speaker 6: We were constantly on the move, constantly taking orders and 396 00:26:21,170 --> 00:26:24,530 Speaker 6: constantly serving the people around us. You see, that's kind 397 00:26:24,570 --> 00:26:27,119 Speaker 6: of what waiting on the Lord is like. Waiting on 398 00:26:27,160 --> 00:26:30,290 Speaker 6: the Lord is serving. It's serving the people around you. 399 00:26:30,369 --> 00:26:33,830 Speaker 6: It's serving Him. It's serving His purposes and His kingdom. 400 00:26:34,330 --> 00:26:36,850 Speaker 6: The disciples were not to sit idly by, but to 401 00:26:36,910 --> 00:26:41,020 Speaker 6: anticipate the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit. Jesus' 402 00:26:41,060 --> 00:26:44,359 Speaker 6: directive underscores that sometimes the most profound work in our 403 00:26:44,420 --> 00:26:48,200 Speaker 6: lives and ministries happens in the waiting. It's in these 404 00:26:48,280 --> 00:26:50,530 Speaker 6: moments that we align our hearts with God's timing and 405 00:26:50,570 --> 00:26:54,369 Speaker 6: prepare ourselves for the next chapter. Jesus promises the disciples 406 00:26:54,410 --> 00:26:57,120 Speaker 6: that they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This 407 00:26:57,170 --> 00:26:59,899 Speaker 6: is more than a mere upgrade from John's baptism of water. 408 00:27:00,280 --> 00:27:04,300 Speaker 6: It's a complete immersion in divine power. Jesus acknowledges that 409 00:27:04,340 --> 00:27:06,900 Speaker 6: the task ahead, the mission to witness to the ends 410 00:27:06,940 --> 00:27:10,290 Speaker 6: of the earth, cannot be accomplished through human strength alone. 411 00:27:10,830 --> 00:27:14,109 Speaker 6: It requires the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has 412 00:27:14,150 --> 00:27:16,770 Speaker 6: been talking about the Holy Spirit a lot up until now, 413 00:27:17,170 --> 00:27:19,510 Speaker 6: but this concept of the Holy Spirit is very abstract 414 00:27:19,530 --> 00:27:22,640 Speaker 6: to the disciples. But as we go through our series now, 415 00:27:22,700 --> 00:27:26,140 Speaker 6: we're going to find out that the Holy Spirit is dynamic, present, 416 00:27:26,280 --> 00:27:29,810 Speaker 6: and practical. This promise wasn't just for the early church. 417 00:27:29,869 --> 00:27:32,500 Speaker 6: It's a continual promise for every believer, you and I, 418 00:27:32,750 --> 00:27:35,409 Speaker 6: who would testify to the name of Jesus. If the 419 00:27:35,430 --> 00:27:37,810 Speaker 6: glorified Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit, how much more 420 00:27:37,850 --> 00:27:41,970 Speaker 6: do we need his empowering presence in our lives? Jesus' 421 00:27:42,030 --> 00:27:44,080 Speaker 6: command to be witnesses to the end of the earth 422 00:27:44,160 --> 00:27:48,010 Speaker 6: reveals the expansive nature of the mission. The gospel is 423 00:27:48,050 --> 00:27:52,150 Speaker 6: not confined by geography, ethnicity, or social status. It's meant 424 00:27:52,170 --> 00:27:55,560 Speaker 6: for everyone. The disciples might have felt overwhelmed by this mandate, 425 00:27:55,640 --> 00:27:59,040 Speaker 6: considering their limited resources and the hostile environment that they 426 00:27:59,060 --> 00:28:02,540 Speaker 6: were going to be ministering to. Yet Jesus' words assure 427 00:28:02,560 --> 00:28:05,210 Speaker 6: them that their mission is not dependent on their abilities, 428 00:28:05,270 --> 00:28:08,670 Speaker 6: but on the power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel 429 00:28:08,690 --> 00:28:11,350 Speaker 6: spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of 430 00:28:11,369 --> 00:28:13,850 Speaker 6: the earth becomes a guiding framework for the book of 431 00:28:14,010 --> 00:28:17,369 Speaker 6: Acts and a reminder of our global mission here and 432 00:28:17,490 --> 00:28:21,490 Speaker 6: now and today. Yet the disciples' waiting period was essential 433 00:28:21,570 --> 00:28:25,409 Speaker 6: for their preparation. Similarly, in our own lives, periods of waiting, 434 00:28:25,470 --> 00:28:28,209 Speaker 6: whether for a new job or relationship or spiritual growth, 435 00:28:28,670 --> 00:28:31,929 Speaker 6: are not void of purpose. Use these times to deepen 436 00:28:31,950 --> 00:28:35,169 Speaker 6: your relationship with God. Seek His guidance and prepare for 437 00:28:35,190 --> 00:28:39,350 Speaker 6: the next steps He has for you. Remember, Waiting often 438 00:28:39,450 --> 00:28:44,050 Speaker 6: is a precursor to great things. Just as the disciples 439 00:28:44,130 --> 00:28:46,270 Speaker 6: were to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too should 440 00:28:46,310 --> 00:28:48,790 Speaker 6: seek his presence and power in our lives in the waiting. 441 00:28:49,350 --> 00:28:51,570 Speaker 6: It's easy to rely on our own strength and resources 442 00:28:51,610 --> 00:28:54,520 Speaker 6: for things, but true effectiveness in the kingdom of God 443 00:28:54,760 --> 00:28:58,200 Speaker 6: requires the Spirit's empowerment. I want you to think about 444 00:28:58,240 --> 00:29:01,540 Speaker 6: it this way. When's the last time that you dreamed 445 00:29:01,600 --> 00:29:05,160 Speaker 6: for something that was only big enough if God showed up, 446 00:29:05,260 --> 00:29:08,520 Speaker 6: and if God used his Spirit to empower you, and 447 00:29:08,620 --> 00:29:12,450 Speaker 6: move things around you? Have we been praying small prayers? 448 00:29:13,110 --> 00:29:15,970 Speaker 6: You see, the disciples had a big task ahead of them, 449 00:29:16,170 --> 00:29:20,850 Speaker 6: and the big task required big power. We as disciples 450 00:29:20,890 --> 00:29:24,210 Speaker 6: of Jesus today ought to follow suit of these disciples 451 00:29:24,270 --> 00:29:27,810 Speaker 6: who sought Jesus eagerly and knew that only by his 452 00:29:27,910 --> 00:29:31,060 Speaker 6: strength would they accomplish the things ahead. As we reflect 453 00:29:31,120 --> 00:29:34,400 Speaker 6: on Acts 1, 1-11, let's remember that the ascension of 454 00:29:34,460 --> 00:29:37,020 Speaker 6: Jesus is not just a historical event but a call 455 00:29:37,040 --> 00:29:40,220 Speaker 6: to action. It's a remember to wait with expectation, seek 456 00:29:40,240 --> 00:29:43,160 Speaker 6: the Holy Spirit's power, expand our vision for the gospel, 457 00:29:43,540 --> 00:29:46,080 Speaker 6: and live with the assurance of Christ's return. In this 458 00:29:46,120 --> 00:29:50,540 Speaker 6: grand narrative, we're not passive observers, but active participants in 459 00:29:50,560 --> 00:29:53,640 Speaker 6: the unfolding story of God's kingdom. So let's step into 460 00:29:53,680 --> 00:29:57,390 Speaker 6: our role with faith, courage, and anticipation, knowing that the 461 00:29:57,430 --> 00:30:01,400 Speaker 6: same Jesus who ascended will return. But in the meantime, 462 00:30:01,540 --> 00:30:03,680 Speaker 6: as we wait for his return, we are going to 463 00:30:03,700 --> 00:30:06,570 Speaker 6: be witnesses to the ends of the earth. I'm so 464 00:30:06,630 --> 00:30:08,810 Speaker 6: happy to be back with you as we go through 465 00:30:09,050 --> 00:30:12,110 Speaker 6: the Jesus podcast. In our next episode, we're going to 466 00:30:12,150 --> 00:30:15,680 Speaker 6: follow Peter, James, John, and all the disciples as they 467 00:30:15,820 --> 00:30:19,780 Speaker 6: figure out what's next. Have you ever been in a 468 00:30:19,840 --> 00:30:23,920 Speaker 6: time of uncertainty, not really knowing what's ahead? The disciples 469 00:30:24,240 --> 00:30:25,790 Speaker 6: certainly know that feeling.