Scriptures for Sunday, June 10, 2018

Our commission from Jesus is to be messengers or witnesses – in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a kingdom truth and the Holy Spirit gives us His kingdom perspective. What appears at first to be daunting may not be difficult at all, if we do it His way.

Acts 1:3-8 TPT

3-4 After the sufferings of his cross, Jesus appeared alive many times to these same apostles over a forty-day period. Jesus proved to them with many convincing signs that he had been resurrected. During these encounters, He taught them the truths of God's kingdom realm and shared meals with them.

Jesus instructed them, "Don't leave Jerusalem, but wait here until you receive the gift I told you about, the gift the Father has promised. 5 For John baptised you in water, but in a few days from now will be baptised in the Holy Spirit!"

6-7 Every time they were gathered together, they asked Jesus, "Lord, is it the time now for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?" He answered, "The Father is the one who sets the fixed dates and the times of their fulfillment. You are not permitted to know the timing of all that He has prepared by His own authority.

8 But I promise you this - the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be filled with power. And you will be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces - even to the remotest places on earth!"

Truths of God's kingdom realm

  • Realm = sphere of authority, influence

  • Where we are under God's authority or influence, particular truths become apparent

In a sentence

"You will be baptised in the Holy Spirit... and...filled with power and...be My messengers..."

Reflection

  • How many was Jesus addressing? Exclusive? Twelve? More? Men and women? Those gathering in the Upper Room?

  • Is this teaching for all of us?

  • What was being baptised in the Holy Spirit going to do for them? What change would result?

Colossians 4:3-6

3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should.

5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.

The nature of proclaiming – and conversation.

Asking for a 'missional heart' to see where there could be 'missional communities'.