Connecting to God’s Mission

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Year	Number of non-believers
1900	1.06 billion
1970	2.46 billion
2000	4.14 billion
2018	5.03 billion

There are more people alive today that do not know Christ than at any other point in history. 33% are considered Christian, 67% of the world’s population yearly. Not even factoring that many in the 33% of Christians are in name only.

Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. One could call it the life and times of Jesus and the launching of the Church. In the first Chapter of Acts, we find Jesus speaking to many followers for the last time in human form. He is passing on the final command to them as followers.

If you have ever watched a relay track race, you know the goal is for each person to participate in the race. Each participant passes a baton to the other as they finish their section, and the other begins. In this passage, Jesus is passing the baton to His followers. He is giving them a final charge. Jesus gave two commands before he ascended into heaven.

Notice the following:

First, verse 4 tells us He gathers them together and then commands them to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Notice this was not a request; it was a command. The Greek word used for command is Parangello which means “command, give orders.” 

Second, in verse 7, He told them they are not to know the time of His return or the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel; only the Father knows this information. Notice the Greek word for the time used is Chronos meaning duration of time. And the Greek word for “seasons” is Kairos, meaning length and kinds of time.

Third, in verse 8, it begins with “but,” contrasting verse 7 of knowing times or seasons. Instead of trying to figure out and know this information, Jesus gives them a second command. This command is to be His witnesses to the world’s end through the power of the Holy Spirit. Notice that the places are Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and the farthest part of the earth. Finally, notice the Greek word “eimi,” indicating “to be,” or as translated into English, “you will be”There is no option of choices; he is not asking them a question. Instead, Jesus commands them “to be my witnesses.”

We must ask ourselves where my role relates to these two commands. The Holy Spirit is here with us which answers the first command. He has come. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to empower and enable us to follow the second command of Jesus? Are we willing to engage the gospel of Jesus Christ locally, regionally, and globally? How will you do this locally, regionally, and globally? What resources and talents do you have to see this take place in the ministry Christ has called you? Where will you go? 

Here are a few thoughts:

1. BUILD relationships, pray, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
2. PRAY: There are spiritual battles taking place every day. Intercede for those outside and inside the Kingdom of God through prayer on their behalf.
3. ASK the Lord to help you give financially. All ministries need financial help. Ask the Lord to guide you to help those ministries outside your local Church and to what extent.
4. GO: God calls you to serve with the gifts and talents the Holy Spirit has given you. Wherever the call, go because Christ has called you. It may be locally, regionally, or globally.
5. TRUST: Trust God to provide for all your needs as you answer the list above. Trust Him to help you build relationships and help you pray and intercede. Trust Him to help you give. And trust Him to help you go.

Consider the following is from Joshua Project.