Empowered for Mission: Embracing Christ's 40 Days
Summary
Today, I explored the profound impact of the 40 days Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection, emphasizing how these days were intended to change the world. I began by inviting the congregation to reflect on what they would do if given 40 days to make a difference, paralleling this with Jesus' post-resurrection period where He prepared His disciples for their mission.
I highlighted key biblical narratives that demonstrate the transformational power of Jesus' ministry, from the road to Emmaus to His ascension, and how these events have shaped Christian faith and practice. I stressed the importance of the Great Commission, urging each member to actively participate in spreading the gospel, not just globally but starting within our own communities—our "Jerusalem."
The sermon also included practical aspects of church life, such as upcoming events like movie nights and the significance of communal activities like the Lord's Supper in fostering a sense of community and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. I emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit, described as the "dunamis," empowering believers to live out their faith courageously and be effective witnesses.
In closing, I called on the congregation to embrace their roles as modern-day disciples, using every opportunity to testify to the life-changing power of the gospel, ensuring that the legacy of those 40 days continues to resonate through their lives and actions.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Transformative Power of Jesus' 40 Days: The period Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection was not just a historical event but a transformative season that has set the course for Christian mission throughout the ages. This time was used by Jesus to reinforce the teachings and prepare His disciples for the spreading of the gospel. This should inspire us to consider how we use our time in service to God and others. [01:07:56]
2. The Importance of Local Mission: Often, we think of mission as something that happens far away. However, the call to be witnesses starts in our own "Jerusalem." Our immediate community is where we first practice living out the teachings of Jesus, showing His love and grace to those closest to us. This local focus is not just a stepping stone but the foundation of global mission strategy. [01:29:13]
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, or "dunamis," provides us with the power to be effective witnesses. This power is not for personal gain but to empower us for the mission of the church—to testify to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Understanding and embracing the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial for personal spiritual growth and for fulfilling the Great Commission. [01:26:08]
4. Communal Worship and Remembrance: Participating in the Lord's Supper is a profound communal act that connects us with the historical reality of Christ's sacrifice and His command to remember Him. This sacrament is a central part of our worship because it reorients us to the foundational truths of our faith and the community's role in sustaining each other’s faith journeys. [58:12]
5. Anticipation of Christ’s Return: The ascension of Jesus is not just a past event but a promise of His return. This anticipation should not lead us to passivity but to active engagement in the mission entrusted to us. Knowing that Christ will return should motivate us to live each day fully committed to His teachings and to spreading His message of hope and salvation. [01:21:56]
### Chapters
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 0:21:18 - Introduction to the 40 Days of Impact
- 0:37:42 - Prayer and Worship Start
- 0:50:19 - Communion and Reflection on Christ’s Sacrifice
- 1:05:53 - Emphasizing the Power of Scripture and Witness
- 1:18:55 - Discussing the Ascension and Promise of the Holy Spirit
- 1:41:19 - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:4-11: "While Jesus was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the Father’s promise. 'This,' he said, 'is what you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.' So when they had come together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?' He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.'"
2. Matthew 28:18-20: "Then Jesus came near and said to them, 'All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
3. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26: "And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, he also took the cup after supper and said, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
#### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to His disciples in Acts 1:4-5? ([01:18:55])
2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the disciples instructed to do? ([01:07:21])
3. In 1 Corinthians 11:24-26, what does Jesus say the bread and the cup represent? ([58:12])
4. How did the disciples react to Jesus' ascension in Acts 1:9-11? ([01:21:20])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of Jesus instructing the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:4-5? How does this waiting period relate to their mission? ([01:18:55])
2. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 shape the mission of the church today? What does it mean to make disciples of all nations? ([01:07:21])
3. Why is the act of taking the Lord’s Supper important for believers, as described in 1 Corinthians 11:24-26? How does it help in remembering Christ’s sacrifice? ([58:12])
4. How does the promise of Jesus' return, as mentioned in Acts 1:11, influence the way believers live and witness today? ([01:21:20])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the 40 days Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. How can you use your time more effectively to serve God and others? ([01:06:36])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of local mission. What are some practical ways you can start being a witness in your own "Jerusalem" (immediate community)? ([01:29:13])
3. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit ("dunamis") to empower you in your daily life and witness? Are there specific areas where you need more courage or strength? ([01:26:08])
4. Participating in communal worship and the Lord’s Supper is vital. How can you make these practices more meaningful in your spiritual life? ([58:12])
5. The anticipation of Christ’s return should lead to active engagement in His mission. What steps can you take to live more fully committed to spreading His message of hope and salvation? ([01:21:56])
6. Think about a recent opportunity you had to share the gospel. How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time to be a more effective witness? ([01:27:40])
7. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. What specific action can you take this week to share the gospel with them? ([01:07:21])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Transformative Season
The 40 days Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection were not merely a continuation of His earthly ministry, but a transformative period that set the foundation for the Christian mission. During this time, Jesus reinforced His teachings and prepared His disciples for the task of spreading the gospel. This period serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of using our time wisely and with purpose, focusing on service to God and others. As believers, reflecting on this time can inspire us to consider how we might use our own days to make a significant impact in our communities and beyond. [01:07:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sozwDwOVkOA&t=4061s)
Acts 1:3-4 - "He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, 'you heard from me.'"
Reflection: How can you use the next 40 days to actively engage in a personal or community project that reflects Jesus' teachings?
---
Day 2: The Foundation of Local Mission
Often, the concept of mission is associated with distant lands and foreign cultures. However, the call to be witnesses for Christ begins in our own "Jerusalem"—our immediate communities. This local focus is not merely a stepping stone but the very foundation of a global mission strategy. By living out the teachings of Jesus and demonstrating His love and grace locally, we lay a robust groundwork for broader mission efforts. This approach ensures that the gospel's impact starts at home and radiates outward. [01:29:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sozwDwOVkOA&t=5338s)
Jeremiah 29:7 - "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can contribute to the welfare of your local community this week?
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Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, described as "dunamis," empowers believers to be effective witnesses of Jesus Christ. This divine power is not for personal gain but to fulfill the church’s mission—testifying to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Understanding and embracing the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial not only for personal spiritual growth but also for actively participating in the Great Commission. [01:26:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sozwDwOVkOA&t=5153s)
Acts 4:31 - "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s power to be more bold in your witness for Christ?
---
Day 4: Communal Worship and Remembrance
Participating in the Lord's Supper is a profound act of communal worship that connects us with the historical reality of Christ's sacrifice. This sacrament is central to our faith as it commands us to remember Him and reorients us to the foundational truths of our faith. It also plays a crucial role in sustaining each other’s faith journeys within the community. [58:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sozwDwOVkOA&t=3477s)
1 Corinthians 11:24-26 - "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: How does participating in the Lord's Supper influence your personal and communal life?
---
Day 5: Anticipating Christ’s Return
The ascension of Jesus is not just a historical event but a promise of His return. This anticipation should inspire not passivity but active engagement in the mission entrusted to us. Knowing that Christ will return motivates us to live each day fully committed to His teachings and spreading His message of hope and salvation. [01:21:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sozwDwOVkOA&t=4901s)
Hebrews 9:28 - "So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."
Reflection: What is one way you can demonstrate your anticipation of Christ’s return in your daily actions?
Quotes
"The 40 days is going to come to an end. I would imagine those two guys, as they got older, and they sat on their front porch, it might have looked something like this. So when you're old and you're sitting around on the front porch, you may not remember lunch, but will you remember Jesus? Will we tell that story to generations to come?" [01:16:42]
"The journey that Jesus was on with us is greater than ourselves. It's greater than any moment. It's greater than, even a checker game where somebody cheats. It's about changing lives forever." [01:17:41]
"These 40 days changed these men and women forever and led them to tell the story to carry on from generation to generation, even to the church today, sitting here at Lexington Park Baptist Church." [01:09:07]
"The gospel is the most influential story, the most influential historic fact that has happened, that has changed people throughout the centuries. And it's changed you. At least I hope it has." [01:09:38]
"We have power stations, some of you work at the nuclear plant, we have all this energy and all this power we just plug into it. You turn on the magic faucet and water comes. We have listen, you have indoor plumbing, whoo! All these things that past generations have no clue." [01:38:35]
"Why would we have the power and not use it? Why would this lady who knew no difference, she just thought okay, I've got the lights on long enough to do the candle lights like I've all done my life and then I'll turn the lights off. But we have all this power and sometimes we act like we're afraid to flip the switch." [01:39:36]
"We thank you for the challenge to be your witness. We thank you for our Jerusalem, we thank you for our Judea, we thank you for the Samaritans in our life, and we thank you that we have this mission that's bigger than ourselves to go to the ends of the earth." [01:41:19]
"Jesus isn't here. So for 40 days he was here and then he tells them to go wait. And here in a minute we're going to see why he told them to wait because something greater is going to happen. Those 40 days changed the world but something greater has happened beyond those 40 days and it's called the Holy Spirit." [01:18:08]
"Drink in remembrance of Christ. Lord, we thank you, for this blessed privilege, and this honor to come to this table. I pray we have done so with a worthy manner, and we have done so in remembrance of Christ." [01:05:53]
"The ascension of Jesus is not just a past event but a promise of His return. This anticipation should not lead us to passivity but to active engagement in the mission entrusted to us." [01:21:56]
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