Manifesting the Invisible Kingdom: Our Mission Today
Summary
In today's gathering, we were reminded of the profound presence of Jesus among us, even though He remains invisible to our eyes. Imagining a scenario where Jesus manifests Himself visibly, we pondered what question we might ask Him. This reflection led us to consider the last question the disciples asked Jesus before His ascension: "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" This question reveals their anticipation for the restoration of Israel's glory, as prophesied in the Old Testament. However, Jesus redirected their focus from earthly expectations to a spiritual mission.
Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which would empower them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This mandate, known as the Great Commission, is not just a call to evangelize but a call to embody and manifest the invisible Kingdom of God in the world. The disciples were to bear witness to a kingdom characterized by righteousness, truth, mercy, and charity, transcending national and ethnic boundaries.
Reflecting on the ruins of ancient cities like Ephesus and Corinth, we are reminded of the fallen state of David's kingdom and the hope for its restoration. Yet, Jesus' kingdom is not confined to earthly realms; it is a spiritual kingdom with global implications. The church's mission is to make this invisible kingdom visible, demonstrating what it means to live under the reign of Christ.
We are called to be a missionary church, extending our reach beyond local boundaries to support and empower emerging churches worldwide, particularly in Africa. The story of missionaries like Elizabeth Elliott and Rachel Saint, who continued to minister to those who had harmed them, exemplifies the obedience to the Great Commission. As we continue to study the book of Acts, we are inspired by the first-century church's dedication to spreading the gospel, even at great personal cost.
Key Takeaways:
- The presence of Jesus is as real today as it was for the disciples, even though He is invisible to our eyes. This calls us to live with the awareness of His presence and to seek His guidance in our daily lives. [00:30]
- The disciples' question about the restoration of Israel's kingdom reflects a common human desire for tangible, earthly fulfillment. Jesus redirects this desire towards a spiritual mission, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit's empowerment. [04:22]
- The Great Commission is a call to make the invisible Kingdom of God visible in the world. This involves living out the values of righteousness, truth, mercy, and charity, demonstrating what it means to live under Christ's reign. [12:04]
- The church's mission extends beyond local boundaries, requiring us to support and empower emerging churches worldwide. This global perspective is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the gospel to all nations. [16:21]
- The story of missionaries who continued to minister to those who harmed them exemplifies the radical obedience to the Great Commission. Their lives challenge us to embody forgiveness and perseverance in our mission work. [17:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Joyful Reunion
[00:30] - Presence of Jesus
[01:09] - Imagining Jesus' Manifestation
[01:47] - The Disciples' Last Question
[02:27] - Waiting for the Promise
[03:21] - Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[04:22] - Question of Restoration
[06:04] - Ruins and Restoration
[09:06] - The Kingdom Beyond Israel
[11:16] - The Great Commission
[13:21] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[16:21] - Missionary Church
[17:52] - Story of Missionary Perseverance
[19:42] - Global Church Vision
[21:41] - Ascension and Return of Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 1:6-8
2. Matthew 6:9-10
3. Amos 9:11
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Observation Questions:
1. What question did the disciples ask Jesus before His ascension, and what does this reveal about their expectations? [04:22]
2. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' question about the restoration of Israel's kingdom? [11:16]
3. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the Holy Spirit? [03:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the ruins of ancient cities like Ephesus and Corinth, and what do they symbolize in the context of the sermon? [06:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the disciples have been focused on the restoration of Israel's earthly kingdom, and how does this reflect common human desires? [04:22]
2. How does Jesus' instruction to wait for the Holy Spirit's empowerment shift the focus from earthly to spiritual priorities? [11:16]
3. In what ways does the Great Commission challenge the church to transcend national and ethnic boundaries? [12:04]
4. How do the stories of missionaries like Elizabeth Elliott and Rachel Saint illustrate the radical obedience to the Great Commission? [17:52]
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Application Questions:
1. How can you cultivate a daily awareness of Jesus' presence in your life, even though He is invisible to our eyes? [00:30]
2. Reflect on a time when you were focused on earthly expectations. How can you redirect your focus towards spiritual priorities, as Jesus instructed His disciples? [04:22]
3. What steps can you take to embody the values of righteousness, truth, mercy, and charity in your community, making the invisible Kingdom of God visible? [12:04]
4. How can you support and empower emerging churches worldwide, particularly in regions like Africa, as part of fulfilling the Great Commission? [19:42]
5. Consider a situation where you have been wronged. How can the example of missionaries who ministered to those who harmed them inspire you to embody forgiveness and perseverance? [17:52]
6. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, in line with the Great Commission? [12:04]
7. What specific action can you take this week to support your local church's mission efforts, both locally and globally? [16:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Living in the Presence of the Invisible Christ
The presence of Jesus is as real today as it was for the disciples, even though He is invisible to our eyes. This calls us to live with the awareness of His presence and to seek His guidance in our daily lives. The disciples experienced Jesus physically, but we are invited to experience Him spiritually, recognizing His influence and guidance in our everyday actions. This awareness transforms our mundane routines into opportunities for divine encounters, encouraging us to live with intentionality and purpose. [00:30]
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of Jesus' presence in your daily routine today? What specific actions can you take to seek His guidance more intentionally?
Day 2: Redirecting Earthly Desires to Spiritual Missions
The disciples' question about the restoration of Israel's kingdom reflects a common human desire for tangible, earthly fulfillment. Jesus redirects this desire towards a spiritual mission, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit's empowerment. This redirection challenges us to examine our own desires and expectations, urging us to align them with God's greater purpose. By focusing on spiritual growth and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can transcend our earthly limitations and participate in the divine mission. [04:22]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Reflection: What earthly desires or expectations might be distracting you from your spiritual mission? How can you refocus these desires towards seeking God's kingdom first?
Day 3: Manifesting the Invisible Kingdom of God
The Great Commission is a call to make the invisible Kingdom of God visible in the world. This involves living out the values of righteousness, truth, mercy, and charity, demonstrating what it means to live under Christ's reign. As followers of Christ, we are tasked with embodying these values in our interactions and decisions, serving as living testimonies of God's love and justice. By doing so, we not only fulfill the Great Commission but also invite others to experience the transformative power of God's kingdom. [12:04]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively demonstrate the values of God's kingdom in your community today? What specific actions can you take to embody righteousness, truth, mercy, and charity?
Day 4: Embracing a Global Missionary Perspective
The church's mission extends beyond local boundaries, requiring us to support and empower emerging churches worldwide. This global perspective is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the gospel to all nations. By embracing a global mindset, we can participate in the growth of the universal church, recognizing our interconnectedness with believers around the world. This perspective challenges us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and consider how we can contribute to the global mission of the church. [16:21]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you support the global mission of the church today? Consider one practical way you can contribute to the growth of the church beyond your local community.
Day 5: Radical Obedience and Forgiveness in Mission Work
The story of missionaries who continued to minister to those who harmed them exemplifies the radical obedience to the Great Commission. Their lives challenge us to embody forgiveness and perseverance in our mission work. This radical obedience requires us to extend grace and love even in the face of adversity, trusting in God's greater plan. By following the example of these missionaries, we can learn to forgive those who have wronged us and continue to serve with unwavering dedication. [17:52]
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive? How can you begin to extend grace and love to them today, following the example of radical obedience in mission work?
Quotes
I am as convinced of his presence today as I am of the presence of Mitch and of Florence he has come he awaits us at his table he promised his presence among us but he is invisible to our eyes at this time time now if we can just exercise our imagination for a moment. [00:00:39]
They asked a question about time they asked a question about a kingdom they asked a question about Israel and they asked a profound question about restoration they were all advised of the Prophecies of the Old Testament Israel they like every other Pious Jew down to the centuries look forward to that day when the glory of Israel would be restored. [00:04:33]
They were still thinking of the Kingdom strictly in terms of Earthly National boundaries restricted to the borders of Israel itself they hadn't grasped the central teaching of Jesus during his lifetime when he proclaimed the kingdom of God that would go far beyond the boundaries of Israel and that the greater son of David would initiate a kingdom that would have no end. [00:08:48]
The church has recognized for centuries as the Great Commission this is the passage in which our lord gave his marching orders to his church he's saying in effect it's none of your business when the kingdom is going to be consummated that's in my father's hand it's under my father's Authority. [00:12:07]
The mission of the church the reason we exist is to Bear witness to the present Reign and Rule of Christ who is at the right hand of God if you try to do it in your own power it's as if Jesus said you will fail that's why I'm not going to leave you this Earth shattering task. [00:13:33]
The reason for that outpouring of that spirit is not to make you feel spiritual it's not to give you a spiritual high but I'm going to give you my spirit so that you can do the job that I've given the church to do the day I left last week for Washington I had lunch with a man. [00:14:18]
That's what we need at St Andrews is to be in touch with people like that with Palmer Robertson and his missionary work in Malawi and with the work in Iran and others because that's an extension of St Andrew St Andrews lives by this same Great Commission that it is our responsibility not just to minister to Sanford here locally. [00:16:01]
One of the great books of our time was her book called through Gates of Splendor which chronicled the slaughter of her husband and four other missionaries including Nate Saint who were missionaries to the AA Indians in Ecuador and how when they had dropped gifts and they tried to make a visit and they came in and they were ambushed. [00:17:01]
Elizabeth Elliot went back there and continued to minister to the AA Indians who killed her husband and she raised her daughter in the midst of that group and converts among the AA Indians babysat her the same people that killed her father were the babysitter and the same thing with Rachel Saint and now she was back over there. [00:17:42]
Calvin said it this way that the kingdom of God the kingdom of Christ right now is invisible and it is the task of the visible ible church that's us to make the invisible Kingdom of Christ visible to manifest to people what it would be like to live in a commonwealth ruled by Jesus. [00:18:44]
I really believe that within 30 years the largest and strongest branch of Christendom will be in Africa and I think it's absolutely critical that the church in the United States right now pour as many resources as we possibly can into the emerging churches of the third world and particularly in Africa. [00:19:39]
I just think as we continue in the book of Acts we're going to see the first century Church in action the first century Church crawling over glass pouring out blood giving their lives to obey this last command be my Witnesses Jerusalem Judea Samaria uttermost parts of the earth and when he said this while they were watching. [00:21:00]
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