Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Connections That Are Central

(Jan. 3 – Sermon outline)

Acts 1:1-11

Introduction:

1. If you’ve purchased or received any electronics recently, …such as a tv, a dvr, a blueray disc player, or even a game boy… one of the most challenging tasks is figuring out the best way to connect the wires and cables. Most have more cable connections than Baskin Robbins has flavors. Our new TV has 9 inputs, and we only need one or two. So the question is, which ones are necessary for our usage?

2. It occurs to me that over the years, church has become like some of our electronics….we have multiple inputs and the challenge is to discover where you need to plug in.

3. Today we are starting a series on the book of Acts. Acts gives us historical examples of the good things that happen When Church Comes to Life.

4. During these 13 weeks, I want to ask you to read the book of Acts in at least two translations, to bring a Bible with you to worship and Bible study, and to aim for 100% participation during this series.

5. Highlights of this study include the birth of the church, the introduction of the Holy Spirit, the conversion of Saul, the launching of the first missionary movement, the conveyance of the gospel to non-Jewish people, and the emerging of the first church leadership model.

6. The book of Acts sets the stage for our theme for 2010….to help people connect with God and others through Jesus Christ.

7. Let’s begin in Acts 1: When the disciples asked Jesus, When are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?,

He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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 1:7-8 NIV

Outline: Remember and reflect on these three key words…

1. Vocation

a. Our primary vocation is to be a witness…a living example of God’s grace, a consistent conduit of God’s love.

b. Our secondary vocation is the career path you choose which enables you to best be a witness.

c. God is calling and has called some of us to be pastors, chaplains, and missionaries and some of us to be attorneys, medical professionals, business professionals, educators, and support personnel, just to name a few. Our primary vocation is lived out through our secondary vocation.

2. Location

a. Our primary location for being a witness is where we live, work, and serve.

b. Our secondary location is wherever we travel or invest ourselves recreationally, financially, and recreationally around the globe.

c. Wherever you are, you can be an authentic witness reflecting the love and grace of God.

d. As a church, we are to be engaged in missions and ministry in Jerusalem…our hometown, Judea and Samaria…our region or state, and around the globe.

3. Motivation

a. Our primary motivation for being an authentic witness is Jesus. No other motivational source is sufficiently consistent and dependable.

b. Our secondary motivation is the joy of serving in the body of Christ.

c. No one person…no mentor, no trainer, no coach, no counselor, no minister… is responsible for motivating you. Significant persons may inspire you, encourage you, and equip you, but Jesus is the ultimate motif of Christian living.

Conclusion:

As we begin a new year and a new decade, take the whole complicated maze of cables that represent the priorities of your life and start making your central connections. Start simple. Start by affirming your connection to Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior. And then develop stronger, more faithful connections to your vocation, your current location, and your ultimate motivation.