Is Jesus Still Active Today? (Acts 1:1-11)

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Welcome:

Episode Overview

In today's episode, we address a fundamental question: What is Jesus doing today? We know from Scripture that during His time on earth, Jesus taught, preached, healed, and performed miracles. But now, having been resurrected and ascended to heaven, what is His role and activity in our world? We'll explore this question through the lens of Acts 1:1-11, which offers insights into Jesus' ongoing work through the Holy Spirit and His followers. This passage breaks down into three main sections:

• The Prologue (Acts 1:1-5):
  • Luke's introduction and reference to his previous book (the Gospel of Luke).
  • Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and instructions to His apostles.
• The Great Commission (Acts 1:6-8):
  • The apostles' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel.
  • Jesus' response, emphasizing the importance of their mission to be His witnesses.
• The Ascension (Acts 1:9-11):
  • Jesus' ascension and the promise of His return.
  • The angels' message to the apostles, redirecting their focus to their present mission.

Key Points Discussed

• Jesus' Continuing Work:
  • Acts is the continuation of Jesus' actions through the Holy Spirit.
  • The importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit's empowerment.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit:
  • The Holy Spirit as the driving force behind the apostles' witness.
  • The spiritual power available to believers through the Holy Spirit.
• Our Commission:
  • The ongoing mission to witness and spread the Gospel.
  • The necessity of focusing on the present mission rather than past or future speculations.
• Witnessing in Our Lives:
  • Sharing personal experiences and encounters with Jesus.
  • Encouragement to pray for opportunities to witness.
• The Power of Availability:
  • God uses ordinary people who are willing to serve.
  • The importance of being available and open to God's call.

Reflection Questions

• How does understanding Jesus' current role through the Holy Spirit impact your daily life and faith?
• In what ways can you be more available to witness and share the Gospel with those around you?
• How can you cultivate a habit of praying for opportunities to talk about your faith?

Practical Applications

• Pray for Boldness: Ask God to give you courage to share your faith.
• Seek Opportunities: Look for everyday moments where you can talk about Jesus.
• Be a Witness: Remember, being a witness is simply sharing what you have seen and heard in your own life with Christ.

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Transcript

Is Jesus still Active Today?  (Acts 1: 1-11)

 Full Transcript:

Preaching is about creating a relationship between heart of God, the heart of the preacher and the hearts of gods people listening in the congregation.

I trust that you know when I speak, I am speaking from my heart and I trust that the message from the scripture speaks to your heart also but the most important part of this form my part in the process is that it should also reflect the heart of God.

So, what I'd like to do today is ask the simple question what is Jesus doing now, today? When he was here on the earth, he taught he preached he healed. He worked miracles, but what's he doing now that the bible tells us he has been resurrected raised up and sits in heaven.

Well, the bible tells us he is praying and making intercession for us, that's fine but what's he doing now, today on the earth. Is he working today on the earth and if so, what is he doing and how does he do it?

I believe that is the basic question that will be answered for us in the book of Acts. So I would like to invite your attention to Acts chapter one, that gives us sort of an introduction to the whole book and tells us in essence what Jesus is doing today right now on the earth…..

If you were to try to analyse the passage of scripture, we are looking at today it’s really rather simple. It opens with what could be called an introduction or what more some scholars would call a prologue. After which Jesus then gives a Commission to the apostles and then we have the story of his ascension.

So, the passage today sort of naturally breaks down into three parts and it's those three parts that I I'd like for us to look at they tell us what Jesus is doing now, also  that he has bodily ascended to heaven. So, let's begin with the prologue which is recorded in the 1st 5 verses.

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

(Acts 1: 1-5)

Luke opens by saying the former book I wrote to this guy Theophilos was all about what Jesus began both to do and to teach, and this book is addressed to the same man.

Who was Theophilus? We know very little about him. Everything we know comes from the book of Luke. In verse one of Acts, Luke refers to his "former account," which is of course the Gospel of Luke. 

This book is also addressed to Theophilus, who is referred to as "most excellent Theophilus," likely indicating he was a Roman official. We also know from the opening verses of Luke's Gospel that Theophilus had been instructed in the basis Christian faith. Putting these pieces together, we can surmise that Theophilus was a believer and likely a high-ranking Roman official.

Jesus' Continuing Work Luke begins Acts by saying, "In the former book, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach." This suggests that the Gospel of Luke was volume one of Jesus' actions and teachings. Acts is volume two, documenting what Jesus continues to do through his apostles after his ascension.

One noteworthy point is Luke's phrasing: "All that Jesus began to do and to teach"—not "teach and do." This order implies that Jesus practiced before he preached. This approach provided the disciples with an example before they received an exhortation, demonstrating the importance of action preceding instruction.

Luke continues in verse two, explaining that Jesus, before his ascension, gave commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. He presented himself alive after his suffering and death, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs. This is a strong statement, indicating that the evidence of Jeus' resurrection was conclusive, convincing, and incontestable.

Between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus appeared eleven times, providing tangible evidence of his resurrection. For instance, when the women who met him after the resurrection saw and touched him, it confirmed that he was bodily raised from the dead. 

When he first appeared to the disciples, he showed them his hands and feet. Thomas, who doubted, was invited to touch Jesus' side. These appearances were strong, conclusive proofs of his resurrection. 

Additionally, at the end of Lukes gospel account it tell sus Jesus appeared to more than 500 people and Paul also comment on this noting that many of them were still alive and could testify to what they had seen.

Luke recounts that Jesus, while with with his disciples, commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father. This promise is explained in the next verse: "For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Then Jesus had instructed his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received this baptism of the Holy Spirit.

So, in the opening verses of Acts, Luke sets the stage by explaining that this book will detail what Jesus is continuing to do through the Holy Spirit. 

This is a critical point: Jesus’ work continues, but it is now carried out by the Holy Spirit. At this point in the narrative, the Holy Spirit had not yet come, which is why Jesus instructs the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus had always exemplified the importance of waiting throughout his life. He often said things like, "My time has not yet come," demonstrating patience and timing. This theme is echoed in 2 Peter 3:9, which states, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." This verse indicates that God is waiting for the right time to send Jesus back, and it highlights the importance of waiting in our Christian lives as well.

Waiting is a recurring theme across the whole Bible. Psalm 27 speaks of waiting on the Lord, even in the face of adversity. The psalmist expresses confidence in God's goodness and ends with the advice, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." 

Similarly, Isaiah 40:31 states, "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." 

These verses and many other encourage us to wait on the Lord and trust that He will renew our strength.

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time 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: 6-8)

While the disciples were waiting, they asked Jesus, "“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?  This question reveals their expectation of a future, literal kingdom. Jesus had spoken about the Kingdom of God during the 40 days after His resurrection, and the disciples wanted to know if this is happening now.

Jesus' response is telling. He says, "“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set. This indicates that while the future kingdom is real and literal, its timing is not for the disciples to know. Jesus shifts their focus to the present mission that when the Holy Spirit comes they shall be given the power to be witnesses to Me first locally and then to the end of the earth.

There is always a danger that some believers may become preoccupied with creation debates or end-times prophecies, neglecting the present mission.

God is calling us to here I believe focus on the present, where He is actively at work, right nnow. The past and future have their place, but we must not lose sight of our current mission. Jesus emphasized the importance of the present when He commissioned the disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This mission is ongoing and requires our attention today and these opening verses of Acts sets the stage by explaining that this book will detail what Jesus is continuing to do through the Holy Spirit. 

.

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

(Acts 1: 9-11)

While the focus of this passage includes Jesus' ascension, the primary message is about his promised return. The angels tell the disciples, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven " (Acts 1:11). 

This should serve to motivate us rather than lead us into speculation about when he will return. The emphasis is on our commission: since Jesus is coming back, we must be about the work he has entrusted to us.

So, what is Jesus doing now? We know he is in heaven interceding for us, but what about his work on earth? 

This passage reveals that Jesus is continuing his mission through the Holy Spirit, working through his witnesses until he returns. 

In Luke 19:10, we learn that "the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." This is what Jesus began to do, and he continues to do it by the Holy Spirit, empowering us as his witnesses to share the Gospel.

This Great Commission, which is recorded in Matthew, Luke 24, and here in Acts, remains in effect still today.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 

The mission he gives to the apostles has not be cancelled; rather, it continues until his return.

Before continuing with their mission, Jesus instructs the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, which is also referred to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. 

My belief is that if you have trusted in Christ, you have received this baptism. It's important to clarify that this is not necessarily an emotional experience; it can include great emotion and a sence of joy or thankfulness but it is at core a spiritual reality that occurs at the moment of faith.

1 Corinthians 12:13 affirms this, stating, "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body."  Ephesians 1:3 reminds us that we have. "Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ," and Colossians 2:10 declares, "And you are complete in Him." 

If you have trusted in Christ, the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in your life. This means you have access to divine power.

It is important that we understanding what this spiritual power is.

Jesus tells the disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them (Acts 1:8). However, many people may not "feel" this power. The reality is that the power of the Holy Spirit is not always accompanied by strong emotions or sensations.

Excitement, joy, pleasure are all real things but the emotions in themselves do not equate to the work of the Holy Spirit. It’s possible to generate that kind of feeling at a sporting event or a political or even a pop/rock concert rally without any spiritual significance.

It important we acknowledge are felling, but we don’t build are theology up emotional experiences or how we feel.

So, what is the true power of the Holy Spirit? This passage indicates that the Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses. It is the Holy Spirit's role to convict the world and open the eyes of the blind. 

Our job is to share the Gospel; and allow the Holy Spirit will do the rest.

Think of the Holy Spirit’s power like petrol in your car. You can’t see the petrol or feel it, but it’s there, waiting to propel you forward. To experience that power, you need to start the engine—turn it on and engage it. 

In the same way, when you witness and share the truth of Jesus, you activate the Holy Spirit's power in your life.

The first point to grasp is that as Christians we have the Holy Spirit. When we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will work through us. If you want to see God move in power then start witnessing!

It's crucial to understand that God did not appoint us to be prosecuting attorneys or judges. That's His job. Instead, we are called to be witnesses. And what does a witness do? It’s incredibly simple: a witness tells what they have seen and heard. That’s all we need to do.

The apostles had firsthand experience of the resurrected Christ, made them unique witnesses. While our experience may differ, we too have encountered Jesus. We know Him, and we can share what He has done in our lives. As we speak about Him, we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us. 

However, that requires us to open our mouths, which can often be the most challenging part.

The second point is that we have been given the power to witness. Jesus promises that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us (Acts 1:8). This promise was directed to the apostles in Jerusalem, but its implications still extend to us today. 

Imagine being Peter in Jerusalem, the very site of his greatest failures. Jesus instructs him to witness there, demonstrating that our past does not disqualify us from sharing the Gospel.

Jesus also tells the apostles to go to Samaria, a group they historically viewed with disdain. He encourages them to reach out to those who might not like them. This is a powerful reminder that our mission includes all people, regardless of past conflicts or prejudices.

If you want to know what Jesus is doing on earth now. Well, He is actively bringing people to Himself. Would you like to be part of that? Then start talking to people about the Lord. I can tell you from experience that one of the greatest joys in life is sharing the Gospel and seeing someone come to Christ.

The church must focus on this mission: to tell people about the Lord and let Him work.

You can either engage in this mission or leave it to someone else. God is not looking for extraordinary personalities; He wants ordinary people who are willing to serve. He doesn’t need exceptional abilities; He seeks availability. So, all I need to ask you: Is are you available?

Someone once said that God has waited for ages for a person just like you. If you refuse His call, you may miss the opportunity to fulfil a purpose that only you can accomplish. God wants to use you to touch others for Christ, and it’s up to you to participate in this process.

If the thought of witnessing scares you, remember that you can start with willingness. In Colossians 4, Paul asks for prayer that they may have an open door to spread the Gospel and boldness to take it. 

I encourage you to pray for opportunities. Ask the Lord to give you an opportunity in the next week to talk to someone about Him and see what happens.

Opportunities may come in unexpected ways. 

A story I read tells of a woman who, due to illness, couldn’t leave her house but desired to serve the Lord so she prayed for opportunities, and one day she answered a wrong number. Instead of being upset, she used that chance to share her faith. 

This led to her creating a ministry widely used for decades in the second half of the 20th century receiving calls from people who wanted to talk about the Lord, and she became a source of encouragement to many.

If God could use Peter in the place of his greatest failure, He can certainly use you in your context.

So, let’s embrace our calling to witness and see how God can work through us. That’s the heart of our mission disclosed here in the first part of Acts chapter one.