some sermon notes on God wanting to use and empower you.

“I believe in you... now what?”

You are not useless to God.

Acts 1:3-6 NIV

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." Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

This is not the first time but the last time that Jesus appeared after crucifixtion. Here he is telling His disciples that it's not a moment of sorrow but of joy because when He ascends, He is giving the he Holy Spirit which is God in us and we then receive the power to do His will. But the disciples didn't see this offer for what it was right away. They wanted to be on their smaller thrones now next to Jesus on His larger throne. They wanted comforting and were hoping that's what He meant.

God loves you too much to let you just be comfortable. Don't get me wrong, He is our God of all comfort too and He can comfort your heart in a big way. The point here isn't that He just doesn't want you to be comfortable, but rather that He wants you to depend on Him more. God is after so Mich more than you being comfortable in life.

Think about the top 3 places people act like someone they are not: expensive hotel lobbies, car sales show rooms, and church. What? Get real, be you. God works through the real you.

Acts 1:7-8 NIV

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."

Think of everything God didn't say here. He didn't say you'll receive power when:

You go on a missions trip

You memorize 100 verses

You become rich

When the kingdom is established

Etc.

No, He said when the Holy Spirit comes on you.

There is a much larger story than just you or me. The problem is that u and/or I far too often think that we can't do anything in the story. We don't see our role or our ability to take part in that role. We limit ourselves by what our resume says our how big or small our home is or our church is or our circle of friends. Don't limit yourself. You are qualified to receive the Holy Spirit and this is greater than any other qualification or lack of qualification.

Acts 2:38-39 NIV

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

That wasn't Holy Spirit version "b". It is the same great and all powerfully Holy Spirit of God that we are offered today. He was available to Peter (a man that 3 times denied Jesus) and that same Spirit is available to you.

Acts 1:10-11 NIV

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."

Imagine how stupid these guys had to look basically staring up at heaven wondering where God went and when He is coming back. Is this us? Is it you? Are we staring blankly toward the sky with our mouths hanging open allowing for a resounding “duhhhhhhhh.” To come out of our mouths whilst we wait for the return of our God?

We have a mission here and we have the power collectively and individually. Don't stare at the sky. Get busy reaching out with the Holy Spirit and watch what God can do through you if you will just move. Step out of the comfort zone and let Him work His good and perfect will through you. The power is in you by the Holy Spirit.

"We think for us, God thinks through you."

Picture a dark room full of people. Picture His it looks when they all hold their cell phones up to light up the room. Now picture how much brighter it becomes when you turn the ceiling lights on. That holding up the cell phone is us trying.g to do by our own power. How much greater it is if we tap into the power of God before attempting to shine into a dark world.

It's freely offered for us and we are to use it to do the will of the Father. God really does believe in you. He didn't give you all the tools for the job because He expects you to fail or do nothing. He believes in you and He wants to work through you.

Judges 2:6-7, 10 NIV

After Joshua had dismissed the Israelites, they went to take possession of the land, each to their own inheritance. The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.

We also have a job/responsibility to raise up our kids to understand and apply these This gs that we are learning about how to walk with God and so His will and why. Statistics are horrible right now. 8 out of ten teenagers that proclaimed God as their Savior will no linger be in a group of Christians or in a church within only 2 years of that proclaimation. I'm not OK with that, but if you are OK with that then do nothing at all and it will continue. If you aren't OK then begin to pray "God, what do you want to do through me?" And then open your eyes and ears for opportunities to help them and reach them in any way for Jesus. Look for opportunity cities to encourage and guide them and help them to grow in Christ. We are not only given the Holy Spirit to grow ourselves and reach other adults but also to reach our children and help them stay on or get on this straight and narrow path.

He believes in you and wants to work through you.