Start Right Here: By Partnering

Start Right Here: By Partnering (Acts 1:1-11)
Sunday, August 22, 2021

Pastor Chris Laughlin

Introduction

It doesn’t take long to realize… Turn on the TV, scroll social media, spend time in the community around you, and you’ll see it: problems that seemingly have no solution. Love becomes an emotion — one easily replaced with other temptations; hatred runs rampant; families divide; children live without parents; marriages disintegrate without a fight. Our world seems to defend sin more than God’s truth — yet we cannot live anywhere else. In fact, we are called to live in our communities and engage with the people around us. So what do we do with the brokenness surrounding us? The book of Acts teaches us that God’s organized answer for this problem is the Church. And if we want to find new hope in our family and community, it has to start right here, with the Church.

August 22 – Start Right Here – By Partnering

August 29 – Start Right Here – By Working

September 5 – Start Right Here – By Sharing

September 12 – Start Right Here – By Stepping Up

September 19 – Start Right Here – A New Opportunity

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

1. We are called to partner with (1:1-2)

⁹ God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9

a. We are to listen to His

³ And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. ⁴ If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 1 John 2:3-4

b. We are to be with Jesus

⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. ⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5

Notes:

2. We are called to partner with (1:3)

a. are all around

²⁰ For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20

b. We discover who He is through His

¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Notes:

3. We are called to partner with the (1:4-7)

⁷ But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. ⁸ And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. John 16:7-8

a. We are asked to wait

²⁶ But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26

b. We are with the Holy Spirit

¹⁵ “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 11:15-16

c. comes in God’s timing

¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. John 16:13

Notes:

4. We are called to partner with (1:8)

Partnership: is an arrangement where parties, known as partners, agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests.

a. We are one

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

b. We are of one

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 1 Peter 3:8

c. We have one

19 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Notes:

5. We must be ready for His (1:9-11)

16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Closing: Will you partner together today with God, through His son Jesus, by His Holy Spirit, and be a part of His Body the Church?

Will you start right here?!