Title: Don't Leave Jerusalem
Contents
<1> Do not leave Jerusalem (Acts 1:1-5)
The book of Acts records many of the first events of Christianity. The beginning of the New Testament church. The beginning of the butler system. first martyr. First Gentile Conversion. That's the first punishment. Starting today, I will try to emphasize the book of Acts. The purpose of the exposition is to strengthen the faith of what we have learned in Luke 4:4 so that we can live the true Christian life in the world of the right church life.
1. The work of the resurrected Jesus (3)
It is also meaningful to examine what the work of the 40 days was from the resurrection to the ascension.
(1) Evidence of bodily resurrection (3)
At that time, there was a terrifying heresy of Gnosticism. They argued that the body was dirty and the soul was holy, so they argued that the resurrection of Jesus was only an illusion. However, Jesus was resurrected and appeared to be resurrected several times (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
(2) Teaching (3)
The teaching of Jesus was the kingdom of God. He taught that the kingdom has already come and is coming.
(3) Fellowship with the disciples (4)
They “gathered together as apostles” and ate and drank with one another. The fellowship of saints is one of the essence of the church, the essence of love, and the expression of love.
2. Do not leave Jerusalem (4)
The resurrected Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with the apostles and gave orders. It was not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised. At that time, Jerusalem was the place where Jesus Christ was crucified, and there was a bloody and terrifying atmosphere of fear toward those who followed Jesus. But why does Jesus tell us not to leave?
(1) This is because the gospel begins in Jerusalem. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will come to the ends of the earth in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria…” (Acts 1:8) This is to fulfill God’s providence (Luke 24:47, Isaiah 2:3). Reference)
(2) It is because we can pray earnestly only when we are in Jerusalem. As mentioned earlier, the situation in Jerusalem at that time was a place where Satan's authority prevailed. In a world of darkness, life and death are at risk. (3) To make us long for the power of God.
It is usually impossible not to leave this Jerusalem. Therefore, it is to make them fully look to God and earnestly long for the power of God.
3. What is Jerusalem to us today?
It may be the difficult world environment you and I are in today. Given the present situation, it can be a very difficult and painful situation. For some, it can be a groaning environment in which they are physically ill. Or it may be suffering from financial difficulties, or it may be a test of the mind that comes with anguish or fear that comes from interpersonal relationships. So I absolutely want to avoid it. And they want to find a better environment.
But people of great faith did not try to solve problems by avoiding fear. He overcame it through faith, relying on God's promises and praying. Therefore, no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem, God's providence exists if the Lord allows it. A blessed promise is given.
“Do not leave!”
(1) Give up your life and keep the word (Acts 21:13).
(2) Desire to live a life filled with the Holy Spirit by receiving the power of God
(3) Give up your life and carry out your mission
(4) Keep your position well.
The disciples followed Jesus' words and wanted to escape, but they did not leave Jerusalem. And he received the fullness of the promised Holy Spirit and carried out all the missions of discipleship. Today, we should not leave and we should be able to see the fulfillment of God's promises in the given place.