I suggested that we begin re-reading the book of Acts as preparation for our ministry trip to India. Acts is filled with the workings of the Holy Spirit in the lives and ministries of the Apostles. This book shows us what we can and should expect to experience not only in India, but also here at home.
Acts 1:1–4 — 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;
What important lessons can we take with us into India from this portion of Scripture?
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Jesus “began” to do His works here on earth. Luke did not say the “works that Jesus did” but the works ‘Jesus began to do and teach.’ This indicates He expects a continuation of His works and it must come through His followers, the church. Our goal in India is to continue the works of Jesus in the land He is sending us.
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Jesus gave many “proofs” of His existence. If it was necessary for Jesus to prove His existence then, how much more is it that we take with us “convincing proofs” of His existence today? How do we do this? By allowing Holy Spirit orchestrated signs and wonders to follow us and accompany us.
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Jesus message was the Kingdom of God. It is important that the only message we carry with us is the message of the Kingdom. We do not need to be overwhelming them with Western Christianity but with the pure power of the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
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Jesus gave the disciples a command. Don’t leave until you get the power. This is the same message for us. Don’t leave until we get the power. Let the next couple of months be a time when we all get renewed in the power of the Holy Spirit. We live in a culture that drains us spiritually if we are not “ever being filled” (Eph. 5:18). It is our responsibility to keep ourselves filled with the glorious Presence of God…Holy Spirit.
The people of India need Jesus, not us. Jesus needs us to carry Him to them. Let’s go expecting great things.
Donna
