BIG IDEA Jesus promised his followers the power they need to live their lives on mission. Acts 1:1–5 (NLT) In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus’s followers were given both a & a . Acts 1:8 (NLT) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus’s followers offer a contrasting to heartache. Acts 1:9–11 (NLT) 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:17–19,24 (NLT) 17 Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.” 18 (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. 19 The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”) 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” SO WHAT? Do something that forces you to depend on Holy Spirit power, not yours. Let your hope lift you out of your heartache. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. In your opinion, what seems to be the prevailing purpose most American Christians are living for? 2. What sort of adjustment to your life’s purpose & mission would require you to depend more on Holy Spirit power instead of your own natural power? 3. How does it feel when you take time to remember that: a. Jesus is going to return someday? b. Some, like Judas, will be separated from God forever? Grow On Your Own Gospel-Centered Family, Becoming the parents God wants you to be © Tim Chester and Ed Moll/The Good Book Company, 2010. Excerpts From Gospel-Centered Family, Tim Chester