Overview:
Acts 1:1–11
In the first chapter of the book of Acts, the apostles were gathered in Jerusalem, waiting and even a bit confused. Would the kingdom of Israel be restored now that Jesus had risen from the dead? What was the nature of the kingdom of God? What did Jesus mean when He said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”?
Jim Elliot once wrote in his journal, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” Jim committed his life to sharing the gospel with several unreached tribes in Ecuador. He ministered there successfully for several years with his wife, Elisabeth. But when Jim and four missionary friends tried to establish contact with the reclusive Auca Indian tribe, they were suddenly and brutally murdered by fierce Auca warriors. Incredibly, Jim Elliot’s desire to share Christ with unreached Indian tribes lived on through his courageous wife, Elisabeth. She eventually returned to Ecuador to minister to the Auca Indians—the very people who had killed her husband. She shared the message of God’s love with the Aucas and saw many come to faith in Christ.
Message Summary:
In the message “Reaching Our World,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the “Great Commission”—the final, foundational mandate given by Jesus Christ to His followers. Swindoll emphasizes that reaching the world with the gospel is not an optional suggestion for a spiritual elite, but a direct command for every believer. The sermon explores the three-fold nature of this mission: going into all nations, baptizing in the name of the Trinity, and teaching obedience to Christ’s commands. Central to this call is the assurance that we do not go in our own strength, but under the absolute authority and constant presence of the resurrected Lord.
Message Key Facts:
- The Setting: A mountain in Galilee where the eleven disciples met the resurrected Jesus, transitioning from his earthly ministry to his global mission.
- The “As You Go” Nuance: The primary command in the Greek text is to “make disciples,” while “going” is a participle, suggesting that evangelism should happen naturally as we go about our daily lives.
- The Scope of the Mission: “All nations” (panta ta ethne) refers to every ethnic group and people group, emphasizing the global and inclusive heart of God.
- Identification through Baptism: Baptism is presented as the outward sign of an inward commitment, identifying the new believer with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The Goal of Teaching: Swindoll notes that the goal of Christian education is not merely the transfer of information, but the transformation of life through “observing all that I commanded you.”
Message References:
- Matthew 28:18: The declaration of Christ’s total authority in heaven and on earth.
- Matthew 28:19–20a: The specific directives for making disciples: going, baptizing, and teaching.
- Matthew 28:20b: The sustaining promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
- Acts 1:8: (Contextual) The promise of the Holy Spirit’s power to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20: (Contextual) The believer’s identity as an “ambassador for Christ.”
Foundational Truths for Believers
Chuck Swindoll highlights four pillars of the Great Commission that every believer must understand to effectively reach the world:
1. The Authority of the Commander
Evangelism is based on the sovereignty of Jesus, not the comfort or skill of the believer. Because all authority belongs to Him, we can go with confidence even into hostile or indifferent environments.
2. The Strategy of Making Disciples
The mission is not just about making converts or “decisions,” but about making disciples—followers who are learners and practitioners of the way of Christ. This involves a long-term commitment to mentorship and growth.
3. The Global Heart of God
God’s vision is not limited by borders, languages, or cultures. A healthy church and a healthy believer must maintain a “world vision,” supporting and participating in the work of the gospel reaching every tribe and tongue.
4. The Assurance of Divine Presence
We are never alone in the “battle” for souls. The promise of Christ’s presence provides the necessary courage to face the challenges, rejections, and difficulties inherent in sharing the faith.
Practical Application
- Identify Your “Galilee”: Where has God placed you right now? Your workplace, your neighborhood, and your family are your primary mission fields “as you go.”
- Invest in Discipleship: Look for one person you can help grow in their faith. Discipleship is a relationship, not just a program.
- Support Global Reach: Evaluate your involvement in global missions. Are you praying for, giving to, or going to the “nations” as part of your obedience to this command?
- Rely on the Authority, Not the Results: Shift your focus from the fear of rejection to the fact of Christ’s authority. Your job is to be the messenger; the results belong to the Lord.
