April 19, 2020

FAMOUS LAST WORDS: NEVER ALONE
April 19, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Choosing to have some time to yourself is much different than enforced time when you are not allowed to have a social life, isn’t it? What is most challenging for you about the time of isolation that the world is currently involved in?

Open:

Today we conclude the Easter series as we have examined the last words of Jesus from the cross. After His resurrection, He was seen by the disciples, by friends, and by more than 500 people in and around Jerusalem. The last words He spoke before He ascended back to heaven are given to us, and we can find great comfort in the promise He gave!

Key Verse: Matthew 28:19: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Focal Passages: Matthew 28:18-21; Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15.

FEAR NOT

  • Read Matthew 28:18. What was the setting when Jesus spoke these words? Why did He begin His last words with this sentence?
  • What is another word for power? Who gave it to Him? Does His power have limits?
  • What are some of the things that He has authority over?

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

  • Read verse 19. How many action words are in this verse and what are they?
  • Read Acts 1:8. Where does the power to be witnesses for Christ come from? How do we “make” disciples? Who are we to tell?
  • If you lead someone to Jesus, do you have authority to baptize them?

DO THE RIGHT THING

  • Read Matthew 28:20a. What are we to teach? How can you make all the “do’s and don’ts” simple for a new believer? Read Luke 10:27. What two commands encapsulate all the law?
  • What is our responsibility after receiving God’s free gift of salvation?
  • Read John 14:15. How do we show we love God?

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

  • Read Matthew 28:20b. How aware are you that God the Holy Spirit is with you every moment of every day? How does this make you feel?
  • Read Colossians 2:9-10. What does this verse say about the power of Jesus Christ?

Close:

It has now been one week since Easter. We have, depending on where we live, finished six weeks of enforced isolation, trying to quarantine, stay home and stay healthy, hoping not to spread this worldwide pandemic to neighbors. We have no idea how much longer it will be. Have you gotten stronger during this time, or are you and your loved ones at wit’s end? What have you learned during this time that is going to last?  Today we’ve heard the last words of Jesus before He ascended back to heaven. He told us to go out, find people, and tell them the good news of salvation that is available to all people, no matter what they’ve done. It’s hard to do that when we are inside our houses, isn’t it? For the time being, most of  us feel a sense of limbo. Have you thought of writing encouraging notes? Mothers who have no experience are suddenly home-schooling. Fathers who have worked 16 hour days are finding themselves at home with  the wife and children, wondering what happened to their marriage. Children are frustrated with a lack of activity (which they without question seem to  thrive on), and don’t want mom or dad’s help with their online studies, only  wanting to stay in their rooms. Suicides are starting to increase, divorces will probably be on the rise, and a recent statistic stated abuse is up 800%. Sad statistics. As followers of Jesus Christ, we can impact those statistics to  show that we are looking to Him for our strength and our answers. Churches are empty—we get that. The amazing thing is that worship through Facebook, Zoom, or other social media is bonding Christian believers together like never before. Churches are spearheading food pantries, taking  meals to shut-ins, and supplying essentials. Humanitarian non-profits are also doing whatever they can. It has been good to be a part of this time. In the years to come, hopefully no one will forget the lessons we’re learning during this time—and however much longer it will continue. God, our always-in-control, ever-present, ever-loving Father, will bring us through. May we be victorious as we find that we’ve grown in our faith, and in our love.