Sermon Tone Analysis

Dear Congregation of the Lord Jesus Christ,

Why are you here?

What are you doing in God’s house on a Thursday evening?

You aren’t usually here.

We are gathered here to worship God.

To praise the Risen Christ.

To remember that Christ ascended and sits enthroned in heaven.

We read the opening verses of Acts.

Luke refers to his former book – the gospel according to Luke.

He told “all that Jesus began to do and to teach.”

This book records what Jesus continued to do through the Holy Spirit in the Apostles and disciples of Jesus.

They continued “to do” and “to teach” as they received power through the Holy Spirit.

What did they need power for?

So that they could be Jesus’ witnesses.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians and all who receive this letter is that

the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe”

HOPE,    

RICHES,        – these three things that many people long for

POWER

Just look at national and international politics, much of it is about Hope, Riches, and Power.

We have received them through God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.

As we bear witness to Jesus’ death, resurrection, and reign over all creation, great power is revealed….

The power of sin is broken, and we’re set free and our feet are placed on the road of life.

We are brought into community.

We have received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We’ll still celebrate Pentecost, but we know that the Holy Spirit has come and is at work in us, among us, and in our community.

·        Because Christ conquered sin and death and rules as king over all creation and as head of the church.

·        Because the Holy Spirit has come and given us power to be Jesus’ witnesses.

·        I pray that we may see his power at work in our selves, our congregation, and our community.

In his mighty strength

Which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come –

We are called to be Jesus’ witnesses: 

·        Telling the Good News that the Risen Christ is Lord of our lives and of the world.

·        Proclaiming his rule in every aspect of life.

·        Inviting others to bow before Christ and receive life in his kingdom.

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