Got invited to preach the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services at Victory Fort B, and agreed to do it before I realized it was the same time as THE FIGHT. I guess I should forgive my friend who “invited” me to preach—who will probably be watching THE FIGHT while I am preaching—gotta get my heart right before Sunday.
Having done that, here’s the preview. . .
Part 3 of our “Ignite” series, about what the Holy Spirit ignites in our lives. If you missed week 1, the pastor who will be watching the fight had a BMW on stage along with a bicycle. There is little difference between the BMW motorcycle and the bicycle if the BMW ignition is not working. After pressing the ignition and starting the motor, everyone in the congregation experienced the power and smelled the fumes. Point: the Holy Spirit IGNITES passion and power in our lives.
That brings us to this weekend and Acts 1:8, but first the context. . .
v 6 – Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?
Disciples—the same yesterday, today, and forever—ask a political question with eschatological implications. Why are Christians so obsessed with politics and end times?
v 7 – it is not for you to know the times and dates the Father has set. . .
Jesus told them not to worry about politics and eschatology. He probably has the same message for us today.
v 8 – you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
If we are not to focus on politics and end times, what should church people focus on? What should we talk about? What should we do? What does Jesus want his people to be obsessed with? How about the power of the Holy Spirit and the people we are supposed to witness to?
Hope to see some of you Sunday morning at Victory-Fort, but I will probably preach to women, foreigners, and empty chairs. All the Filipino men will be in a theater watching THE FIGHT. Of course, the Saturday 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. and the Sunday 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. will be packed with men who usually worship Sun AM. Another advantage of multiple services. This happens every time Manny has a Saturday night fight in Las Vegas.
Go, Manny!
