Intentional Start

The story of Jesus doesn’t end with Jesus. It continues in the lives of those who believe in him. The supernatural does not stop with Jesus. Luke makes it clear that these Christians he wrote about were no more spectators of Jesus than Jesus was a spectator of God—they are in on the action of God, God acting in them, God living in them. Which also means, of course, in us? - Peterson

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But 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.” - Acts 1:6-8

People since the beginning of the church have been questioning God’s methods and timing. Don’t worry about things that you have no control in, but trust in God (make Jesus Lord). 

Here’s the plan:

1. When you accept Jesus as Savior then God comes to live in with you and empower you (use it!).

2. We are to be witnesses of what we have seen and experienced (Jesus coming out of you!).

3. Who and where? A. Jerusalem represents where you live and the people that you know.

B. Judea is the state you live and people who you have things in common.

C. Samaria represents the United States and those who you may not agree with/dislike.

D. Ends are the rest of the countries of the world with different customs, language, and lifestyles.

Verses 9-11 reminds us that Jesus is with us and He’s coming back soon!  Amen?

In Fellowship

The third “IN” relationship is vital to the believer – becoming part of God’s family, In Fellowship with the church. Acts chapter talks about the “behavior” of Christ followers. (They) were baptized (1) ... and joined the other believers ... they worshiped together regularly at the Temple (2) ... and met in small groups in the homes (3) for communion... Acts 2

Our spiritual family should be important to us. The Bible uses words like “they continued to meet”. They remained “IN” connection! The word connect literally means fused together.

We all need encouragement, prayers, guidance, and help in various ways in this life. My church family helps me with facing life and all its challenges. Keeps me “IN” Christ…

Magnify (Honor) the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! Ps 34:3

Let us go on ... and become mature in our understanding, as strong Christians ought to be. - Hebrews 6:1

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.  - Acts 20:24

Are You In?

Obedience In

The second point from the Three Intentional Steps to be “In” is Obedience. We are told by Jesus that we show our love for Him by obedience to His Word.

The impact of Jesus’ ministry on people is found in Mark 1:27-28, The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”  News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. People reacted in three ways: They were amazed.  questioned. They spread the news everywhere.

The impact should be the same on us. All three responses should characterize us as we witness the power of God in changing and healing lives. Have we become gospel-hardened? Have you allowed Jesus to have full control (Inside) of your life? Do you want to grow?

Remember these three rhyming words. Attend (church and study groups)  –Begin (apply your learning) – Jump in (serve and lead).

 Just Don’t pretend! Amen?

In Christ

I once preached a message called, “Three Intentional Steps to be "In". The first one is that we have to be: In Christ. Here are four Scriptures in dealing with this all important step.

God assures me of my salvation, "That if you confess with your mouth that, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9). Salvation is "in Christ" alone.

God assures me of staying saved, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:28). Jesus gives us assurance that we are permanently "in" His family.

God assures me of forgiveness, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9). This is part of the "in process" of maturing in our faith.

God assures me that He will never leave me, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20). He is "in" our lives for eternity.

Praise God that all believers are "in" Christ? Amen?

In Motion

Genesis 1:1 – is where it (or in) all starts! The first verse in the Bible starts with the word in! How you respond to those first four words "In the Beginning God" will show your world view. It will be worldly or through the filter of Scripture.  Let's break down this critical verse.

In – “are you in or out”, “for me or against me”, My will or your will”, “walk by sight or faith”, and it boils down to are you a “My way or God’s way person”?

The beginning – onset, a starting time or place, the first part, starts where you are, and a change can start right now.

God – created-destroyed-saved-promised-conquered-punished-was quiet-sent Jesus-lived-died-rose-coming back. Are you ready?

Created – came in to being, formed, changed, brought forth, originated, and made happen. God spoke everything in to being.

The Heavens – destination, glory, perfection, holiness, light, and the Revelation.

And the Earth – where we are, we have a purpose, and our current life. We must live in it but are not to be confirmed or shaped by it.

Intentionally live for God's purposes. Amen?

In

The first part of the word intentionality and in the journey of purposeful living for Christ is the word "In". A simple definition of the word says: "it is used to indicate location or position within something; belongs to or is included as part of something." So when it comes to your relationship with Jesus, Are you in? Better yet are you "all in"?

You see, the Gospel costs nothing, but demands everything. If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all. It's all or nothing. It's now or never. It's time to ante up and go all in with God. No one has ever sacrificed anything for God. If you always get back more than you gave up, have you sacrificed anything at all? The eternal reward always outweighs the temporal sacrifice.

At the end of the day, our greatest regret will be whatever we didn't give back to God. What we didn't push back across the table to Him. Eternity will reveal that holding out is losing out.

Mark Batterson, author of the book, All In, writes, 'For many years, I thought I was following Jesus. I wasn't. I had invited Jesus to follow me. I call it inverted Christianity. And it's a subtle form of selfishness that masquerades as spirituality. That's when I sold out and bought in. When did we start believing that the gospel is an insurance plan? It's a daring plan. Jesus did not die just to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.'

Today declare that you are "all in" with Jesus. Amen?

God Promises

Knowing God's promises is the first intentional step to using, embracing, and trusting in them. Peter knew the importance of claiming God's Word. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.-" 2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)

Peter uses three words to describe the promises of God. Consider the impact they could have on your life.
1. Exceeding = beyond natural limits of supernatural.
2. Great = large, surpassing all others.
3. Precious= of such great value that a suitable price is hard to estimate.

The great and mighty promises of’ God mean nothing because most people do not know what they are.

How can you ever have faith in His promise of peace, power, provisions, and all needful things unless you know the promises?

How many promises of the bible do you really know?
How many can you name?

Today count and claim God's promises. Amen?