Day One

Read Acts 1.

Extended adventures require pre-trip planning.  Whether your summer involves beach bumming, cross country traveling, or an African safari, we start by determining a basic plan.  Otherwise, aimless wandering and “happen chance” become the defining narrative.

The Acts adventure begins with Jesus clarifying the basic plan for his very human followers: 

1.      You will receive power of the Holy Spirit
2.      You will be my witnesses

The Book of Acts has appropriately been dubbed the record, or “acts” of God’s Holy Spirit.  Acts reports God’s widening impact on all humanity through the pervasive presence of the Holy Spirit. 

One of the miracles and paradoxes of Christianity is that God chose to redeem humanity through humanity.  Through Jesus of Nazareth, atonement (a liberated, harmonic companionship) with God became permanently possible… to all people.   

Jesus insisted that details such as the “time or dates” of the full Kingdom come are not our concern.  Instead, be his witnesses in the widening arenas of “Jerusalem, and all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” would suffice.

Welcome to the adventure!  

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What are your plans for a summer adventure?

Is planning required? Y/N

How much time is required to plan it? 

Does Jesus’ “basic plan” for his followers include you? 

Are you actively participating in Jesus’ basic plan for your life?

Does God really long for all humanity to discover God’s redemptive love?

Indicate where you are most open to God’s Spirit using you in 2014: 

•  “Jerusalem”      (Earlysville)
• “all Judea”        (Virginia) 
• “Samaria”         (USA)
• “ends of earth”  (beyond)

Invitation: 

The apostles determined that a full leadership team was essential to accomplish the ministry ahead.  What kind of additional leaders might Chestnut Grove need to accomplish the plan in the future?