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Rev. Christopher Miller  

The Church and The Commission, Part 5   

March 2, 2025   

John 20:19–31, “[19] On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [20] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. [21] Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” [22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them;   if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” [24] Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” [26] Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” [28] Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” [30] Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”  

1)If we are to accomplish the Great Commission, we need a supernatural experience with Christ and not religious rhetoric!  

Do you remember the day your relationship with Christ was transformed from a head knowledge of who He is and into a relationship with Him?  What led to that encounter? Were there changes in your habits or daily routines as a result? 

2) If we are to accomplish the Great Commission, we need the Breath of God as much as we need the Spirit of God!  

Read Romans 8:10–11  

What is the difference between the Breath of God and the Spirit of God? What is the impact each has on your life?    

 3) If we are to accomplish the Great Commission, we can’t tell others about a Jesus that we don’t Know! 

 In the passage from John, Thomas refused to build his testimony off the experience of someone else. He wanted to touch Jesus himself.   The story of how Jesus transformed you is the most important story you will ever tell. What fears keep you from sharing? What motivates you to share? 

Would anyone like to encourage the group by sharing a quick testimony about how God has used your story to accomplish the Great Commission?  

  Rev. Christopher Miller 

The Church and The Commission, Part 7  

March 16, 2025  

Acts 1:1–11, “[1] In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, [2] until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. [3] He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. [4] And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said,   “you heard from me; [5] for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” [6] So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” [7] He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” [9] And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. [10] And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, [11] and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.  

1)If we are to be a Holy Spirit empowered Church, we must value the promise of power! 

How has the promise of Holy Spirit’s power personally impacted your life? 

2) If we are to be a Holy Spirit empowered Church, we must be focused on building the Kingdom! 

How do we balance the longing we have for Christ’s return with being busy about the business of making sure we take others along with us?  

 What does it mean to be “so heavenly minded we are no earthly good”?     

3) If we are to be a Holy Spirit empowered Church, we must ensure the Gospel impacts our communities and our world!   

Have you witnessed the power of sharing your story with others?  

 Is there a particular time that stands out in your mind as an encouragement to you when you feel discouraged from sharing your personal testimony?