We are all sent and empowered

By Ed Stetzer


All Christians are sent. We’re all to be missional.

CONFUSED ABOUT MISSION

In Acts 1:6–8 we find the final commission of Jesus. In verse 6 Jesus is asked, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” It’s as if the disciples were asking Jesus, “Lord, have you read the latest installment of Tim LaHaye’s ‘Left Behind’ series?” Jesus’ disciples seemed inordinately interested in the end times.

At their question, Jesus kindly admonishes them, saying, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” They want to talk about the end times—Jesus wants to send them on a mission.

Churches are filled with people who are confused about the mission. It’s evident when we consider what packs out a conference or what sermon series excites the people. For many churches today, when pastors address questions on the end times, the church fills up. If you pull out prophecy charts, some dragons with horns, and start naming names and decoding the numbers, you can pack out a conference.

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