Acts 1:1-12

"Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (v6).  The disciples naturally wondered if their powerful, resurrected Savior would conquer the wicked leaders of the world and restore Israel’s ancient kingdom.   Jesus told them not to worry about times and seasons, but instead, he promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (v8).  This power would enable them to be Jesus’ witnesses, proclaiming his kingdom and seeing it grow exponentially around the world.

Jesus rejected the world’s methods of kingdom building.  He sends us out into the world as he was sent: equipped by his Word and his Spirit, willing to serve and suffer for his name.