INTRODUCTION- JESUS HAS NEVER CHANGED- WE MUST CONSIDER THIS SAME JESUS THE APOSTLES GAZED AFTER

1. Great pictures have been painted of this scene
2. In the emotionalism of the scene, we missed some very practical truths
3. We must face the same problems that disciples faced, looking after this same Jesus.

I- THE APOSTLES WERE GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS- SO ARE WE- BY THIS SAME JESUS

A. Jesus gave them instructions and commandments V. 4

1. They were to wait in Jerusalem for the empowering of the Holy Spirit (4)
2. They were not to wonder about signs or seasons- (7)
3. They were to be witnesses of Jesus a step at a time to the whole world

B. Jesus gave them many infallible proofs of His person

1. Jesus did not try to prove His doctrines, He proved His person!
2. The truths of Christianity do not rest on psychological or scientific support
3. They rest on the person of Jesus as the Christ- don't miss this same Jesus

C. This same Jesus has given us instructions, too.

1. The instructions are given in the word of God
2. The instructions are given again in the Acts of the apostles, and unto this day- history
3. The instructions are given again through the body of this same Jesus- the church

II- THE APOSTLES STOOD GAZING AFTER JESUS- AND SO DO MANY TODAY

A. These men saw Jesus

1. They were with Him before and after His crucifixion- and knew why He died.
2. They had seen His walk, His miracles, and His power
3. Here they saw Jesus taken up, and a cloud cut off their sight. A real wonder.

B. They stood gazing up after him

1. They could be excused for looking for awhile-but angels rebuked them
2. There is a time to gaze in a time not to gaze- this must have not been the time
3. Paul caught a bunch gazing years later (II Thess 3:11 to 14)

C. This same Jesus is not to be gazed after today

1. There are some who spend great emotional words to prove their devotion
2. The liberals today spend great words talking about the wonderful teacher, and psychologist.
3. Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15) HE WANTS OBEDIENCE- NOT GAZES

III-THE APOSTLES HAD A JOB TO DO

A. The promise was given- this same Jesus- shall so come-

1. It was a great wonder the way in which He left- but He will come again- so why gaze
2. The next time He comes He will judge the hearts of men-
3. Paul said in Romans 2: 16 that we will be judged by His gospel- you are saved- now do.

B. The disciples went about His commandments

1. Jesus had said "work while it is yet day" and they set about to do what He said.
2. They were instructed to wait, so they did so in prayer that's work, brother
3. When the empowering came, they set out to work- when they lingered God moved them.

C. This same Jesus is coming back

1. Will He find them faithful- some He will, some were not!
2. You can tell Him your love with words, I'll try to do so with faithfulness too.
3. We have a new year- I am looking for this same Jesus and maybe I can hold out faithful to Him for just a little while

CONCLUSION: WILL THIS SAME JESUS FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH WHEN HE COMES?

1. Some of you are still gazing- and have never accepted Him as your savior- do so now.
2. Some of you are still gazing- saved, but just watching and waiting- this can be a sin! To watch and wait when He says work- is a sin.
3. Some of you need to quit gazing and get to doing- Baptism, church membership, stewardship of money and your talents.