Reformed for Mission

New to the Space

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr 

 What the Spirit Builds

WEEK 7 DAY 5 — REFORMED FOR MISSION

Text: Acts 2:47

We have walked the sequence carefully.

• The ascension enthroned Christ (Acts 2:33–36).
• Conviction pierced the heart (Acts 2:37).
• Repentance transferred allegiance (Acts 2:38).
• Devotion formed a durable community (Acts 2:42).

Now we see what all of it produces.

Luke concludes this section with a quiet but powerful statement:

“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

The Lord added.

• Not strategies added.
• Not charisma added.
• Not marketing added.

The Lord added.

But notice the pattern preceding this verse.

• Verse 43: Awe came upon every soul.
• Verse 44: All who believed were together.
• Verse 45: They were selling possessions to meet needs.
• Verse 46: They received their food with glad and generous hearts.
• Verse 47: They were praising God and had favor with all the people.

Internal formation produced external visibility.

• Presence formed a people.
• People formed a community.
• Community launched a mission.

This is not accidental growth. It is theological inevitability. When Jesus reigns and the Spirit indwells, witness follows.

Jesus made this explicit before the ascension—the enthronement event. He said:

“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.” (Acts 1:8)

Notice the flow. Power. Then witness.

The Spirit is not merely given for private assurance. He is given for public proclamation.

Formation never terminates in self-improvement. It expands into participation.

The early church did not treat mission as an optional department. It was the overflow of transformed allegiance.  Our part is to Go – Preach and His part is to add to the Kingdom!  We do have a necessary part to play here!

Paul later writes:

“We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Ambassadors do not represent themselves. They represent the enthroned King.

If the ascension was Christ’s enthronement, then believers are His appointed envoys on earth.

Ephesians 2:10 says:

“We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand.”

Prepared beforehand.

Mission is not a spontaneous invention. It is divine intention. And this extends beyond our immediate circle.

Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 remains: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

All nations.

Revelation 7:9 gives us the end picture:

“A great multitude… from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages.”

Global mission is not modern strategy. It is biblical trajectory.

Disruptive question:  Has your faith remained private where it was designed to be participatory?

When the Spirit reforms minds (Romans 12:2), hearts (Ezekiel 36:26), relationships (Ephesians 4:32), and generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7), courage emerges.

Acts 4:31 describes early believers:

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

Filled. Speaking. Boldness.

The Spirit reforms everything—mind, heart, priorities, fear—and mission flows naturally.

And this brings us to next Sunday.

We will hear from missionaries who are actively living out Acts 1:8 realities. We will also hear from our New Jersey Missions Director about specific opportunities to engage locally and globally.

This is the heart of God – He doesn’t want anyone to live without His Spirit.

This Sunday is an invitation to be on mission with Jesus. It is an invitation to fully live the life of LOVE Jesus called us to.

At TLC we respond to Christ’s mission in four ways:

• We pray (1 Timothy 2:1–4). Intercession fuels sending.
• We go (Isaiah 6:8). Availability answers commission.
• We give (2 Corinthians 9:6–8). Generosity expands reach.
• We send (Romans 10:14–15). Partnership multiplies proclamation.

Mission is not a niche calling for spiritual specialists. It is the natural extension of formed disciples.

• If Jesus is enthroned, then His global purpose matters.
• If the Spirit is poured out, then empowerment is available.
• If we are devoted, then participation follows.

And we must decide something.

• Will we admire Acts 2—or embody it?
• Will we treat mission as inspiration—or obligation?
• Will we remain curious—or become commissioned?

The Lord added daily because the church was aligned internally and available externally.

Jesus said in John 20:21: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

Sentness is identity. You are not merely saved from something. You are sent into something.

Formation without mission becomes stagnation. Mission without formation becomes burnout.

Acts 2 integrates both. Deep roots. Wide reach.

Concrete Action Step

Come this Sunday prepared. 

Ask the Lord in prayer this week: Where do You want my participation?

• Should I increase my prayer commitment for missionaries?
• Is there a short-term opportunity to go?
• Is my giving aligned with Your global purpose?
• Is there someone I am to help send?

Write down your response before Sunday.

Do not arrive casually.  Arrive prayerfully.