After Jesus explained to the disciples that they would bear witness from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, Jesus ascended to heaven. As the disciples watched where Jesus had gone, two angels appeared and assured them of Christ’s return. All of this led to today’s text, where we see the disciples obeying Christ’s command to wait as they prepared for the ministry that would follow when the Holy Spirit arrived.

Acts picks up where the Gospel of Luke ends. After Jesus’s resurrection, He spent forty days with His disciples, teaching them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). He did this to prepare them for life and ministry in His physical absence. The disciples were nervous and anxious about the next phase of their lives and ministry, but Jesus gathered them, commissioned them, and assured them of the promise of the Holy Spirit and His physical return.

Hebrews 10:23-25 calls us to keep meeting together, encouraging one another, and spurring each other on toward love and good works. That’s what happens in life groups and discipleship groups. They give us a place to be real, to share struggles and victories, and to remind each other that we’re not walking this faith journey alone. Every time we invest in one another through community, we’re investing in something that will last forever.

In John 13, Jesus, knowing He had all authority, knelt to wash His disciples’ feet. He showed that true greatness is found in humble service. When we follow His example, serving others in love, we’re not just meeting needs we’re investing in forever with an impact that lasts into eternity.

In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges Timothy to be strong in the grace of Christ and to entrust the gospel to faithful people who will teach others in turn. This is the essence of Investing in Forever: multiplying disciples who will carry the good news far beyond our own lifetime. Discipleship isn’t just receiving truth; it’s passing it on so that the impact ripples through generations. When we pour into others spiritually, we’re making an eternal investment, one that builds God’s Kingdom long after we’re gone.

Ephesians 2:17-22 shows that in Christ, we’re no longer outsiders but members of God’s household, joined together to become His dwelling place. Church membership reflects this truth; it’s a way of saying, “I belong here.” It’s not just about attendance, but also a commitment to grow, serve, and live out our faith as part of God’s family.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Paul reminds us that generosity leads to lasting impact, meeting needs, stirring gratitude, and bringing glory to God. He encourages us to give cheerfully and trust that God will provide all we need so we can continue to bless others.

As we begin our new series Investing in Forever on August 3, we’re invited to see giving not as an obligation, but as a way to be part of something eternal; making much of God in Waynesville and the world!

Bitterness poisons our hearts and relationships, but the Good News offers a better way. Ephesians 4:29-32 shows us the remedy: speak life, show kindness, and forgive freely. Just as God forgave us through Christ, we’re called to let go of anger and choose grace. The gospel softens hard hearts and helps us trade bitterness for compassion, because healed people become healing people.