Plugged In (Journey of Acts) // Pastor Sunil Paulose

In this powerful sermon from the book of Acts, Pastor Sunil Paulose calls believers to awaken spiritually and prepare for the return of Jesus Christ. Beginning in Acts 1:9–11, the message focuses on Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the promise that He will one day return in the same way. Pastor Sunil describes the awe of the disciples as they watched Jesus ascend into the clouds, while also reminding the church that believers have a mission to fulfill until Christ returns. The sermon highlights the significance of biblical prophecy, explaining that more than 300 Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled through Jesus’ first coming and over 1,500 prophecies speak about His second coming. Pastor Sunil teaches on the two stages of Christ’s return: the rapture, where believers meet the Lord in the air, and His later return in glory to establish His kingdom on earth. He stresses that spiritual readiness is essential and warns that outward religion alone is not enough. True readiness comes through repentance, holiness, obedience, and an intimate relationship with God. A major theme of the message is the importance of waiting in God’s presence and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Referring to Acts 1:8, Pastor Sunil explains that Jesus instructed His disciples to wait before going out to minister. He emphasizes that ministry without intimacy with God becomes powerless and empty. The sermon warns against distractions such as busyness, entertainment, social media, and worldly pursuits that keep believers from prayer and communion with God. Pastor Sunil describes these distractions as tactics of the enemy designed to weaken Christians spiritually and keep them disconnected from God’s power. The sermon also emphasizes unity within the church. Using the example of the disciples gathering together in prayer before Pentecost, Pastor Sunil explains that unity is essential for the move of God. He warns against gossip, division, and disunity, encouraging believers instead to become peacemakers and recognize that everyone is still growing spiritually. One of the most memorable parts of the sermon is Pastor Sunil’s analogy comparing different types of vehicles to spiritual life. He compares unbelievers to traditional gas-powered cars, nominal Christians to hybrid vehicles that occasionally tap into spiritual power, and committed believers to fully electric vehicles that remain constantly “plugged in.” Just as an electric vehicle depends completely on being connected to power, believers must remain continually connected to God through prayer, dependence, and the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a passionate call for believers to fully surrender to God, prioritize prayer, and live prepared for Christ’s return. Pastor Sunil encourages the church to seek the Holy Spirit daily, involve God in every decision, and boldly fulfill the Great Commission in these last days. Ending with 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — “Never stop praying” — the message challenges believers to live fully dependent on God and ready for the coming of Jesus Christ.