1. ‘God at work’
(the book of Acts)

2. Acts 1:1-11
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

3. So when they met together, they asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven”

5. Luke was an
Historian
Christian faith is
based on fact –
historical record
and testimony
Luke was a
Theologian

6. Through those He chose to continue His Mission (v.1-2)
Jesus: “I will build My Church”
Through those He chose to continue His Mission (v.1-2)
2:47 “the Lord added to their number daily…”
9:16-17 “the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! …”
11:21 “The Lord’s hand was with them…”
16:14 “The Lord opened her heart”
18:9-10 “The Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city”

7. 1. Through those He chose to continue His Mission (v.1-2)
Jesus: “I will build My Church”
1. Through those He chose to continue His Mission (v.1-2)
They were commissioned by Christ (v.2)
They were convinced of Christ (v.3)

8. 2. Through those who understand the nature of His mission (v. 2-11)
JESUS: “I will build My Church …”
2. Through those who understand the nature of His mission (v. 2-11)
His Mission is to take the gospel to the whole world (v. 8)

9. 2. Through those who understand the nature of His mission (v. 2-11)
JESUS: “I will build My Church …”
2. Through those who understand the nature of His mission (v. 2-11)
His Mission continues until His return (v.9-11)
The Ascension speaks of a glorified Lord
The Ascension speaks of an absent Lord
The Ascension speaks of a reigning Lord
The Ascension speaks of a returning Lord

10. 3. Through those He empowers to fulfill His mission (v.8)
JESUS: “I will build My Church …”
3. Through those He empowers to fulfill His mission (v.8)
“The Acts of the Holy Spirit”
They were to remain in Jerusalem:
To receive the Holy Spirit (v. 4-5)
To realise the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 8)

11. Power for witness – to testify and preach Christ and the gospel of God’s grace
The witness starts in Jerusalem (at home – the hardest place)
Then Judea (our neighbours)
Then Samaria (our enemies – those we find hard to get along with)
Then to the whole world
(pray, support, and GO!)