Introduction To Acts

Acts • Sermon • Submitted 4 months ago • Presented 4 months ago

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Today we have honored our Pastor Eddie, whose story may not be in the book of Acts, but his work of preaching the gospel certainly was laid by the foundation of this very book we will study.

Why did I choose Acts for you as the church to go through over the next few months? Waughtown Baptist much like the book of Acts is the next chapter in the life of the Apostles in building a church for the next generation.

Acts written by Luke and often called the fifth gospel is a narrative of Jesus accession to reign , and his calling upon the church to reign on earth through Christ who gave the Spirit.

Between the the comings of Christ is millennial age of Christ’ reign before His return of the consummation of His Kingdom forever.

Important Background

Acts is most likely written around AD 62 as we see towards the end of this book Paul is awaiting trial before Cesar and the book ends. We know that Paul’s ministry continues which is why scholars on the ESV study bible have considered this date to be an accurate date.

The overarching Major theme of Acts is the building of the church which was promised in the Old Covenant to Abraham and this narrative of covenant promises is fulfilled in Christ, and carried out by the church until the final return of Christ.

Acts is a book about Christ and what He builds, and who He is reigning through today as King. We are not awaiting for Jesus to step into His throne as some eschatological theologies promote, rather scripture teaches directly through this book that Jesus is King today and His reign is through the church.

How does this reign of Christ play out, our narrative of Acts will follow the early church from selecting an elder to replace Judas, calling the deacons of the church, setting up councils of church government to the mission of the great commission being carried out to Jew and Gentile.

Acts is a book of eschatology, the excitement of Christ who is Lord and King. Whose reign is present today through the Church and whose Kingdom is being built by the preaching of the word.

The Outline

If your much like myself you want to know where we are going in this journey of Acts together. The ESV study bible has put together a nice outline, which I will read here and also send out in our weekly bible study email.

Preparation for Witness (1:1–2:13)

The Witness in Jerusalem (2:14–5:42)T

he Witness beyond Jerusalem (6:1–12:25)

The Witness in Cyprus and Southern Galatia (13:1–14:28)

The Jerusalem Council (15:1–35)

The Witness in Greece (15:36–18:22)

The Witness in Ephesus (18:23–21:16)

The Arrest in Jerusalem (21:17–23:35)

The Witness in Caesarea (24:1–26:32)

The Witness in Rome (27:1–28:31)

Starting next week we will explore the preparation for witness by looking at Chapter 1 and on the second week we will examine part of Chapter 2.

Application

While today was intentionally a shorter sermon leaving time for our Pastor Eddie to give his final address to you; I want to briefly point you to applications that my prayer is for Waughtown as next week you will officially vote on calling me as your Pastor.

I love chapter 1 and the ending of chapter two because what is stated is the heart of the church and any biblical church. Acts 1:14

Acts 1:14 ESV

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Acts 2:46–47 ESV

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

In a lot of ways Waugtown Baptist is doing this; but in our next season this must be fervent beyond the call of praying for the sick. Alongside of the call of praying for the sick, we must be in prayer for the mission that is laid ahead of us through prayer, fasting, and mission.

It is of no surprise of any that we have lost the community in our city but like the early church in Acts they were not part of Roman culture but rather of the Kingdom. Through prayer, the teaching of the word, serving their community , living on mission the gospel was outpoured and the numbers of the church were added.

We have lots of work to do and not all things are beneficial for us to do. First thing is first that as a church we have decided to stay open, to not the close the doors, and become a light once more in a community that needs Jesus and the offer of salvation.

I am not interested in the doors of this church pounding to be open with “members” I am praying for the baptismal to overflowing with the souls that have come to Christ through the witness we at Waughtown Church has given.

Do not pray the Lord will add members or keep the doors open; we pray that we reach our community. If Southside Winston-Salem is not your mission, then maybe we need to pray of God to redirect where we need to be located.

I believe firmly South side Winston-Salem needs the gospel of Jesus Christ, a true biblical witness of the gospel is lacking on the South side of Winston-Salem. We have a wonderful opportunity to become what God had this church many decades ago, where the baptismal was filled, souls were reached, and the gospel proclaimed.

We will be a church of prayer, praise, and faithful witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to Southside Winston-Salem NC.

It begins with prayer, so over the next two months I want us to diligently pray together for united vision of what our mission in the story of Acts.

Christ Kingdom is being built and His Kingdom is advancing. As the early church we pray, we praise, and we give witness.

Final Farewell

In a lot of ways today I know their anxiety perhaps of the future of Waughtown, fear of loosing the past (which we will always honor) and anticipation of the future of the church.

Today I want to speak to our Pastor Eddie. .... Chris from the heart.