Acts week 4
Jesus will build His church, Mt. 16:18.
Acts is narrative, it tells a story.
The genre is history.
The key verse is Acts 1:8- But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
1. You have received power.
2. You have been gifted for ministry like Jesus.
John 14:12-“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
What does this verse mean?
Context is king!
The ministry of Jesus is our ministry!
Am I saying that miracles don't exist?
3. The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus to witness about Him.
John 14:26- But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Here’s the plan: “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” They start at home. They start in Jerusalem.
Nothing has changed. The power given to them is given to us. The purpose and gifting given to them is given to us. The Holy Spirit given to them is given to us.
How does this truth apply to you? How do/ will you live it?
An Example
Join us next Sunday.
DEAR SIR: Allow me the privilege of addressing you with a few words. The cause of writing is indeed a serious one. I am the son of an aristocratic family of Germany—was expensively educated, and at college at Leipsic was ruined by drinking, etc.; was expelled for gambling and dishonesty. My parents were greatly grieved at my conduct, and I did not dare return home, but sailed for America. I went to St. Louis and remained there for want of money to get away. I finally obtained a situation as bookkeeper in a dry goods house; heard from home and the death of my parents. This made me more sinful than ever before. I heard one of your sermons, which made a deep impression on me. I was taken sick, and the words of your text came to me and troubled me. I have tried to find peace of God, but have not succeeded. My friends, by reasoning with me that there was no God, endeavored to comfort me. The thought of my sinfulness and approaching the grave, my blasphemy, my bad example, caused me to mourn and weep. I think God is too just to forgive me my sins. My life is drawing to a close. I have not yet received God’s favor. Will you not remember me in your prayers, and beseech God to save my soul from eternal destruction? Excuse me for writing this, but it will be the last I shall write this side of the grave.