Acts

The Book of Acts is primarily a record of the promised descent and operation of the Holy Spirit role in the work of redemption. It is our record of the church being born out of nothing. During this series, we will evaluate the principles that comprise the first church and ask, "Are we a 'Book of Acts' church?"

All four of the gospels and the book of Acts record what has been called the "Great Commission." After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives clear instruction for the church: Be empowered by The Holy Spirit so you may be my witness! Although "mass evangelism" is good, as followers of Jesus we must not lose sight of the importance of winning one - Jesus left us this example.

Genesis 4:26 declares, "then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." The family of Seth recognized their need and dependence on God while the descendants of Cain centered their lives around 'self-reliance.' Our culture has sadly followed the way of Cain, but it's time to recognize our deep need for God and to pray!

After the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were empowered to fulfill the commands of Jesus to "go and be my witnesses." As the book of Acts unfolds, we see the early church holding to two key priorities; preaching Jesus and learning more about Jesus. Are these still priorities for the church today?

In Acts chapter 2 Peter says, "Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then in turn we need to share and live what we have learned with others.

We continue our look at the importance of biblical fellowship. There are no lone rangers in the church. We were created to need one another. There is enough strife and division in the world. The church must be a place of safety, refuge, and trust. This also should filter into our everyday living as well!

In Acts 2:42, we see how the early Christians devoted themselves to the apostle's doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This means they made these things their priority! Many of us today never fully give ourselves to anything - we often lead superficial lives. But God desires our churches to be places of fellowship that flow out of the walls of the church.

The Holy Spirit is the greatest help for the follower of Christ. He empowers us to live for Christ and to be His witnesses. He is our closest companion and helper! May the Lord open our eyes to see the Great Comforter!

Tim Dilena, from Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York, delivered a powerful message - about 'bad math.' Beginning in Acts 16:6, God gives Paul direction to not go to preach in a couple places before revealing where He really wants Paul to go. We learn from this that - "God is a Father and fathers will say no." Also, He says "no" for reason of protection - not rejection. God loves us so much. Sometimes when you are in a bad situation or troubled times and a door opens or a "way out" appears - it is not always God - showing us and wanting us to take it. Paul and Silas give us an example of "bad math" and how God used a trial to save a jailor, his house, and ultimately extend the gospel to us.

Throughout scripture we are exhorted to praise God. To praise is to ascribe honor and glory to a deserving one. It is telling God how great He is! However, we all go through seasons where it is harder to praise. Yet it is in these seasons when we most need to praise God because it diverts our mind away from our problem and places our focus on God and His Glory!