The Acts of the Apostles. The Church in Motion Acts 1
Stand and raise up your Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
Turn with me in your Bibles to Acts chapter 1 and say, "Amen" when you are there.
The Acts of the Apostles – The Church in Motion
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:8, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-37, Acts 28:31
The Book of Acts is more than a historical account; it is the blueprint of the early Church in action.
It chronicles the movement of the Holy Spirit through the apostles and the early believers, showing us how God’s kingdom expanded from a small group of disciples to a global mission that continues to this day.
Acts isn't just a narrative of past events—it's a living, breathing testimony of what happens when ordinary people, filled with the Holy Spirit, take the message of Jesus into the world.
From the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, to the Apostle Paul boldly declaring the kingdom of God in the heart of the Roman Empire, Acts shows us a Church that is on the move.
It is a story of faith, empowerment, perseverance, and the relentless advance of God’s purpose.
Today, as we explore this book, we will see how the Holy Spirit is still moving, still empowering, and still calling us to be a part of this global mission. And like the early Church, we are called to continue this mission with passion, unity, and boldness.
1. The Empowering of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
The book of Acts opens with a promise—Jesus tells His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.
He doesn’t just say they’ll be empowered for personal success, but for a divine mission: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This is the very heartbeat of Acts—God’s mission to reach every corner of the earth with the gospel. This power isn’t for comfort; it’s for courage. It’s not for us to stand still but to go, speak, and act.
The Holy Spirit isn’t just for our personal lives but for the work of the kingdom.
A man named Solomon in Papua New Guinea was living in addiction and hopelessness, much like the early disciples before Pentecost. He encountered missionaries who shared the good news of Jesus. His heart was stirred, and after receiving prayer, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
The change in Solomon’s life was dramatic. He began to share the gospel with others, and soon, his village experienced revival. Solomon’s story reflects what happens when the Holy Spirit empowers a believer to become a bold witness.
2. The Early Church: A Community of Love and Unity (Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-37)
The early Church was a radical community. It wasn’t just about meeting on Sundays; it was about living together in unity, generosity, and devotion.
Acts 2:42-47 gives us a picture of their life together: “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”
They were a community that had everything in common. The rich sold their possessions to support the poor, and there was no one in need among them (Acts 4:32-37).
The early believers didn’t just speak about the love of God; they lived it. Their love for each other was so compelling that it drew others into their community.
This is the church we are called to be—one that lives in such deep fellowship that the world takes notice. It’s not about buildings or programs, but about the heart of the church—being united in love, sharing life together, and reflecting Christ in everything we do.
Emily, once distant from the Church, came to a small group at her local congregation. At first, she felt like an outsider, but the members welcomed her with open arms, sharing meals, praying together, and walking through life with her.
Emily saw a genuine love that mirrored the early Church, and she was drawn back to Jesus. Today, Emily serves as a leader in the same group that once welcomed her, demonstrating the power of community to transform lives.
3. Boldness in the Face of Persecution (Acts 4:29-31, Acts 5:40-42)
The apostles were not just brave in spreading the gospel when it was easy; they were bold when it was dangerous. After being threatened by the authorities, the disciples didn’t pray for safety; they prayed for boldness:
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29)
Despite the persecution, they continued preaching the gospel, witnessing to the truth of Jesus, and performing signs and wonders.
Acts 5:40-42 shows that even after being beaten and warned, they rejoiced for being counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. And they didn’t stop—“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 5:42)
In our world today, we are called to have the same boldness. The gospel hasn’t lost its power, and the need for it hasn’t diminished. We may not face physical persecution, but there are challenges to our faith—rejection, ridicule, or indifference. But like the early Church, we are empowered to keep speaking, keep sharing, and keep loving boldly.
A missionary in the Solomon Islands faced immense opposition from local spiritual leaders who threatened violence and persecution.
Yet, the missionary prayed for boldness, and the Holy Spirit gave the strength to continue. Through his courage, many hearts were softened, and people began to come to Christ, even those who had been hostile to the gospel. The same Spirit that filled the apostles is still at work today, empowering believers to stand firm in their faith.
4. The Endurance of the Church (Acts 28:31)
The Book of Acts ends not with a conclusion but with an open door. Paul, in prison in Rome, continues to proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Even in chains, the mission of the Church continues. The story of Acts is not just about the apostles; it’s about the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit through the Church.
It shows that God’s mission cannot be stopped by persecution, imprisonment, or hardship.
And just as God’s mission did not stop with Paul, it will not stop with us. We are part of this great, global story.
The baton has been passed to us, and now it’s our turn to continue the work.
Altar Call:
Today, the Holy Spirit is calling each of us to be a part of this incredible movement. Perhaps you’ve been standing on the sidelines, unsure of where you fit into God’s plan. Or maybe you’ve been struggling with fear or uncertainty about stepping out in faith. The same Holy Spirit who empowered the apostles is here today, ready to fill you with boldness, love, and purpose.
Are you ready to receive the Holy Spirit’s power and become a bold witness for Jesus?
Are you willing to live in community, supporting and loving others as the early Church did?
Do you feel God calling you to endure and keep sharing the gospel, no matter the challenges?
If that’s you, I invite you to come forward. Surrender your life to the Holy Spirit’s work in you. Let Him fill you with the power you need to live for Jesus, to serve His people, and to continue the mission He began.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the book of Acts and for the example of the early Church. We ask that Your Holy Spirit empower us today as You empowered them. Fill us with boldness, love, and endurance to carry out Your mission. We surrender our lives to You, knowing that You have called us to be a part of this global movement. Use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The work of the Church is not finished; it is ongoing. As we leave today, let us be reminded that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. The Holy Spirit is in us, empowering us to go, speak, and love like never before. Let’s go out with boldness and continue the mission that Jesus started. God bless you all.
