A TIME FOR ACTS
ACT Part 1
Today I want to start a study regarding specific characteristics of the early church. This study will primarily be coming out of the book of Acts with some added context from other books. I want us to examine what our brothers and sisters two thousand years ago were able to do in the Lord. My plan is for us to examine what was done and ask three simple questions.
Is what the individual does special to only them, and/or that scenario?
What is stopping me from acting in such a manner? If special only to them, is there a different act that is similar today?
What does the act help us understand about Christ?
I am eager to start this series and hope you come along with me for this adventure. I would like to leave you with this, scene as the book of Acts begins.
Acts 1:1-9 “1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” 9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”
Christ appears to have physically left the followers. They eagerly stare into the sky looking up to see if they can catch just one last glimpse of the Son of God. Finally, the clouds surround the Lord and He is no longer in sight. Jesus’s first coming had concluded, His second coming postponed until Israel recognizes their Messiah; for now it was a new age, an age of great exploits, endeavors. and actions. It was the time for ACTS.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
Jl