Acts is a book filled with dramatic events, amazing characters and has great application for the Christian life. It is a powerful book showing the acts of God through the Holy Spirit and how He acts in the lives of those He calls!

This study will take us through the book of Acts one chapter at a time with a specific look at Then - things that really happened. It's not a storybook but a history book of what really happened. And Now - it is dramatic application for today. It's a record of what really happened long ago but these things are still happening today and it shows us what God wants in the lives of His followers today.

Chapter 1

In verses 1-2, Luke is identified as the author of the Book of Acts. In volume, Luke wrote 27.5% of the New Testament. He was a physician and accompanied Paul on some of his mission trips.

Then and Now

Proofs then - verse 3 - the disciples and others saw Jesus after His resurrection.
Proofs now - historical, archeological, scientific and documentary evidences. What has happened in the last 100 years shows evidence for the biblical message. There have been many pieces showing that early believers really did believe Jesus was alive. They were bold and courageous in sharing that news. More and more confirmation comes through archeology as we are finding the very places where these events took place. And unearthing little things that show that what Luke wrote really is accurate.
Power then - verse 8 the disciples were to stay in Jerusalem until they received the gift that God the Father had promised to give them - the Holy Spirit - who would give them power.
Power now - we today receive the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live the Christian life and to be effective witnesses for God.
Purpose then - verse 8 - Jesus told them to be His witnesses
Purpose now - we are to testify by our life example, words and actions that Jesus is alive, risen and the Messiah and Savior. We are to bring Jesus to family, friends, neighbors, and to the ends of the earth - We have the same mission - it is still our purpose today.
Promise then - verse 11 - Jesus ascended to heaven and then the angels promised His return.
Promise now - the second coming of Christ is the heart of the New Testament teaching and the heart of a believer's witness. Jesus is returning!
Prayer then - the theme of prayer is found throughout the book of Acts. Verse 14 - tells us they were constant in prayer.
Prayer now - we are to pray for God's will to be done. We are to put into practice praying as this is what Jesus taught and gave example to.
Provision then - verses 23 and 26. A disciple was needed for replacing Judas and Matthias was added to eleven apostles.
Provision now - God never runs out of resources. God provides for His children!

This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:

Acts chapter 1

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