Sermons on Acts 1:1-11

Acts 1:1-11 Interpretation:

Empowered Living: Relying on the Holy Spirit (Boston Church) interprets Acts 1:1-11 by emphasizing the concept that the promise of the Holy Spirit is the true power behind the plan. The sermon uses the analogy of a family vacation plan to illustrate how God's plans may seem unappealing or confusing, but the promise of His presence and power makes them effective. The Greek word "dunamis," meaning power, is highlighted to explain the explosive, dynamic nature of the Holy Spirit's power, akin to dynamite.

Living the Abiding Life: Witnessing Through God's Power (First Baptist Church Peachtree City) interprets Acts 1:1-11 by focusing on the role of Christians as witnesses. The sermon uses the analogy of a flea market to illustrate the importance of sharing the gospel outside the church walls. The Greek word "martus," meaning witness, is explained as not just dying for faith but living for it daily. The sermon emphasizes that the power of witnessing comes from the Holy Spirit, not personal ability.

Empowered Witnesses: Embracing Our Mission for the Decade (Jonathan & Monica Romig) interprets Acts 1:1-11 by presenting the idea that Jesus provides everything needed to be His witnesses, including proof of His resurrection, power through the Holy Spirit, and motivation to go. The sermon uses the analogy of a decade-long mission to illustrate the long-term impact of being faithful witnesses. The Greek word "martus" is also discussed, emphasizing the cost of being a witness.

Living with Expectancy: Embracing Our Unfinished Story (Landmark Church) interprets Acts 1:1-11 as a narrative of expectancy, likening the apostles' waiting for the Holy Spirit to the anticipation of a birth. The sermon uses the analogy of pregnancy, comparing the apostles' waiting for the Holy Spirit to the expectant waiting of a mother for her child. The Greek word "ekklesia" is highlighted, emphasizing the church as a "called out assembly" rather than a building, which shapes the understanding of the church's mission as ongoing and unfinished.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) offers a unique interpretation by focusing on the concept of the kingdom of God as a government or nation, challenging the disciples' preconceptions about the kingdom being limited to Israel. The sermon uses the analogy of George Washington's anointing as president to explain Jesus' anointing as king, emphasizing the ongoing nature of Jesus' kingdom and authority.

Empowered to Continue: The Early Church's Mission (CrosspointCape) interprets Acts 1:1-11 as the continuation of Jesus' ministry through the church. The sermon highlights the literary technique used by Luke to mirror events in Acts with those in the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing the ongoing story of Jesus' work through the church. The Greek term used to indicate the continuation of Jesus' work is noted, shaping the understanding of the church's mission as a continuation of Jesus' ministry.

We Are the Church: Empowered Witnesses of Christ (Living Faith Brick, NJ) interprets Acts 1:1-11 by emphasizing the transition from Jesus' physical presence to the empowerment of the disciples through the Holy Spirit. The sermon highlights the disciples' initial misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, expecting a political restoration of Israel, and contrasts it with Jesus' actual mission of spiritual empowerment and global witness. The sermon uses the analogy of a "pause button" to describe Jesus' instruction to wait for the Holy Spirit, suggesting that the disciples needed to shift their focus from earthly expectations to spiritual empowerment.

We Are the Church: Empowered for Our Mission (Living Faith Brick, NJ) offers a similar interpretation, focusing on the empowerment of the disciples through the Holy Spirit as the beginning of the church's mission. The sermon emphasizes the continuity between Jesus' ministry and the disciples' mission, using the metaphor of a baton being passed to describe the transition of responsibility from Jesus to the disciples. The sermon also highlights the disciples' experience with the Holy Spirit during Jesus' ministry, noting that the promise of the Holy Spirit's permanent indwelling was a new and transformative aspect of their mission.

Empowered Witnesses: The Role of the Holy Spirit (Central Manor Church) interprets Acts 1:1-11 by emphasizing the embryonic nature of the early church as described in Acts. The sermon highlights that the church was in a formative stage, not yet fully functioning as God intended, and that not everything in Acts is normative for the church today. The sermon uses the analogy of conception and growth to describe the development of the church, suggesting that Acts 1 is like the conception stage, leading to the birth of the church in Acts 2.

Empowered Storytelling: Sharing Faith with Urgency (The District Church) interprets Acts 1:1-11 by focusing on the promise of being witnesses for Christ. The sermon emphasizes that being a witness is not optional but a promise and a responsibility for all Christians. It uses the metaphor of storytelling to convey the idea that each believer has a unique story to share, which is part of the larger narrative of God's work in the world.

Acts 1:1-11 Theological Themes:

Empowered Living: Relying on the Holy Spirit (Boston Church) presents the theme of "The Promise is the Plan," emphasizing that God's promises, particularly the promise of the Holy Spirit, are the true source of power and effectiveness in His plans. The sermon also introduces the concept of "The Power in the Pause," highlighting the importance of waiting on God's timing and the Holy Spirit's empowerment before acting.

Living the Abiding Life: Witnessing Through God's Power (First Baptist Church Peachtree City) introduces the theme of "Witnessing as a Natural Byproduct of Abiding," suggesting that living in a close relationship with God naturally leads to sharing one's faith. The sermon also emphasizes the distinction between conveying the gospel and converting others, highlighting the Holy Spirit's role in the latter.

Empowered Witnesses: Embracing Our Mission for the Decade (Jonathan & Monica Romig) presents the theme of "Mission as a Long-Term Commitment," encouraging the congregation to envision their impact over a decade. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of being empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission, suggesting that the Holy Spirit's presence transforms ordinary efforts into extraordinary outcomes.

Living with Expectancy: Embracing Our Unfinished Story (Landmark Church) presents the theme of the church as an "unfinished story," emphasizing the ongoing mission of the church and the role of believers in continuing the work of the apostles. The sermon highlights the importance of living with expectancy for God's presence and the return of Jesus.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) introduces the theme of Jesus' authority and the kingdom of God as a present reality, challenging the notion of the kingdom being limited to a specific nation or people. The sermon emphasizes the authority given to believers to proclaim the kingdom and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Empowered to Continue: The Early Church's Mission (CrosspointCape) focuses on the theme of the continuation of Jesus' work through the church, emphasizing the role of believers in continuing Jesus' mission and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon highlights the importance of baptism as a response to the gospel and a continuation of the early church's practices.

We Are the Church: Empowered Witnesses of Christ (Living Faith Brick, NJ) presents the theme of the church as a living body of believers, distinct from physical buildings. The sermon emphasizes that the true church is the people of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to the world. This theme challenges traditional notions of sacred spaces and highlights the spiritual nature of the church's mission.

We Are the Church: Empowered for Our Mission (Living Faith Brick, NJ) explores the theme of the church's mission as a continuation of Jesus' work, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The sermon emphasizes the collective responsibility of believers to fulfill the Great Commission, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling the church to accomplish its mission. This theme underscores the importance of unity and collaboration among believers in spreading the gospel.

Empowered Witnesses: The Role of the Holy Spirit (Central Manor Church) presents the theme of the Holy Spirit as the source of power for witnessing. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit empowers all believers, not just church leaders, to be witnesses for Christ. It highlights the continuity of the mission from the apostles to present-day believers, suggesting that the ripple effect of the apostles' witness has reached believers today.

Empowered Storytelling: Sharing Faith with Urgency (The District Church) introduces the theme of resilient storytelling as a spiritual discipline. The sermon suggests that sharing one's faith story is a rhythm that builds resilience in believers, enabling them to withstand adversity and remain faithful witnesses. It emphasizes the communal aspect of storytelling, encouraging believers to share their stories within their faith communities to gain courage and support.

Acts 1:1-11 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Empowered Witnesses: Embracing Our Mission for the Decade (Jonathan & Monica Romig) provides historical context by explaining the geographical expansion of the early church as outlined in Acts. The sermon describes how the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, using maps to illustrate this progression. This context is used to draw parallels to the church's mission today.

Living with Expectancy: Embracing Our Unfinished Story (Landmark Church) provides insight into the cultural understanding of the Greek word "ekklesia," explaining its meaning as a "called out assembly" and contrasting it with the English word "church," which historically referred to a building.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) offers historical context by comparing Jesus' anointing as king to the anointing of David in the Old Testament and the anointing of George Washington as president, highlighting the process of establishing authority and the ongoing nature of Jesus' kingdom.

We Are the Church: Empowered Witnesses of Christ (Living Faith Brick, NJ) provides historical context by explaining the significance of the disciples' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel. The sermon notes that the disciples' expectation of a political Messiah was rooted in Jewish tradition and highlights the shift in understanding required to embrace Jesus' spiritual mission.

We Are the Church: Empowered for Our Mission (Living Faith Brick, NJ) offers historical insights into the writing of the book of Acts, noting that it was written by Luke and serves as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. The sermon explains the historical context of the early church and the significance of the Holy Spirit's empowerment in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Empowered Witnesses: The Role of the Holy Spirit (Central Manor Church) provides historical context by explaining the significance of the 40 days between Jesus' resurrection and ascension. It notes that Jesus used this time to teach the disciples about the kingdom of God and to provide convincing proofs of his resurrection. The sermon also explains the cultural practice of casting lots as a decision-making process in the early church.

Acts 1:1-11 Cross-References in the Bible:

Empowered Living: Relying on the Holy Spirit (Boston Church) references 1 Peter 1:3 to emphasize the concept of being shielded by God's promises and the power of the resurrection. The sermon also references Ephesians 5:18 to illustrate the idea of being overcome by the Holy Spirit, contrasting it with being controlled by alcohol.

Living the Abiding Life: Witnessing Through God's Power (First Baptist Church Peachtree City) references Romans 10 to emphasize the importance of sharing the gospel and the role of witnesses in helping others believe. The sermon also references Matthew 24 to highlight the prophetic nature of the Great Commission and the call to reach every nation and ethnic group.

Empowered Witnesses: Embracing Our Mission for the Decade (Jonathan & Monica Romig) references Romans 12:1 to discuss the concept of being a living sacrifice and a living witness. The sermon also references the Great Commission in Matthew 28 to emphasize the call to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) references Matthew 28, Romans 14, and Psalm 110 to support the interpretation of Jesus' authority and the kingdom of God. Matthew 28 is used to emphasize the Great Commission and the authority given to believers. Romans 14 highlights Jesus' lordship over the living and the dead, while Psalm 110 is used to illustrate Jesus' enthronement and authority.

Empowered to Continue: The Early Church's Mission (CrosspointCape) references the Gospel of Luke to emphasize the continuation of Jesus' work in Acts. The sermon also mentions Old Testament references from Jeremiah and the Psalms, used by Peter in his sermon to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus.

We Are the Church: Empowered Witnesses of Christ (Living Faith Brick, NJ) references John 14-17, known as the farewell discourse, where Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. This cross-reference is used to support the interpretation of Acts 1:1-11 as a fulfillment of Jesus' promise and to emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide for the disciples.

We Are the Church: Empowered for Our Mission (Living Faith Brick, NJ) references Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission, to highlight the church's mission to make disciples of all nations. This cross-reference is used to connect the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:1-11 with the broader mission of the church to spread the gospel globally.

Empowered Witnesses: The Role of the Holy Spirit (Central Manor Church) references John 14, where Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit as a comforter. This cross-reference is used to support the understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers for their mission.

Empowered Storytelling: Sharing Faith with Urgency (The District Church) references 1 Corinthians 15, which mentions Jesus' appearances to over 500 people after his resurrection. This is used to highlight the convincing proofs of Jesus' resurrection and to encourage believers to recognize the signs of God's work in their own lives.

Acts 1:1-11 Christian References outside the Bible:

Living the Abiding Life: Witnessing Through God's Power (First Baptist Church Peachtree City) references Dallas Willard's concept of "the with God life" to describe the abiding life. The sermon also shares a story about Billy Graham's realization of the need to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than personal charisma, illustrating the importance of abiding in Christ for effective ministry.

Empowered Witnesses: Embracing Our Mission for the Decade (Jonathan & Monica Romig) references several apologetic authors, including Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel, to provide resources for understanding and defending the Christian faith. The sermon encourages the congregation to engage with these resources to strengthen their witness.

Empowered to Continue: The Early Church's Mission (CrosspointCape) references N.T. Wright and Tim Mackey. N.T. Wright is noted for his insights into the literary techniques used by Luke to connect the Gospel of Luke and Acts, emphasizing the continuation of Jesus' work. Tim Mackey is quoted on the concept of believers' stories mirroring Jesus' story when they faithfully represent him.

Empowered Storytelling: Sharing Faith with Urgency (The District Church) references Ignatius and his practice of the daily examine, a spiritual discipline of reflecting on God's work in one's life. This reference is used to encourage believers to regularly recognize and remember the signs of God's goodness in their lives.

Acts 1:1-11 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Empowered Living: Relying on the Holy Spirit (Boston Church) uses the analogy of a family vacation plan to illustrate the concept of trusting in God's promises despite seemingly unappealing plans. The sermon also shares a personal story about the desire to build a fish tank, illustrating the importance of pausing and waiting for God's guidance.

Living the Abiding Life: Witnessing Through God's Power (First Baptist Church Peachtree City) uses the analogy of a flea market to illustrate the importance of sharing the gospel outside the church walls. The sermon also shares a story about a pastor's grandfather's mill, illustrating the concept of relying on the Holy Spirit's power rather than personal effort.

Empowered Witnesses: Embracing Our Mission for the Decade (Jonathan & Monica Romig) uses the story of Mr. Rogers as an illustration of living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. The sermon highlights Mr. Rogers' practice of prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in his work, illustrating the impact of being filled with the Spirit.

Living with Expectancy: Embracing Our Unfinished Story (Landmark Church) uses the analogy of the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" to illustrate the theme of expectancy in Acts 1:1-11, comparing the apostles' waiting for the Holy Spirit to the anticipation of a birth.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) uses the analogy of George Washington's anointing as president to explain Jesus' anointing as king, highlighting the process of establishing authority and the ongoing nature of Jesus' kingdom. The sermon also uses the concept of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in military operations to illustrate the church's role in transforming culture and spreading the kingdom of God.

Empowered Storytelling: Sharing Faith with Urgency (The District Church) uses the analogy of a jury duty experience to illustrate the concept of convincing proofs. The pastor shares his experience of serving on a jury and evaluating evidence to determine guilt or innocence, drawing a parallel to the need for convincing signs of God's work in one's life. The sermon also uses the example of a football game to illustrate the idea that people naturally talk about what they love, encouraging believers to share their faith stories with the same enthusiasm.