Empowered to Continue: The Early Church's Mission
Summary
In today's sermon, we embarked on a journey through the book of Acts, exploring the profound continuation of Jesus' ministry through the early church. We began by setting the stage with an invitation to read Acts alongside me, emphasizing the importance of understanding this book as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. This approach helps us see the seamless transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the empowerment of His followers through the Holy Spirit.
As we delved into the narrative, we revisited the pivotal moment of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in various languages. This miraculous event not only exemplified God's power but also His intention to spread the gospel across diverse cultures and languages, breaking down barriers from the very inception of the church.
We then reflected on the significant scene where Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addresses the crowd that had gathered. Skeptics in the crowd suggested that the disciples were merely drunk, but Peter corrected them and took this opportunity to deliver a powerful sermon. He connected Old Testament prophecies to Jesus, declaring Him as both Lord and Messiah, which pierced the hearts of many listeners. This led to a mass conversion, where about 3,000 people were baptized, marking a monumental day in the history of Christianity.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the simplicity and immediacy of the early church's approach to faith and baptism. Unlike modern tendencies to delay significant spiritual decisions, the early Christians embraced immediate action in response to faith, a practice we strive to uphold in our community today.
We also explored how the narrative of Acts encourages us as modern believers to see ourselves as continuators of Jesus' story. The trials, triumphs, and even the mundane moments of our lives are all part of the ongoing narrative of God's kingdom, which we are called to participate in through the Holy Spirit's power.
In conclusion, the book of Acts is not just a historical account but a call to action for every believer. It challenges us to embrace our role in God's ongoing story, empowered by the same Spirit that moved at Pentecost.
### Key Takeaways:
1. The Continuation of Jesus' Ministry: The book of Acts is a direct continuation of the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing that the work of Jesus did not end with His ascension but continues through us, His followers. This perspective shifts how we view our role in the church and in the world, highlighting our responsibility to live out the teachings of Jesus daily. [23:39]
2. The Power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost: The event of Pentecost signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to empower His followers. The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in diverse languages, illustrating the inclusivity of the gospel. This teaches us that the church was meant to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers from its inception. [36:12]
3. Immediate Response to Faith: Peter's sermon led to immediate and massive conversions, showing that early church practices emphasized a direct and urgent response to the gospel. This challenges us to consider how we facilitate environments that encourage immediate decisions for Christ in our own contexts. [43:27]
4. Baptism as a Public Declaration of Faith: The practice of baptism in the early church was not only a personal declaration of faith but a powerful communal experience. It reminds us of the importance of public declarations of faith and the community's role in celebrating these acts. [46:28]
5. The Role of Every Believer in Continuing Jesus' Work: Just as the early disciples were tasked with spreading the gospel, we too are called to be Jesus' witnesses to the ends of the earth. This takeaway reiterates our mission to actively participate in the continuation of Jesus' ministry through our daily lives and interactions. [31:13]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [18:31] - Introduction to the Book of Acts
- [24:21] - The Literary Brilliance of Acts
- [36:12] - The Miracle of Pentecost
- [41:27] - Peter's Sermon
- [46:10] - The Significance of Baptism
- [49:10] - Call to Immediate Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
2. Acts 2:36-38 (ESV)
"Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
3. Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 2:1-4, what were the physical signs that accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost?
2. How did the crowd react to the disciples speaking in tongues as described in Acts 2:1-4?
3. What was Peter's response to the crowd's question in Acts 2:37-38 about what they should do after hearing his sermon?
4. How does Acts 1:8 describe the scope of the mission given to the disciples?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Considering the signs of the Holy Spirit's arrival in Acts 2:1-4, what do these signs signify about the nature and power of the Holy Spirit?
2. Why do you think the ability to speak in different tongues was the initial sign of the Holy Spirit's presence in Acts 2?
3. In Acts 2:37-38, Peter instructs the crowd to repent and be baptized. What does this suggest about the early Christian understanding of conversion and commitment?
4. Reflect on Acts 1:8. How does the geographical expansion from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth reflect the inclusivity of the gospel message?
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Acts 2:1-4, how can you be more open to the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in your own life? Identify one step you can take this week to foster this openness.
2. Given Peter's immediate call to action in Acts 2:38, how can you respond more promptly to God's convictions in your life? Is there a specific area where you need to take immediate action?
3. Acts 1:8 challenges believers to be witnesses 'to the ends of the earth.' What is one practical way you can be a witness in your own community this week?
4. Considering the transformative power of the Holy Spirit described in Acts 2, how can you encourage someone in your community or church who may be hesitant about the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives?
Devotional
Day 1: Empowered Continuation of Christ's Ministry
The book of Acts is not merely a historical narrative; it is a vibrant continuation of the Gospel of Luke, where the ministry of Jesus Christ extends through His followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This perspective transforms our understanding of our role within the church and the broader world. It emphasizes that the work of Christ did not conclude with His ascension but dynamically continues through each believer today. This realization invites us to live out the teachings of Jesus daily, actively participating in the unfolding story of God's kingdom on earth. [23:39]
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How can you more actively demonstrate the teachings of Jesus in your daily interactions at home or work?
Day 2: The Inclusive Power of Pentecost
The event of Pentecost as described in Acts was a pivotal moment where the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in diverse languages, showcasing God's desire for the gospel to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. This miraculous empowerment illustrates that the church was designed to be inclusive from its inception, inviting all peoples to partake in the divine narrative of salvation. The inclusivity highlighted at Pentecost teaches us the importance of embracing diversity within our faith communities today, striving to be a church where all are welcomed and understood. [36:12]
Acts 2:4-6 "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to making your church community more welcoming to people from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds?
Day 3: Urgency in Faith's Response
The immediate and massive conversions following Peter's sermon at Pentecost highlight a practice of urgent response to the gospel, characteristic of the early church. This narrative challenges us to reflect on our own practices and environments within the church. Are we fostering a setting that encourages swift and decisive action in response to faith? This reflection is crucial as it calls us to consider how we can better facilitate environments that not only welcome decisions for Christ but celebrate and support them immediately. [43:27]
Acts 2:41 "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls."
Reflection: What changes can be made in your church to encourage and support immediate responses to the gospel?
Day 4: Baptism as Communal Witness
The early church viewed baptism not just as a personal declaration of faith but as a powerful communal experience. This practice underscores the importance of public declarations of faith and the community's role in celebrating these transformative moments. By participating in baptism, believers are woven into the larger tapestry of the church's story, marked publicly as followers of Christ. This act of faith is both a personal commitment and a communal celebration, reinforcing the interconnectedness of our faith journeys. [46:28]
Romans 6:4 "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: How does your participation in communal acts of faith, like baptism, influence your personal faith journey and that of your community?
Day 5: Every Believer's Role in God's Narrative
Just as the early disciples were tasked with spreading the gospel, every modern believer is called to continue Jesus' work. This takeaway reiterates our mission to actively participate in the continuation of Jesus' ministry through our daily lives and interactions. Understanding our role as continuators of this divine narrative empowers us to live out our faith with purpose and passion, knowing that our actions contribute to the larger story of God's kingdom. [31:13]
2 Timothy 1:8-9 "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can act as a witness to Jesus' love and truth in your community this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Good morning. Man, it's already been a pretty awesome day, right? And we got to celebrate a couple of baptisms together. Like, I'm good. Like my day is awesome now, no matter what. So it's my favorite thing. One of my other favorite things is that we get to dive into scripture together today." [18:31]
2. "I love this because there could have been an actual windstorm and there may have been. Okay? That's not what we rehear. That's not what's in the Greek. There was just the sound of a mighty windstorm. Which in some ways, guys, would have been so much more scary. Right? You like hear rushing wind and then you like go outside and there's no wind." [35:48]
3. "And so he addresses them saying that this is alcohol and says basically this doesn't make, that doesn't make any sense. That doesn't make any sense that this would be alcohol that's caused this. And then he starts to teach them about Jesus. And it is this beautiful sermon." [41:27]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And Luke continues to kind of weave this together through this book. Really, really, really intentionally. At some point in my life over the last, I don't know how many years, I became kind of like a Bible literary nerd. I like love some of this literary stuff that takes place in scripture." [24:21]
2. "The message of Jesus, it changes lives, it changes hearts, it changes eternities. And so these listeners are like, what do we do? What do we do? Like we've heard you, we've heard the evidence, we believe you, we believe that Jesus is this Messiah that we've been waiting for. We believe, what do we do now?" [43:27]
3. "He's saying, repent. Seek forgiveness for your sins and turn back towards God be baptized. And the reason we teach about baptism and talk about baptism and practice baptism the way that we do here at Crosspoint is because it's what we see show up in Scripture over and over and over again." [46:10]
4. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere. In Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." [28:02]
5. "And then Jesus ascends to heaven, which I grew up in church. So I've been hearing this thing my entire life. And this week as I was preparing for this sermon, I just working through it line by line was kind of like, you know, I don't think I give enough credit for how weird that would have been." [31:13]
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