ACTS: The Church In Action

ACTS: ACTING AS THE CHURCH

"Acts is the book in the Bible that puts shoe-leather on our faith"

INTRODUCTION: ACTS is a book of practical, day to day application as to how the Christian life is to be lived. The study of Acts reveals how to be a church on the cutting-edge, how to thrive under pressure, and how to actualize a vision to reach one's world for Christ.

Some Unique Characteristics Of Acts

Acts is the primary textbook of the beginning of the Church.
Acts is the primary textbook of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Acts is the primary textbook of the development of world missions.
Acts is the primary textbook of the spread of Christianity.
Acts is the primary textbook of that bridges the life of Christ on the earth to His life in His people.

Contrasts Between the Gospels & Acts

In the Gospels

Christ Offers His Life
God sends Christ into the World
Christ is crucified and risen
We see Christ in acts of love and power
Christ models Christianity

In Acts

Christ offers His power
God sends the Holy Spirit into the World
Christ is ascended and exalted
We see the Holy Spirit in acts of love and power
Christians model Christianity

"The life that Christ lived qualified Him for the death that He died, and the death He died qualifies us for the life He lived." -- Ian Thomas

Outline Of The Book Of Acts

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in..." Acts 1:8

Stage One: Chapters 1-7
The Period of local missions - "in Jerusalem..."

State Two: Chapters 8-12
The Period of national missions - "in all Judea and Samaria..."

Stage Three: Chapters 13-28
The Period of world missions - "to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:8 Applies to Our Spiritual Walk

Stage One:
The stage of being established - the "Jerusalem" stage.

Stage Two:
The stage of being tested - the "Judea and Samaria" stage.

Stage Three:
The stage of being broken - the "ends of the world" stage.

Essential Beliefs From Tested Disciples: Chapter One

They believed in the risen Christ (Acts 1:1-11).
- The reality of His resurrection (1-3).
- The reality of His Spirit (4-8).
- The reality of His return (9-11).
They believed in koinonia (Acts 1:12-14).
- There was unity of purpose (1:14).
- There was expectant joy (1:12; Luke 24:52-53).
- There was diversity (Acts 1:12, 13-14).
They believed in prevailing Prayer (Acts 1:15, 24-25).
- Prayed for guidance (1:15-26).
- Prayed for courage (4:23-31).
- Prayed habitually (2:42-47; 3:1; 6:4).
- Prayed for deliverance (12).
- Prayed and fasted (13:1-14).
- Prayed and worshipped during trials.
- Prayed for healing.
They believed in Divine guidance (Acts 1:16-23).
- Leadership (1:15-19).
- God's written Voice (1:20).
- Supernatural confirmation (1:24, 26).

"The early Christians in Acts never witnessed about their local church, they witnessed about the Lord Jesus Christ."