A Journey With The Book of Acts
Part 1: The Power of Pentecost | “Commissioned for the Cause”
Acts 2:17-18
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.
INTRODUCTION: THE JOURNEY BEGINS
When And Why Was It Written?
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As Believers the Holy Spirit Empowers us to spread the incredible Gospel
FOCUS SCRIPTURES:
Acts 1:8 (NKJV):
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV):
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:17-21 (NKJV):
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.21 And it shall come to past That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’
WHAT MAKES ACTS UNIQUE?
- It Is The Only Book In The New Testament That Tells The Full Story Of How The Church Began.
- It Connects The Life Of Jesus To The Letters Written By Paul And Other Apostles.
- It Shows How The Holy Spirit Works In And Through People.
KEY THEMES:
- The Promise – Empowerment Through The Holy Spirit
- The Proclamation – Bold Witness Of The Apostles
- The Partnership – Devotion To Community And Growth
HOW TO APPLY THIS BIBLE STUDY TO YOUR LIFE:
- Reflection: Take Time To Write Down Your Personal Experience With The Holy Spirit. How Have You Sensed His Guidance, Power, Or Conviction?
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- Prayer: Each Day, Pray Specifically For Fresh Empowerment. Ask The Holy Spirit To Fill You Anew, To Give You Boldness, Wisdom, And Clarity In Your Witness.
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- Evangelism: Share Your Testimony Or A Gospel-Centered Conversation With At Least One Person This Week. Ask God To Open Doors For Spiritual Conversations.
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- Community: Be Intentional By Spending Time In Fellowship With Other Believers.
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The Progress of the Gospel | “Courageous in Conflict”
THE BOLDNESS: STANDING FOR TRUTH DESPITE OPPOSITION
Acts 1:8 (NKJV):
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
John 15:18–20 (NKJV):
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”
Galatians 1:10 (NKJV):
“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
Boldness in faith means we live for an audience of one, which refers to God.
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What Faith Boldness Means
- Trusting God more than the views of other people.
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- Speaking and acting with truth and love without fear.
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- Looking to God to judge our work instead of the crowd.
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THE BLOOD: MARTYRDOM AND THE PRICE OF FAITH
What is Martyrdom? The suffering or death of a person who refuses to renounce their faith, cause or great principle.
Key Aspects of Martyrdom:
- Sacrifice – The Person Gives Up Their Life Or Well-being
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- Conviction – They Stand Firm In Their Beliefs
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- Witness – Their Death/Testimony Inspires Others Or Brings Attention To Their Cause
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THE BREAKTHROUGH: RADICAL TRANSFORMATION OF SAUL
Acts 9 recounts one of the most powerful and dramatic conversions in all of Scripture. Saul of Tarsus, a devout Pharisee and fierce persecutor of the Church is on his way to Damascus with authority from the high priest to arrest followers of Jesus.
Acts 9:4 (NKJV):
“Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Acts 9:17-18 (NKJV):
17 “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.”
Acts 9:20 (NKJV):
“Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.”
This verse shows us:
- When God Truly Changes Your Heart, Your Message Changes
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- There Is No Waiting Period For Witnessing When The Transformation Is Real
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- God Will Often Use You In The Very Places Where You Once Opposed Him
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HERE IS YOUR PRACTICAL LIFE APPLICATION:
- Identify One Area Where You Need To Be More Courageous In Your Faith
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- Read And Reflect On The Life Change Of Saul And Relate It To Your Story
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- Support A Believer Who May Be Facing Opposition
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- Pray For Strength To Stay Committed Under Pressure
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CLOSING ENCOURAGEMENT:
As you reflect on these chapters, remember that you are part of the same Gospel movement. You are called to speak truth, endure hardship, and embrace transformation. And just like the early disciples, you are empowered by the same Holy Spirit.
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