Introduction & Instruction / Acts 1:1-4

1. Introduction & Instruction / Acts 1:1-4

2. Acts is a narrative.

3. The Acts of the Apostles will teach us how to surrender

4. Acts is a narrative. Acts is often misunderstood.

5. The Acts of the Apostles will teach us good doctrine and a proper perspective on the church age

6. Acts is a narrative. Acts is often misunderstood. Acts is a book of transition

7. Transition in our lives... • high school to college • college to professional life • youth to adulthood • birth home to Kansas City • singleness to marriage • marriage to parenting.

8. Unhealthy transitions... • can be awkward • can include lots of failure and pain • can cause you to lose your identity rather than gain it • can leave us stunted in our growth

9. Healthy transitions... • should unveil who you were made to be • should cultivate a greater life purpose • should force the issue of direction. • should become an opportunity for faith and growth

10. The Acts of the Apostles will teach us how to embrace the hardship and joy of transition.

11. Luke’s authorship Dr. Luke, the physician is the author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. He was likely a Gentile. Col 4:11-14 We know he spent time traveling with Paul. Acts 16:10-17; 20:4-15; 21:1-18; 27:1-28:16

12. Luke’s record • Doesn’t emphasize private meetings • Doesn’t emphasize teaching • Focuses on their Acts

13. Key Point # 1 The record of our lives will be comprised of the “acts” we do in Christ’s name.

14. 2Co 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

15. Luke’s beneficiary • Theophilus. – “friend of God” • Theophilus was likely a Roman official & was likely saved • The letter is a follow-up to the Gospel of Luke • “The former treatise have I made…”

16. Introduction to Acts • Act 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

17. Introduction to Acts • Act 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

18. What Jesus taught during the 40 days … Gave them commandments ...after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

19. What Jesus taught during 40 days … • Gave them commandments • ...after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: • Luk 24:44 And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

20. Key Point # 2 We must recognize our purpose is to preach forgiveness

21. What Jesus taught during 40 days … • Gave them commandments • Proving his power to them • 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs

22. Key Point # 3 We must recognize the present reality of the resurrected Christ

23. What Jesus taught during 40 days … • Gave them commandments • Proving his power to them • Taught them about their spiritual reality • 3b...and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

24. What Jesus taught during 40 days … • Gave them commandments • Proving his power to them • Taught them about their spiritual reality • 3b...and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: • Kingdom of God is always about God’s presence – a spiritual reality. • Kingdom of Heaven is always about God’s future and promised kingdom - a physical place.

25. Key Point # 4 We must recognize the authority and power of Christ in us