Introducing Acts, Morning Praise

In one paragraph

This was the opening message of a new series through the book of Acts. Pastor introduced the series by talking about why Acts matters as a historical document and why it shouldn't make Baptist folks nervous, even with Pentecost right around the corner in chapter two. The focus for this first Sunday was chapter one and what the disciples did while they waited. the preacher opened by making the case...

Read together

1. Acts 1:1 opening verse of Acts, introducing Theophilus and referencing everything Jesus began to do and teach
2. Luke 1:1-4 Luke's introduction to Theophilus, explaining his careful and orderly account based on eyewitnesses
3. Acts 1:4 Jesus commanded the apostles not to leave Jerusalem until the Father sends the promised gift
4. Acts 1:12 the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a half mile away
5. Acts 1:14 they all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary and the brothers of Jesus
6. Acts 1:24 they all prayed, asking the Lord to show which man He had chosen to replace Judas
7. Psalms Peter quoted it saying 'let his home become desolate' and 'let someone else take his position,' applied to Judas
8. Acts 1:20 Peter citing the Psalms passage about Judas's home becoming desolate and another taking his position

Talk about it

1. Pastor John described Acts as a reliable historical account of real events that happened in real time and real space. What difference does it make to you personally whether the events in Acts actually happened, rather than being stories or teachings meant to inspire?
2. Pastor John said that if you remove Jesus from Christianity you have nothing, because the faith is built on what actually happened. How does that shape the way you think about your own belief?
3. The disciples were told to wait and pray, even though they did not know exactly what the gift of the Holy Spirit was going to look like. What is it like to obey and pray when you can see the direction but not the destination?
4. Pastor John pointed out that casting lots disappears after Acts chapter one, and that the coming of the Holy Spirit changes how the church makes decisions together. What does it look like practically for a group of believers to seek that kind of unity when they disagree?
5. Pastor John closed by calling the congregation to unite in persistent prayer specifically for the youth of the valley. What would it take for you to make that a regular, committed part of your own prayer life between now and when we gather again?