Week 1 | Introduction to Acts

Big Idea: The church is key to the believers’ growth and to reaching the unsaved.

Scripture: Acts 1:1-5

Intro:

The church has been the cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember. From my earliest days, it wasn’t just a place we visited on Sundays—it was a second home. I was raised in its embrace, surrounded by the warmth of its people and the strength of its teachings.

We didn’t just attend services; we lived out our lives within its walls. Church events, gatherings, and activities filled our days, from holiday celebrations to regular fellowship meals. It was where I first learned to play music, not just as a skill, but as an expression of worship and connection with others.

Through the church, I discovered what it means to live in community, to serve alongside others, and to be supported in every season of life. For me, the church wasn't just a part of my routine; it was central to my identity, shaping the person I’ve become and the values I hold dear.

At 33 years old, I can look back and see just how much this place has shaped me. The church is not just a chapter of my life—it’s woven into every part of who I am today.

It has instilled in me values that guide my decisions, strengthened my faith in moments of doubt, and provided a community that has been my family in every sense of the word. The lessons I’ve learned here go beyond spiritual teachings—they are lessons about love, compassion, service, and perseverance.

The church didn’t just teach me about faith; it taught me about life. And it remains the key to who I am today.

The church is a worshiping community, a witnessing community, and a working community. In other words, the church is to exalt the Lord, it is to evangelize the world, and it is to edify its members.

John F. MacArthur

The church is a community of the works and words of Jesus.

Donald English

Tension:

For many of us, our story begins in much the same way. We were raised in the church, and it has become an inseparable part of who we are.

From our earliest memories, the church shaped not just our faith but our friendships, the choices we made, and the way we see the world. It was in this community that we found a sense of belonging, a place where we grew, learned, and experienced life. The people we’ve met here, the moments we’ve shared, and the milestones we’ve celebrated—all of it has been anchored in the life of the church.

But as much as the church has been a personal refuge for us, it’s also meant for something much bigger. The church was never intended to be a sanctuary solely for those who already know God—it exists for the lost, the hurting, and the broken. It’s a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope for a world in need of healing.

The church is not just about us and our personal experiences, but about extending grace, love, and truth to those who haven’t yet encountered the life-transforming power of Christ.

Jesus came to earth not just to offer salvation to a select few, but to initiate a movement that would change the world. His life was the foundation—the perfect example of sacrificial love, compassion, and truth. But He didn’t intend for His work to end with His time on earth. That’s where the book of Acts comes in.

Acts shows us how the mission of Jesus continues after His resurrection, how the early church carried His message forward, and how the gospel spread like wildfire, transforming lives and entire communities.

The book of Acts isn’t just a historical account; it’s a blueprint for the church today.

It reminds us that the movement Jesus began didn’t stop with His ascension. It’s still alive, still active, and still unfolding through us. We are called to be His hands and feet in this world, continuing the work He started, reaching out to those who are lost, and offering hope to those in need.

The story of the church is not just about what happened back then—it’s about what God is still doing now, through us, and for the world.

Big Idea:

The church is key to the believers’ growth and to reaching the unsaved.

Truth:

Watch TBP overview video:

https://youtu.be/Z-17KxpjL0Q?si=GM6B-zHdFCL-0wbE

Acts picks up where Luke’s Gospel leaves off, recording the early progress of the gospel as Jesus’ disciples took it from Jerusalem throughout Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the Mediterranean world. The story begins with Christ’s ascension and the events of Pentecost.

As Gentiles begin responding to the gospel, the focus shifts to Paul and his missionary journeys. Acts forms a bridge between the four Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, showing how the apostles carried on Christ’s work and providing a historical background for Romans through Revelation. The Acts of the Apostles is the second of two New Testament books written by Luke.

Like his Gospel, Acts was a letter to Luke’s friend Theophilus, written sometime in A.D. 62–64.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ac.

This is the story of the church, for the church, and of how the gospel continues to work its way into the world today.

It’s a narrative that didn’t end with the early church; it’s still unfolding, alive in the mission and purpose of God’s people here and now. This story reveals how the message of Christ transcends time, cultures, and circumstances, reaching into every corner of the earth, transforming hearts, and shaping lives.

It’s a story of the church’s identity, mission, and its unshakable role in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

At its core, this is a story of resilience—how God’s people grow and thrive even in the face of persecution, opposition, and hardship. Throughout history, the church has faced countless trials, yet time and again, it has not only survived but flourished.

This isn’t by human strength or ingenuity, but by the power of the gospel, which has proven to be unstoppable. Even when governments, cultures, and authorities have tried to silence or suppress it, the message of Christ has spread with even greater intensity. The church is built on the promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against it, and this truth has been proven throughout the ages.

But this is also a story of how God works through the most unlikely people to advance His kingdom.

Time and again, we see that God doesn’t just choose the qualified or the expected; He calls the ordinary, the overlooked, and sometimes the broken, to do extraordinary things.

In the book of Acts and beyond, we see fishermen turned into apostles, persecutors transformed into proclaimers, and outcasts brought into the center of God’s work. This reminds us that God’s kingdom is not advanced by human power, status, or ability, but by His grace and the willingness of ordinary people to say "yes" to His call.

This ongoing story of the church shows us that God is not finished yet. He is still using people—people like us—to spread the good news, to grow His church, and to reach those who are lost.

Despite the challenges, despite the opposition, the gospel is still working its way out into the world, bringing hope, healing, and transformation. And just like in the early church, God continues to use unlikely people—people who may not seem remarkable by the world’s standards—to do remarkable things for His kingdom.

Read Acts 1:1-5

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

The Gospel of Luke, the first volume, was dedicated to revealing who Jesus was—His life, His ministry, and the incredible things He accomplished during His time on earth. It detailed the miracles He performed, the teachings He shared, and ultimately, His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.

Luke’s account aimed to show the readers that Jesus was not just a prophet or a good teacher, but the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God. Every word, action, and miracle pointed to the divine nature and purpose of Christ’s mission on earth.

Now, as we enter the second volume—commonly known as the book of Acts—it shifts the focus.

This part of the story is not just about what Jesus did while He was physically present, but about the powerful continuation of His work after His ascension.

Acts serves as a record of how the risen Christ, now seated at the right hand of God, continued to build His Kingdom through His apostles.

These apostles were no longer operating in their own limited strength but were empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised that after His departure, He would send the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and embolden His followers. And this promise is fulfilled in Acts, where we see the birth and growth of the early church.

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 1

The “former treatise” referred to is the Gospel of Luke (see Luke. 1:1–4) in which Luke told the story of what Jesus began to do and teach while He was on earth. Acts picks up the account by telling what He continued to do and teach through the church on earth. The Gospel of Luke tells of Christ’s ministry on earth in a physical body, while Acts tells of His ministry from heaven through His spiritual body, the church.

The many post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, where He showed Himself alive to His disciples over the span of forty days, are crucial to understanding the foundation of the Christian faith. These appearances were not mere hallucinations or fabrications.

They were real, historical events that provided undeniable proof that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. His resurrection was the defining moment in history, confirming His victory over sin and death.

This reality was not just a hopeful belief or a comforting myth—it was the very bedrock upon which the church would be built.

The resurrection of Christ, verified by eyewitnesses, was the catalyst for everything that would follow.

It gave the apostles the boldness to preach, even in the face of persecution, because they knew with certainty that their message was true.

The church would be built on this reality—that Jesus, the Son of God, had died, risen again, and was alive, reigning in heaven.

Through the Holy Spirit, the apostles would go on to spread this life-changing message, and the world would never be the same.

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Jesus is the one who brings what the water of baptism represents. Water in baptism is a powerful symbol of purification and cleansing from sin, but it is important to recognize that it points to something much deeper.

While water itself is a physical representation, the real cleansing comes from the Holy Spirit.

The act of baptism symbolizes the washing away of our sins, but it is the Holy Spirit who truly purifies our hearts.

It’s not just about a symbolic ritual—it’s about the transformation the Spirit brings.

The Spirit doesn’t just represent cleansing, He actively makes us clean, renewing our souls and bringing us into a restored relationship with God.

The Holy Spirit is like the fuel that propels every believer towards God. Just as gasoline powers a car to move forward, the Holy Spirit is the driving force that draws us closer to God.

He works in us to guide, convict, and empower us to live lives that honor God.

Beyond just pushing us toward holiness, the Holy Spirit seals us, marking us as God’s own.

This seal is a sign of our belonging to Him, a guarantee that we are His children and that nothing can separate us from His love.

In this way, the water of baptism points to the greater work of the Holy Spirit. It’s not just about a one-time ritual, but about a lifelong journey of being shaped, guided, and sanctified by the Spirit, who works within us every day to make us more like Christ.

Application

There are countless ways in which we will witness this truth unfold in our lives.

As believers, we are part of a larger spiritual family, and the church plays a significant and irreplaceable role in the growth and well-being of each one of us. It provides a community where we are encouraged, challenged, and equipped to live out our faith.

Importantly, the youth are not separate from this; they are an integral part of the church body. Their involvement is vital, not just for their own spiritual development, but also for the health and future of the church as a whole.

The church needs the energy, ideas, and passion of young believers, just as they need the wisdom, guidance, and support of the wider congregation. Together, we embody the fullness of what it means to be the body of Christ.

Lets look at a few ways to apply it today:

Engage in Intentional Community for Spiritual Growth

The church plays a crucial role in the growth of every believer. Just as the apostles in Acts were empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, we too are called to grow within a community of believers.

This means not just attending church on Sundays, but actively participating in small groups, prayer meetings, and serving opportunities.

These avenues allow us to build meaningful relationships where we can encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and deepen our understanding of God’s Word.

Application: This week make an intentional effort to build relationships that will support your spiritual growth and help you remain accountable in your walk with Christ.

Share the Gospel Beyond the Church Walls

Acts 1:1-5 reminds us that the church is not just a community for believers, but a launching pad for spreading the gospel to the unsaved.

Jesus commanded His disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, and the church today continues that mission. We are not meant to keep the good news to ourselves.

As members of the church, we are each called to reach out to those who do not yet know Christ, offering hope, love, and the transformative message of the gospel.

Application: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of Christ. This week, pray for an opportunity to share the gospel with them—whether through a conversation, an invitation to church, or a simple act of kindness that reflects Christ's love.

Landing

As we reflect on the role of the church in our lives and in the world, it becomes clear that we are not called to be passive spectators, but active participants in God’s ongoing work. The story of the early church in Acts is not just history—it’s a model for us today. Just as the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly carry the message of Christ to the world, we too are called to live out our faith in the power of that same Spirit.

The church is where we grow, where we are equipped, and where we find the strength to continue. But it’s also where we launch out, bringing the light of Christ to those still walking in darkness. Our mission is not confined to these four walls; it extends to our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and beyond. Every day is an opportunity to live out our faith, to reach the lost, and to point people to the hope found in Jesus.

So as we go from here today, let’s remember that we are the church—the body of Christ, called to love, serve, and share the gospel. Let’s be intentional about how we grow in our faith and purposeful in how we reach those around us.

The world is waiting, and the mission is clear. We are part of something much bigger than ourselves, and God is still using His church—His people—to transform lives and advance His kingdom.

Will you step into that calling? Will you be the church, both inside and outside these walls? The story of Acts continues, and it’s still being written through us. Let’s embrace that mission with boldness and faith, trusting that God will use us to make a difference in this world.

Pray