DO AND TEACH
The Acts Thoughts come from a wide variety of sources. Some from messages I have heard from individuals, some from assembly Bible studies, some from home life and some from books I have read. The Holy Spirit is the Teacher who makes them real to me.
- "Acts of the Apostles," by G. Campbell Morgan
- "What the Bible Teaches, Acts," by J. Anderson
- "The Life Application Bible." Tyndale House and Zondervan
- "Acts, a study in New Testament Christianity," by J. Heading
- "The Acts of the Apostles," by A.C. Gaebelein
Acts is an account as to how the message of the Gospel began with a small group of disciples and traveled across the Roman Empire. They preached in synagogues, schools, homes, market-places, court-rooms, streets, hills, ships and desert roads. Wherever God sent them, lives and history were changed. The plan of the Lord Jesus was for them to begin at Jerusalem; then Judea; then Samaria and then to the ends of the earth. Some Jews believed, and many of the Gentiles believed and received the Gospel. Assemblies were started and believers began to grow in the Christian life.
It is also a theological book regarding the Holy Spirit, church relationships and organization, implications of grace and the law of love. It is also an apologetic work, building a case for the validity of Christ's claims and promises. Main themes are: Church beginnings, new churches were then and are today continually being formed. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit overcomes the obstacles in these new beginnings. The Holy Spirit: His work demonstrates the supernatural evidences of Christianity. We are Holy Spirit-conscious rather than problem-conscious. Church growth: Acts presents the history of the growing work from Jerusalem to Syria, Africa, Asia and Europe. In 100 years "the faith" spread from the Jews in Jerusalem to non-Jews in 39 cities and 30 countries. Witnessing: From the apostles and their converts came the witness to personal faith in Christ. Personal testimony, preaching, defense before authorities made the story of the Gospel clear with boldness and courage to large and small groups alike. As God's people, we are chosen to be part of His plan to reach the world. In love and by faith, the Holy Spirit helps us to witness and preach. Witnessing strengthens our faith as we confront people who challenge our faith. Opposition: the catalyst for the spread of the Gospel. Opposition is not an obstacle to God.