In The Beginning

Key Takeaways

• The book of Acts is the origin story of the Church, showing how Jesus continues His ministry through His people.

• Luke wrote Acts to give us certainty in the truthfulness of the Gospel and confidence in God's mission.

• Jesus equips and empowers His followers for mission through His Word and Spirit.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Luke emphasizes the historical reliability of his account. Why is this important for our faith? How does it impact your view of Scripture?

• Question 2

  The sermon mentions that to know what we must do, we need to know what story we're a part of. What story do you think your life is currently telling? How does being part of God's story change your perspective?

• Question 3

  How does understanding Acts as a continuation of Jesus' ministry (now from heaven) affect your view of the Church's mission?

• Question 4

  Discuss the five ways Jesus equipped His apostles (chose, appeared, trained, commissioned, & baptized). How do these apply to us as followers of Christ today?

• Question 5

  Luke's careful investigation gives us certainty about the Gospel. How can we approach doubts or questions about our faith in a similar, investigative manner?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Certainty of God's Word

READING :

Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1-5

DEVOTIONAL :

Luke, the careful historian and physician, reminds us that our faith is grounded in historical truth. As you read, reflect on the meticulous care Luke took to verify the accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. How does this impact your confidence in Scripture? Consider how God has provided evidence for His truth throughout history.

APPLICATION :

Take time today to thank Him for the certainty we can have in His Word, and ask Him to deepen your trust in its reliability.

Day 2 : Equipped and Empowered for Mission

READING :

Acts 1:4-8, Luke 24:44-49

DEVOTIONAL :

Jesus didn't just call His disciples; He equipped and empowered them for their mission. As you read, notice how Jesus prepared His followers through teaching, personal appearances, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. How is God equipping you for His mission today? Reflect on the areas where you feel ill-prepared or inadequate. Remember that Jesus doesn't call the equipped, but equips the called. Pray for the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your life and for opportunities to be a witness for Christ.

APPLICATION :

Identify one way you can be more intentional about living as part of God's mission this week.

Day 3 : The Bible as One Grand Story

READING :

Luke 24:25-27, Colossians 1:15-20

DEVOTIONAL :

Jesus showed His disciples how all of Scripture points to Him. As you read, consider how the entire Bible tells one grand story of God's redemption through Christ. How does seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of all Scripture change your perspective on the Old Testament? Take time to praise God for His intricate plan of salvation woven throughout history. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Christ in all of Scripture as you read and study.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on your current "firewood supply." What steps can you take to ensure you're regularly engaging with Scripture? Contemplate different approaches to reading the Bible (fast vs. slow, whole Bible vs. focused study). Commit to a plan that works for you this year.

Day 4 : Living in God's Story

READING :

Romans 8:28-39, Ephesians 2:1-10

DEVOTIONAL :

We are all part of a story, but the question is: which one? Today's passages remind us that as believers, we are part of God's grand narrative of redemption. Reflect on how your life fits into God's story. Are there areas where you're living as if you're the main character rather than Christ? Consider how embracing your role in God's story might change your priorities, decisions, and relationships.

APPLICATION :

Pray for a renewed perspective that sees your life as part of God's unfolding plan.

Day 5 : Trusting God in Suffering

READING :

Psalm 22, Matthew 27:45-50

DEVOTIONAL :

Remember that Jesus has gone before us in suffering and emerged victorious. Even in His darkest moment on the cross, Jesus trusted in Scripture, quoting Psalm 22. As you read both passages, reflect on how Jesus found strength and purpose in God's Word during intense suffering. How might is obedience on your behalf encourage you in your own trials?

APPLICATION :

Consider areas of your life where you're struggling to trust God. Pray for the strength to cling to God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that God's story ends in resurrection.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

Confession of Sin

Heavenly Father, You have given us the promise of Your Spirit and called us to bear witness to the risen Christ, but we confess that we are slow to trust and quick to doubt. We have sought power in earthly things and neglected the kingdom You are building. We grow weary in waiting for Your timing and distracted from Your mission. Forgive us, Lord, and fill us anew with Your Spirit, that we may live as faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16