We’re beginning a new journey through the book of Acts—a story not just about what God did, but about what God still desires to do through His Church today. In this opening message, we explore Acts 1:1–11 and discover how Jesus prepared His followers for life and mission after His resurrection.
Acts serves as a bridge between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, showing how the risen Jesus continues His work through ordinary people empowered by the Holy Spirit. As the disciples are called to wait, receive power, and step into God’s mission, we are invited to do the same.
This message sets the foundation for the series by reminding us to keep our eyes on Jesus, depend fully on the Holy Spirit, and faithfully continue the work God has entrusted to His Church.
Key Takeaways
Acts is about what Jesus continues to do through His Church today
God often calls us to wait before He calls us to act
Waiting seasons are formative, not wasted
The Holy Spirit empowers believers at the moment of faith
Power comes before mission—dependence before obedience
Every follower of Jesus is called to be a witness
God’s mission is lived out through everyday faithfulness
Prayer precedes movement in the life of the Church
Contact Info
For more information about Branch Church, visit:
branchchurchmn.org
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to the Book of Acts(02:00) Why Branch Church Teaches Through Books of the Bible(03:30) Acts as the Bridge Between the Gospels and the Church(04:30) The Author and Purpose of Acts(05:30) What Acts Reveals About God’s Power and the Gospel(06:30) Keep Your Eyes on Jesus(08:30) The Resurrection Changes Everything(09:30) Learning Before Going — Discipleship in Waiting(10:30) Jesus’ Command to Wait(11:30) Why God Uses Waiting Seasons(13:00) The Promise of the Holy Spirit(14:00) The Holy Spirit and the Life of the Believer(15:30) Invitation to Baptism(16:30) Power for God’s Mission(17:30) The Call to Be Witnesses(19:00) Living as Christ’s Ambassadors(21:00) Asking God How to Be His Witness(22:30) The Ascension and the Call to Action(24:00) Don’t Just Stand There — Continue the Work(25:30) The Mission of Branch Church(27:00) Prayer Before Action(28:00) Invitation to Corporate Prayer(29:00) Closing Prayer & Worship
Keywords
Book of Acts, Acts 1, Holy Spirit, church mission, Branch Church, expository preaching, power of God, discipleship, waiting on God, baptism, witnessing, Great Commission, prayer, spiritual formation, early church, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, biblical teaching, Acts sermon series
