Peter concludes his sermon, the first in Acts, with the strong application - God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. The people in the audience respond with great emotion and ask, Brothers, what should we do. Peter responds with a formula that will occur throughout Acts - Repent and be baptized. It is important to note that Peter begins with repentance, a call to turn from sin and Jesus can and will forgive. The call for baptism does not make it a part of salvation, but is actually a reference to identifying with Jesus once you repent and turn to him in faith. Following the conversion of about 3000 souls, we are given a glimpse of the church in its infancy. We are given the elements that defined the church; worship, instruction, fellowship, prayer and an ongoing impact with those outside the church. This picture can and should still define the church today. In order to become a part of the church, you must accept Jesus personally and then continue to function as a member of the church.
Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common title for Jesus in Acts), Jesus (67x), Christ (25x), Servant, Holy One, Just One, a Prophet like Moses, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, Author of Life, Judge, Man and God. There is absolutely no question that Acts is the continuing account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach as presented in the gospel of Luke. The outline of Acts is very straightforward: Witnesses in Jerusalem (1-7), Witnesses in Judaea & Samaria (8-12), and Witnesses to the ends of the earth (13-28). Luke focuses throughout on this truth: You will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. May God strengthen us to be effective witnesses for Jesus.
Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community.
Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!
