Church Beginnings

Acts is the history of how Christianity was founded and organized, and solved its problems. A community of believers began by faith in the risen Christ and in the Holy Spirit, who enabled them to witness, love and serve. Today, new churches are continually being founded. By faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, the church can be a vibrant agent for change. As we face new problems, Acts gives us remedies for solving them.


Holy Spirit

The church did not start or grow by its own power -- the disciples were empowered by God's Holy Spirit. He was the promised Comforter and Guide sent after Christ ascended into heaven. The Holy Spirit's work demonstrated that Christianity was supernatural. By faith, any believer can claim the Spirit's power to do Christ's work.


Church Growth

Acts describes the history of a dynamic, growing community of believers from Jerusalem to Syria, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the first century it spread from believing Jews to non-Jews in 39 cities and 30 countries, islands, or provinces. We need to remember that when the Holy Spirit works, there can be excitement and growth. He gives us the ability and energy to spread the Word.


Witnessing

Peter, John, Paul, Barnabas, and thousands more witnessed to their new faith in Christ. By personal words before authorities, they told the story with boldness and courage to groups of all sizes. In love and by faith, God's chosen people are to witness and serve the Lord.


Opposition

Through imprisonment, beatings, plots, and riots, Christians were persecuted by both Jews and Gentles. But the opposition became a catalyst for the spread of the Gospel, showing that Christianity was the work of God. He can work through any opposition, even in the face of severe treatment from hostile unbelievers. We are to seize opportunities to serve.