I wrote a great quote about the book of Acts in the margin of my Bible. (But, I neglected to record the author’s name.) “The focus is not merely upon a God who is, but a God who does.”
Clearly the book of Acts sets the stage for greatest religious movement of all time. Christianity would sweep the world within just a few short years and it continues to be the life-changing factor. Lives would be radically changed because of the Message that 12 men would start to preach and teach. The message to the disciples/apostles was clear: Go in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit and proclaim the Gospel throughout the World.
However, we notice in verse 11 that the disciples/apostles (like many of us today) needed a nudge to get moving as they stood and looked up into Heaven. The angels asked a great question “Ye men of Galilee , why stand ye gazing up into heaven?” And they gave a great promise, “The same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (KJV )
The greatest evangelism campaign started with a promise – HE is coming again. The disciples/apostles recalled the memorable words spoken by Jesus just a few minutes earlier “You shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon; and ye shall be witness unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria
I personally like the philosophy of the great reform preacher of the 1500’s … Martin Luther, who wrote: “I preach as though Christ was crucified yesterday, rose from the dead today, and is coming back tomorrow.” This is the essence of the Acts chapter one.
Get a hold of God’s anointing Go and share the Gospel with everyone Get ready for His glorious return.