Sermon Outline:

1. The Book of Acts

2. Witnesses

3. Judea

4. Samaria

5. Ends of the Earth

6. The Holy Spirit

7. Jesus' Return

Next Steps

1. Think of a way in which Jesus has been faithful to you, or a way in which you have seen Jesus work, in your life or in scripture.

2. Go and tell someone about it, thereby being Christ's witness.

GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples that they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. What did it mean to be a witness for Christ in these different geographical and cultural contexts? In today's world, how can we apply Jesus' commission to our own lives? What do the different geographical and cultural contexts look like within the contemporary world and for StoneBridge?

2. In Acts 1:4-5 Jesus instructs the disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. How do you understand the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the disciples and in the early church? How can we apply this understanding to our lives and StoneBridge today?

3. Acts 1:9-11 describes Jesus' ascension into heaven. What is the significance of the ascension for the disciples and for the early Christian community? What does the ascension mean for our understanding of Jesus’ ongoing ministry in the world?

4. In Acts 1:11, the angels tell the disciples that Jesus will return in the same way they saw Him go into heaven. How does the promise of Jesus' return shape Christian hope and ethics? How should this promise influence the way we live our daily lives?

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