Now Is The Time: Acts Adult JourneySample

THE ACTS 1.8 ASSIGNMENT

PRAY:

Lord, you have empowered me as I have read the account of the birth of the Early Church in the book of Acts. Give me, Lord, the courage to be a faithful and unwavering witness of the good news of the gospel.

READ:

Acts 1.8; 2.43-47; 28.30, 31

Two thousand years ago the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ forever changed the world! On the day of Pentecost, while his followers were gathered praying and reading Scripture, God again miraculously moved with power that launched the greatest movement in history!

For the past 29 days we have journeyed together reading, praying, and living the book of Acts – the fascinating eyewitness biblical account of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church! Our hope has been to ignite our nation and world by living out God’s Word through our congregations and organizations, in our small groups, and as individuals. Our prayer has been to see our cities and communities transformed for God’s glory!

Throughout our journey, we have been learning to live the story that will continue to be told until Christ returns. The disciples first preached the story with power in Jerusalem and the result was amazing! Luke, the author, declares, “Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked. All the Lord’s followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever was in need. Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved” (Acts 2.43-47).

The book of Acts concludes by stating, “For two years Paul stayed in a rented house and welcomed everyone who came to see him. He bravely preached about God’s kingdom and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ, and no one tried to stop him” (vv 30, 31).

God’s Word is not meant just to inform us, but transform us. We are called to put God’s Word into practice – to become “doers of the Word” – to live God’s Word. Acts 1.8 declares, “But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.”

REFLECT:

Is God calling you to be one who will tell others about him? Look around your state, city, community. Identify where your “Jerusalem,” your “Judea,” and your “Samaria” would be.

RESPOND:

Ask God how you can put into practice the lessons God is teaching you through your journey through the book of Acts by selecting, planning, and carrying out the Acts 1.8 Assignment – an individual and group outreach project (NowActs.com/Act). Pray that God will empower you as you live out God’s Word and live as Christ’s witness.

Father, use me as you see fit. Grant me opportunities to share the gospel with those who are marginalized and those who believe they have it “all together.” Let me be willing to share practical examples of your compassion and your grace in service to those who need it.