September 07, 2025

ACTS: THE UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT OF GOD

September 07, 2025

 Pastor Jonathan Falwell

The Book of Acts is an amazing read. Luke, the author, continues his account of Jesus Christ by picking up the story-line as the disciples wait in Jerusalem after the Resurrection for the “Promise of the Father.” As Pastor Falwell points out, without the book of Acts, we would go from the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), to the book of Romans—a book filled with doctrine for the already-formed church whose believers were constantly in danger because of incensed religious leaders of the Jews. Romans would leave the reader confused about the timeline. Acts threads the two accounts together by presenting the obedience of the apostles, the beginning of the church, and the introduction of the great apostle, Paul, and his call by God to the Gentiles. Paul’s mission to take the Gospel to Gentiles opened salvation to the world. The Holy Spirit, given to believers at Pentecost, began His unstoppable work in building the church in Acts. As Pastor said, Acts is a history lesson of the early church, telling how it was established, and what should be its role today. It gives our responsibility as we continue to spread the message of the Gospel.

Focal Passages: Acts 1 & 2.

The message and the messenger:

  • Read Acts 1:1-4. Why did Luke choose the word ‘began’ in verse 1? As we look at these verses, what did he tell Theophilus that we can use as we witness? In verse 4, why did Jesus want them to wait in Jerusalem?
  • Read vv. 5-7. Do you think the apostles understood the scope of the Holy Spirit as Jesus told them to wait? Does it seem, in verse 6, that they did not realize Jesus would be ascending back to Heaven?
  • Read vv. 8-11. Why can we say this passage is a sum of what could be the ‘mission statement’ of every Christian church? What are some of the ways we can be witnesses worldwide while living in a small town? What is the message the apostles had to give to the world? Who were the messengers then—and who are the messengers now?
  • How are you carrying out your responsibility?

The preparation for the messenger:

  • Read Acts 1:12-14. In obedience to Jesus’ instructions, where did the apostles go? Why does Luke say ‘a Sabbath day’s journey’? What was so special as this group of people gathered in that upper room? What is the meaning of ‘supplication’?
  • How is prayer and supplication a preparation for someone who wants to be used by Jesus? What promises did the apostles have from Him that they wanted fulfilled?
  • How is spending time in prayer and supplication like sitting with Jesus and getting prepared in our hearts before going out to do His work?

The fulfillment of the promise:

  • Read Acts 2:1-4. Is there a chance the majesty that accompanied the Holy Spirit in that first anointing could cause us to think we don’t have Him due to the quiet way He comes to us?
  • Read vv. 5-8. Who was the crowd around the disciples? What amazed them so much?
  • What can we learn from this passage about Jesus’ promises? What did the apostles learn from the unity they all shared? Based on what you have learned so far, would you be able to explain to people how this was the beginning of the church in the New Testament? Read Matt. 16:18. Do we need to worry about the church?
  • Can you understand you received the same gift as those in Acts 2 when you accepted Jesus as your Savior? How can you be more aware of this as you go forward?

The beginning of the work:

  • Read verses 36-41. In 2:14, as Peter starts preaching to the crowd, what is so incredible? What can you infer from his complete change from a few days before, when he had denied he even knew Jesus? Why had he lost all his fear?
  • What do we know about fear, and do we need to ever be fearful, as our God is always with us?

Close:

What was the most amazing part of Acts one or two for you today? Think of Peter, just a few days before at the trial of Jesus, when he was, at first, so ready to protect Jesus that he cut off a soldier’s ear. (And can you imagine Malchus—who was in excruciating pain and bleeding horribly. Then, Jesus reaches out His hand and restores the soldier’s ear, no pain, no more blood. What if you had been that man? Would you have hurt Jesus?)  By the time the men of the legion had arrested Jesus to take Him away, Peter had already undergone a change into fear—as had all the other apostles, for they had all fled. However, Peter stayed nearby as the scene escalated. He was near enough that when the rooster crowed after Peter had denied Jesus three times, Peter looked over and saw Jesus looking at him! How humiliating. How sorrowful. No wonder he went out to weep and repent for what he had done. Now, maybe ten days later, Peter stands to his feet as thousands of people are around the apostles and preaches a sermon such as the Billy Graham’s of this world have preached.

Peter had years to witness before death. During that time, he must have seen untold numbers come to Jesus as Savior. One day we ourselves will meet Peter, and have conversations with him. And on that day, we will also meet Jesus. Can you imagine? Have you prepared your heart for that time?

By Sandy Day
September 07, 2025

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