Lake Region Bible Church | Sermons
THE RESURRECTION, THE SPIRIT-EMPOWERED CHURCH, AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD (Acts 1:1-11 ● Message #6/9) 04-04-10
INTRODUCTION. 1. The Person of Jesus Christ. 2. Luke & the Book of Acts (c. 60 A.D.): ● Some Major Highlights: Author: Luke & Acts (Luke volumes I & II) are both written by the same person: Luke, the physician (see Lk 1:1-4; Ac 1:1). Based on the “we” sections in Acts where the author joins the Apostle Paul in his missionary journeys (e.g. Acts 16:10ff), we can determine through elimination that Luke is the author. Recipients: written specifically to a gentile named Theophilus (possibly a new believer). Luke would also have had a broader audience in mind; those Theophilus would distribute this gospel to (probably gentiles living outside of Palestine). Purpose: Clearly stated in Luke 1:1-4; that Theophilus may know the certainty of the things he has been taught (about Jesus and the gospel). In Luke, “it is the person of Jesus and the nature of God’s work through him to deliver humanity that takes center stage” (Luke, by Darrell Bock). In Acts, Luke emphasizes the preaching of the apostles who witnessed the resurrection, “the role of the Holy Spirit in founding the church . . . and the facts about early church expansion with fullness and accuracy” (“Acts” notes by Robert Yarbrough). ● Luke’s Presentation of the Gospel: The Gospel is a message and an event that is historically-grounded in eye-witness testimony, and is experienced by faith as a life-changing power. The Gospel is a message that is both new & ancient (grounded in God’s acts/promises in the OT); and one that is universally authoritative & relevant. Jesus Christ is the center of the Gospel (historically & theologically). JESUS CHRIST & THE RESURRECTION. 1. Jesus Christ is Alive: and He is still working in our world today! (vs1-3). 2. Know Christ and be Transformed by His Resurrection Power: thru a biblical faith grounded in historical facts and events. THE SPIRIT-EMPOWERED CHURCH 1. Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit: to empower the church for gospel witness to the whole world (vs4-5, 8). 2. Depend on the Holy Spirit’s Power: thru the word of God & prayer, in the fellowship of the church, and for the gospel, not ourselves. THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 1. Thru Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God has dawned: and it will be consummated upon His Return (vs3-11). 2. Live for the Kingdom of God: by seeking gospel-faithfulness (thru suffering), not preoccupied with End-time speculation. ● Be on guard against racism and nationalistic worldviews and agendas. ● Be watching, waiting, and working for the return of the Resurrected-Christ!