The book of Acts tells the story of the initial spreading of the gospel message following Christ’s ascension. It is a historical writing by the physician Luke. He documented primarily the early acts of Peter and Paul, although others are included. Yet, I would argue that in truth, Luke is telling of the continuing acts of Jesus Christ through the body of believers. Because what they accomplished was done through the power and the strength of the Holy Spirit indwelling them. Furthermore, His power overflowed through them. The actions they performed and the response they provoked only occurred because of the power of the Holy Spirit in them. Therefore, the Acts of True Faith demonstrated in the book of Acts were the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ through His Disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:1-9
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up. After that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen. To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs. Being seen of them forty days speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
3 Facts to Remember Regarding Your Acts of True Faith
- The Acts of True Faith you are commanded to perform by Jesus are His Acts coming to fruition through you. You must never lose sight of this truth. The works He calls you to perform are His works. Note in verse one. “of all that Jesus began to do and teach”. There is a key word here: Began. His doing and teaching had only begun. His teaching ministry did not conclude when He ascended into heaven. Therefore, “Christ in you, the hope of Glory” Colossians 1:27. No longer limited within a human body, Christ spreads His gospel message worldwide through His church to reach the ends of the world. This is never your message, nor my message—it is His message. So, with great humility, I pray He provide the words, He guide the message. It must be all about Him and none about me.
- Power to perform these Acts of True Faith come from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Whenever I try to perform for Christ out of my own strength I will fail. Regardless of how noble my intentions, I do not have the power to perform His Acts of True Faith unless I am willing to surrender my all to Him in full servitude to Him. When one surrenders all to Him, then no longer will one feel pride, arrogance, nor anxiety about the outcome.
- Prayerfully, studying His word, wait upon Him. This is not just going about my daily routines, never seeking His face. It is remaining instant in prayer. What I find amazing at times. Suddenly some word when interacting with another person will trigger an overwhelming sensation of the Spirit’s presence. Words begin to flow from my lips or theirs which fill the room with the gospel’s truth.
Acts of True Faith: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done
Jesus spent 40 days telling them of the Kingdom to come. Therefore, it was only natural at the time of His ascension they longingly desired for His return. When all around us seems so filled with darkness and evil, we too long for His return. But that should be our hope. Our eyes fixated on His Kingdom; yet, with our feet firmly planted on this earth. Therein, we march through the darkest hours of this life with His Joy as our banner. He told them, “only the Father knows the day and the hour.” We await that day. Meanwhile, we are about His work, performing His Acts of True Faith to spread the true gospel message to whomever we meet.
Colossians 1 should be an encouragement to us while we wait through this church age. As for me, I am so glad He waited for my birth, called me, and made certain I know the wondrous blessing of knowing Him as LORD, Savior and Master of my life. What about you? Do you know Him as Lord, Savior and Master of your life? Only then can you perform His Acts of True Faith. It begins with surrendering your life completely to Him because He is worthy of all your praise and obedience.
Colossians 1:
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
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Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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