The book of Acts is a must read for believers interested in moving forward in their faith journey. Why? Because throughout the book of Acts, we learn of the first principles of the doctrine of Christ -- the foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement. (Hebrews 6:1)
We learn how the apostles implemented Jesus' teachings into their respective ministries. But that is not all.
"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He -- through the Holy Ghost -- had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. To whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and 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 ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)
The question the apostles asked was this: "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"
Jesus said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has 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." (Acts 1:7-8)
And when Jesus had spoken these things, while they beheld He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
The apostles then return to Jerusalem and when they had come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James to son of Alphaeus and Simon Zelotes and Judas the brother of James. What did they do?
These all continued with one accord in prayer and in supplication. Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry." (Acts 1:14-17)
Peter's message did not stop there. Matthias was chosen through lots to "take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell" and as a consequence, he was numbered with the twelve. (Acts 1:26)
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place when suddenly from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, filled all the house where they were sitting. First, the people spoke in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Then Peter, standing with the eleven apostles, proclaimed the good news gospel message of salvation to one and all.
When the people were pricked in their hearts, they asked the men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved? (Acts 2:37) Peter answered unto them, saying, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38-42)
Three thousand people gladly received the Word and were baptized "and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:37-42)
These are the beginnings of the early church that changed the known world at that time. Jesus wants us to be world changers today, but we can only do so when we align our beliefs and faith with His Word. This includes water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost.
Read Acts today and discover with gladness and singleness of heart the goodness of our Lord God and Saviour. Stand in His offering plate.
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