June 3, 2022
LUKE’S SECOND BOOK Luke’s second book, The Acts of the Apostles, picks up where his gospel left off. Luke was a physician and a traveling companion of the apostle Paul. He wrote an “orderly account” (Luke 1:3) of what Jesus “began to do and teach” in his first book. In his second book, he wrote
June 3, 2021
WRITTEN TO THOSE LOVED BY GOD The book called the Acts of the Apostles was the second New Testament work written by Luke. It picks up where Luke’s gospel left off. Luke was a physician and a traveling companion of the apostle Paul. In his “first narrative,” he wrote an “orderly account” (Luke 1:3) of
June 3, 2020
CHRIST’S GREAT COMMISSION STRATEGY If Matthew 28:18-20 is Christ’s Great Commission, then Acts 1:8 is His Great Commission Strategy. In the former, Christ gave His disciples an overarching mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” In the latter, He gave them the strategic process: 1) First, be filled and empowered by the Spirit, 2)
June 3, 2018
LUKE’S SECOND BOOK
The book of Acts, or as some call it, the Acts of the Apostles, picks up where Luke’s gospel left off. Luke was a physician and a traveling companion of the apostle Paul. He wrote an “orderly account” (Luke 1:3) of what Jesus “began to do and teach” in his first book. In his second book, he wrote about the acts and words of the apostles after the ascension of Christ. His primary focus was on two of the apostles, namely, Simon Peter and Paul. Luke addressed both of his books to a man named, Theophilus, whose Greek name means “loved by God” or “friend of God.” Some have suggested that Theophilus was the benefactor for Luke’s two volumes, paying for their publication and distribution. Others take note that since Luke referred to him with the honorific, “most excellent Theophilus,” in his gospel, that he must have been a Roman official or leader.
The truth is no one knows the identity of Theophilus because nothing further is written about him in the Scriptures. But we can know this: The two books written by Luke were written to all those who are “loved by God.”
June 3, 2017
Just before His ascension, Jesus told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit, so that they would receive power to be His witnesses. They obeyed. The remaining eleven disciples gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem “with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
Those scattered in fear by Christ’s crucifixion were now gathered in faith by Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Even the brothers of Jesus were in “one accord” with the disciples now, having come to faith after His resurrection.
This little band of believers “continued” in united prayer over the next ten days while the rest of Jerusalem lay unaware of the spiritual earthquake that was about to turn the world upside down for Christ.
November 22, 2015
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Acts 1:6-11
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discipleship, evangelism
In the book of Acts Jesus gave final instructions to His disciples about their mission in the world. That’s what the book is about. “The Acts of the Apostles” – It’s how they began to be and do what Christ commanded. And what did He command? “Be my witnesses.” Christ told His disciples that they were to be witnesses of the good news about Jesus to the whole world.
June 3, 2015
If Matthew 28:18-20 is Christ’s Great Commission for His followers, then Acts 1:8 is His Great Strategy. In the former, Christ gave His disciples an overarching mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” In the latter, He gave them the strategic process: 1) First, be empowered by the Spirit, 2) then be witnesses of Christ everywhere you go, 3) starting at home (“Jerusalem”), 4) move out to the surrounding areas (“Judea”), 5) making sure you include those who are social outcasts and hated by others (“Samaria”), 6) and finally, not giving up until the whole world knows that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who will soon return just as He said.
February 24, 2013
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Acts 1:6-11
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evangelism
Pastor Gary Combs continued his sermon series entitled “Loving Our Jerusalem” with this message addressing six lies that believers have about witnessing that they can overcome with the truth of God’s Word. In this message from the book of Acts we can learn how to truly be the witnesses that Christ commands.
June 3, 2012
Christ’s strategy for reaching the world with the gospel. Can you think of a more profound way to spend your life? I can’t.
May 22, 2011
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Acts 1:6-11
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evangelism
Pastor Gary Combs teaches from the book of Acts in a message entitled “Be My Witnesses.” The day after many were wondering about the Rapture prediction (May 21st), we read in Acts 1:6-11 that knowing the times and dates “is not for us to know” according to Jesus. Instead, we’re to be busy telling others about Jesus until his return.