What is the genre and purpose of Luke's writings in the Book of Acts?
Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.
-Luke 1:1-4
In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.
-Acts 1:1-2
One of the most unique aspects of Christianity is its firm historical foundation.
-NASB Commentary
- To provide a guide for the church on how to live in this world.
- The Book of Acts is a story of the role of the church and people in the church.
What is the early church story according to Luke?
1. A Story of Spreading the Gospel.
And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
-Acts 2:47b
So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.
-Acts 6:7
By 350 AD there were approximately 34 million Christians, which was about 56% of the population.
-Rodney Stark, Rise of Christianity
2. A Story of Sacrifice and Generosity
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
-Acts 2:44-45
The Apostle Paul took an offering from poor churches in Macedonia to help the poor in Jerusalem who were struggling due to a famine and persecution "for they were pleased to do it...” Romans 15:27a ESV
3. A Story of Compassion
Eusebius provides a letter from Cornelius, bishop of Rome, written in 251 to Bishop Fabius of Antioch in which he reported that more than 1500 widows and distressed persons were in the care of the local congregation…
-Rodney Stark
It is our care of the helpless, our practice of loving-kindness, that brands us in the eyes of our opponents.
-Tertullian
4. A Story of Missionary Work
While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.' Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper.
-Acts 13:2-5
The Powerful Agent: The Holy Spirit
The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen.
-Acts 1:1-2
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…
-Acts 4:8a
Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit)...
-Acts 6:5a
Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too.
-Acts 10:44-45
Why is this important?
1. God was responsible for the outcome when the early church obeyed Him
2. God gets the glory! The people were praising God for all that was happening.
The Story God is Writing at ONE&ALL
10% of ONE&ALL giving goes to Outreach.
First: ONE&ALL and the Gospel
Second: ONE&ALL and Generosity
- Lifeline Christian Mission
Third: ONE&ALL and Compassion
- Compassion Network: Network of ONE&ALL team members who respond to urgent needs in our church.
- CICM: Central India Christian Mission
- CCP: Chosen Children of Promise
- Kingdom Builders Ministry: Home building in Mexico
- ADMT Planting churches, leadership development, and community development
Fourth: ONE&ALL and Mission Trips
Going out to a different country and seeing a different culture and different people who love the Lord and strive to be His hands and feet is something that really touched my heart. There’s something about serving Christ that is so humbling and peaceful. Peace, love and joy fills you.
-Keith Goff
I knew that if God was calling me to the mission field, He would provide in the areas in which I lacked.
-Luis Carillo
Coming back from the mission trip, God has called me to continue the mission, not across the world but right here in LA where He has placed me.
-Faith
Challenge:
When Joshua was an old man, the Lord said to him, 'You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered.'
-Joshua 13:1
1. Let's spread the gospel in Europe.
Europe’s Christian Population is expected to drop by 100 million…in 2050.
-Pew Research, 2015
91% of young adults in the Czech Republic have no religious affiliation. 70%-80% of young adults in Sweden, Netherlands, and Estonia categorize themselves as non-religious. 59% of young adults in the UK never attend religious services.
-The Guardian, 2018
2. Let's be compassionate and generous.
It is our care of the helpless, our practice of loving kindness, that brands us in the eyes of our opponents ...only look, they say, look at how they love one another…
-Tertullian
...Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
-Matthew 6:21 NASB
3. Let's go on mission trips.
4. Let's pray for God to move through our church and partners.
The agent of the Story in the book of Acts is the Holy Spirit.
If Luke were to write an account about ONE&ALL Church, would you be part of it?
Are you in the story God is writing at ONE&ALL?
Make a Decision