TOGETHER IN THE WORD

READ ALOUD: Acts 1:1-11

The Book of Acts was written by Luke and was intended to continue to tell the story of what God is continuing to do. The disciples had spent 3 years near Jesus. They were witnesses to the miracles, they ate with Him, they witnessed His crucifixion, witnessed His risen body and watched Him ascend into heaven. They had experienced His love through physical nearness, but a change was coming. Acts tells the story of the beginning of the Church. Jesus appeared to the followers 10 times after the resurrection for 40 days until He ascended. The disciples and followers needed to WAIT for 10 more days until the Holy Spirit descended on them.

When Jesus goes, the Spirit comes.

• Read John 16:5, 7-8 and Romans 8:31-34

QUESTIONS:

• Where am I working hard, but praying little?
• Where am I attempting something right now primarily in my own strength?
• Are there situations where you do “good things”, but we miss the mark because we
  don’t wait for assistance from the Holy Spirit?

When the Spirit comes, they go.

• Reread Acts 1:8 (This is the main idea of the Book of Acts)
• Was this instruction limited to the disciples who heard it personally?
• When was the last time you shared the Gospel?
• When do we have Gospel conversations?
• Do we pray for one or two people who need to hear and receive the Gospel?
• Do we pray for missionaries who are sharing the Gospel?

When they go, Jesus comes

• In Acts 1: 9-11-The men or angels directed the disciples toward the promise of Jesus’
  return.
• Hope drives mission-He will come again!

TOGETHER IN PRAYER & ACTION

• Read John 14-17 throughout this week.
• Take 60 seconds each day this week to pray and ask God to fill your mind with the truth of what Jesus has done and is doing.
• Pray for one or two people you know who would benefit from hearing the Gospel.