There is no adventure like the adventure of following Jesus Christ! It is the grand adventure of a lifetime and it leads to an even greater adventure in eternity.
In the New Testament book of Acts we find the adventure of the first followers of Christ. This book, which has been called the 5th gospel record, shows the work of the continuing Christ through His Holy Spirit in the New Testament church. It is a book of action! Divine action.
Like bookends on this exciting account, the first and last verses give us a key to understanding its message…
- The book begins with the words “Jesus began” (Acts 1:1). He is the beginning of every good thing and His earthly ministry set so much in motion! Yes, Jesus began. The rest of the story picks up with all that He began. Never forget that He is both “the author and the finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). And He has promised to complete what He started (Philippians 1:6).
- The book ends with no ending! In the final verse of Acts we read, “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (28:30). There is no conclusion or climax. No blessing or benediction. No farewell or Amen. Why? Because the adventure continues!
Luke’s last words leave us right where we still live – preaching…teaching…with all confidence…no man able to stop what God is doing!
The adventure continues…
No more Scripture is being written, but the story of the Holy Spirit working through the church is still being written. Someday it will be complete. The Amen will say “Amen” and the book will close. Personally, I can’t wait to hear the final record read!
What a privilege to realize that we are part of this amazing story! The same Christ the disciples knew, the same Holy Spirit who came at Pentecost, the same gospel Peter and Paul preached, the same church that began in Jerusalem.
The adventure continues…
At the beginning of a new year it is good for us to ponder the ongoing work of God in our world, and our place in it.
This is why I am so excited about our new Enjoying the Journey series which starts next week. For the next several months we are going to walk through the book of Acts and discover both the historical and practical lessons that the Holy Spirit has for us.
We have been chosen to live on the other end of the Church age, but the story is the same. Christ is still building HIs church. The gospel is still the power of God unto salvation.
The Holy Spirit is still working in and through God’s people. This is our story!
The adventure continues…
Will you join me on this thrilling excursion into Scripture? Enlist others to join us on our journey through Acts. We begin Monday.
The adventure continues…
