[:en]Our Daily Scripture – 4/23/22[:]

[:en]SCRIPTURE:  ACTS 1

INTRODUCTION:

Written by Luke, this book tells about how the Christian church began and grew.  It focuses on the ministry of Peter and Paul.  Peter concentrates on opening the door of faith to the Jews while Paul took the good news to the Gentiles in the Roman empire.  Acts is also called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit” because it teaches about the coming and work of the Spirit.  This book tells about how to be a witness for Christ to the ends of the earth.

Bible Verses:

“ For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5)

“He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (John 1:7-8)

JESUS TAKEN UP INTO HEAVE (vs. 1-11)

Before Jesu was taken to heaven, He appeared to His disciples over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God (v. 3).  He advised them to stay and receive the Holy Spirit so that they could be His witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (v. 8).  And Jesus was taken up from the sky at their very own eyes.  The two men dressed in white told them that this same Jesus will come back one day.

MATTHIAS CHOSEN TO REPLACE JUDAS (vs. 12-26)

Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alpheus , Simon the Zealot, and Judas, son of James joined together in prayer along with the women and Mary, the mother Jesus and his brothers.  Then Peter suggested to choose another disciple to replace Judas Iscariot.  There were two men being proposed – Joseph called Barsabbas )also known a Justus) and Matthias.  They cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was added to the eleven apostles.

THERE ARE THREE IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:

  1.  The power of the Holy Spirit (v. 8) – God gave the Holy Spirit for us to continue to be His witness.
  2.   The power of Prayer (v. 14)  – The disciples continue to join together constantly in prayer.
  3.   The guidance of Scripture (v. 16) – Peter cited the fulfillment of the scripture in Psalms to choose another to replace Judas and take the leadership.

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