SCRIPTURE
Acts 1:1-11 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
BIG IDEA
Picking up where the Gospel of Luke left off, the book of Acts describes how Jesus, having finished his mission in his life, death, and resurrection, begins to build his kingdom on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ mission now is to advocate for Christians, empower Christians through the Holy Spirit, and to make disciples of all nations through Christians and the gospel they proclaim. Is Jesus your advocate? Are you on the same mission that Jesus is on?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Was there anything from Sunday’s Sermon or the Big Idea that was new to you or had an affect on you? Did you hear anything that raised more questions in your mind?
2. What stands out to you in Acts 1:1-11 and why? What remaining questions do you have about the passage?
3. How important is it for Jesus to be your advocate with God the Father? Can you think of any Bible verses that speak of Jesus as our Advocate or interceding for us?
4. In Acts 1:8, what does Jesus say we are empowered to do and what does he mean?
GOOD WORD
If Jesus is your Advocate with God the Father, he will never stop being your Advocate. He has finished his mission to accomplish salvation and has sent you on a great mission to proclaim the good news of his accomplishment.
DOWNLOADS
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- Community Group Discussion 8.27-28.13 PDF
- Pastor Brett’s Sermon Notes ACTS 1-1-11 PDF
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EKKLESIA COVENANT MEMBERSHIP
We have opened up the door for people to become Covenant Members of Ekklesia Muskogee. We invite you to get a copy of the Ekklesia Membership Covenant and the Ekklesia Doctrinal Statement, read and pray over them, then arrange a meeting with a Pastor to discuss, pray, and sign the Covenant together.
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