On Sunday, we started a new series in the book of Acts. Acts is a familiar book to most of us – so familiar, in fact, that it is sometimes easy to miss out on the things it has to teach us. As we prepare to dive into this lengthy book together as a church family, we wanted to take a few moments and pause to set the stage for our study together.

Of all books we could choose to study in 2022, why Acts?

What does a book that records ancient church history have to do with the modern American church? Of all the possible topics that are needed in this post-pandemic culture, why are we talking about God’s power in the early church?

To provide some context for these questions, we asked Pastor Andrew to share with us why the pastoral team chose to go through Acts in 2022:

#1: “To provide confidence in the truth.”

We live in a time when it has become common to doubt or “deconstruct” the Scriptures. Many people – even Christians – have deep questions about the trustworthiness of the Bible. Can we trust it? Does it record accurate history? If its history can’t be trusted, how can we trust what it has to say about things like sexuality or science?

That’s where Acts comes in. Written by Luke (who also wrote the gospel account of Christ’s life), this book is brimming with historical data. Acts serves as a “sequel” to the Gospel of Luke, continuing the story of Jesus through the action of His followers.

In the beginning of Luke, the author makes it clear that he is interviewing eyewitnesses to the events he describes (Luke 1:2), and he continues that approach in the book of Acts. In fact, Luke himself is an eyewitness of some of what occurs in the second half of the book! He demonstrates that he is not making up these events, but is instead recording accurate history. Through every place, person, and event described in this book, we can be confident that Luke through the Spirit has recorded for us an accurate history.

#2: “To get us back to the basics of God’s program.”

A lot has changed over the past two years as we have all faced illness, loss, restrictions, and hardships, but Acts reminds us that God’s plans have not changed. He will grow His church! Nothing can stop that. If government leaders, geography, weather, language, and even a murderous religious leader named Saul can’t hinder God’s kingdom in Acts, then we can be confident that a pandemic, unrest, and growing hostility to God’s Word won’t either in 2022.

Much about church life may look or feel different, but we cannot allow the many changes to cause us to lose sight of God’s amazing purposes for us. Passages like Acts 2:42 remind us what a healthy church looks like. Like these early believers, we must be dedicated to doctrine, the ordinances, prayer, and fellowship. As we study Acts, we will see once more what God has for us as a church in Simpsonville.

#3: “To refocus on living life on mission.”

Another area that has been damaged by our uncertain era is living life on mission in our community. In a time when many of us are less socially connected than we were before the pandemic, we may have become guilty of not sharing the Gospel as much as we should. But as we look at the passion of Peter, Paul, and everyday Christians in Acts, we can be inspired to jump back into our workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities with the light of Jesus. Jesus tells us that we are His “witnesses.” Are we displaying His power and truth to a world that needs it?

#4: “To remind us of God’s enabling power that is still accessible to us in 2022.”

This brings us to our theme title: “The Empowered Church.” That word empowered is thrown around a lot these days for all sorts of things, but it really is true of us as the church.

We could’ve said we are the “powerful” church, which is also true in a sense. But as we look around at our lives and our culture, we may be doubtful. And when we look at Acts, we do see bold believers, but we also see that they had many of the same flaws and failures that we have. And they were even more outnumbered by a hostile culture than we are!

We may not feel powerful, but according to Acts, we are empowered by a power beyond ourselves: the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead! Only by the Spirit can we go forth to do incredible things for God like those described in the book of Acts.

If you are feeling tired, worn out from your schedule and weary of this world, take heart! Pick up the book of Acts and see through these wonderful accounts just what God can do with a people who are empowered for His mission.

We are so excited to study this book together! Join us each Sunday at 10:30 am as we go verse by verse through this powerful book for the empowered church.