How Should Individuals Respond to Christ?
An Introduction to the Book of Acts
Acts 1:1-5
Dr. Luke, the physician, is writing his second book to Theophilus. We know Luke went on mission trips with Paul, possibly cared for Paul. We believe Theophilus was a Roman official according to Acts 24:2 and 26:25. Theophilus seems to either be a new believer or a seeker. Some scholars believe that Theophilus was a financial donor to Luke’s ministry. Luke’s account is to portray the actions of believers powered by the Holy Spirit. We see the ignition of the New Testament Church, and the powerful testimonies of Christ’s followers. My prayer is that the message of this book would transform our hearts and lead us on mission for Christ! That we would respond individually and collectively as a church to make the mission of Christ our first priority! This book ends abruptly, as if Luke inspired by the Holy Spirit, where telling us that Christians today would continue the mission of the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I. Affirm the Resurrection of Christ (Acts 1:3) Two ways to respond to the resurrection of Jesus Christ
a. A response with no regard. It was a myth or a fairy tale with no eternal implications. 1 Cor. 15:14-20 “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
b. A response with radical obedience. It occurred and this one event in history changes everything. Everything hinges on how I respond to the resurrection, my eternity is based on how I respond through faith. We know it happened, Paul mentions eye-witnesses in 1 Cor. 15:3-8 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”
II. Adhere to the Reign of Christ (Acts 1:4) How we respond to the resurrection will determine if we give Jesus all authority. If Jesus has authority, His instructions are to be followed! He told them to wait. He is either Lord of all or not Lord at all. It doesn’t matter what you or I think, Jesus is the King of all Creation! Philippians 2:10-11 “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The disciples wrestled with the Lordship of Christ. Listen to Matthew 28:16-18 “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” I’m not asking if you love Jesus with your acknowledgement, I’m asking if you love Jesus with your obedient actions? What actions? Loving the unlovable, sharing the gospel, giving, worshipping, studying, an excited life of risking everything to carry out the gospel message!
We know the truth of Christ and His authority to abiding in the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17 “Faith Comes from hearing the Word of Christ.”)
If He truly has authority in your life you will be moved to action!
III. Appreciate the Residence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5) The Holy Spirit transforms everything about us!
John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
John 16:7 “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
If you have responded to Christ by faith, the Holy Spirit guides you to obedience to Him. Your life is longer yours, it’s an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
May your response be to be on mission for Christ!
