ARE YOU READY? - Acts 1

This is the first in a series of studies in Acts. It is our intention to go chapter by chapter. We will not give an exhaustive study but highlight some things we believe are important for this day.

ACTS 1

This chapter begins the only real history of the first century church found in the word of God. Luke is the human penman; he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. It seems that this was intended to be a part two of the gospel according to Luke. That is the “first account” (NKJV) that is referenced in the first paragraph.

By the time of the record’s beginning Jesus has been crucified and buried in a borrowed tomb. But He did not stay in that tomb. He rose victorious over death. This first chapter contains some of the few known details about the things Jesus Christ did after His resurrection.

We must her underscore the fact that Jesus did resurrect. You may review other articles on this site for proofs. The tomb is empty. That fact has encouraged and sustained many people over the centuries that have passed from that time to this.

Jesus walked on this earth for forty days teaching the disciples about the soon coming Kingdom of God. While they were assembled together Jesus renewed the promise of the Holy Spirit. The promise of the Holy Spirit is not the same as later commands to be filled with the Spirit. This is a promise not a command!

Jesus promises that they will receive power of the Holy Spirit comes upon them. And then he is “lifted up” (NKJV) to heaven out of their sight. This is different from the transfiguration, it appears at the transfiguration Jesus did not leave their sight. This understandably left the disciples amazed so they were staring into heaven.

At this point a pair of angels appeared and informed them of another promise. Here we learn a little about the role of angels. They were and are messengers. These were sent with a message for the disciples and by proxy for you and I. The promise is that Jesus is coming back.

Many people in our day believe Jesus has already come back. This is wrong. Jesus did not return in AD 70. Nor did He return in 1940. His second coming is still a future event. Are you ready?

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.  (15) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.  (16)  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  (17) Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.  (18) Therefore, comfort one another with these words.

Jesus’ second coming will not be a secret event. Everyone will know what has happened. And many will be lost. Will you be lost or taken away?