Acts 1: Christianity Is From God!

Acts 1

CHRISTIANITY IS FROM GOD!

Intro.
1. Book of Acts is a grand & glorious expression of Great Commission.
2. Book of Acts is key to understanding the rest of NT:
    a. Gives personal testimony of the eyewitnesses to the life of Christ.
    b. Gives us understanding about the church (origin, membership, organization, mission & work, growth & its reaction to persecution).
    c. Reveals the work of the Holy Spirit in the scheme of redemption.
    d. Records what sinners were told to do (and what they did) to be saved.
    e. Gives the historical setting for most of the other books of the NT.
3. Acts also shows that "The Way" is of God, not man! - Acts 5:38-39
4. Acts 1: "You shall be my witnesses…"

I. MANY INFALLIBLE PROOFS - 1:1-3.
    A. The Former Account: Gospel of Luke - Lk. 1:1-4 (24:36-53; Acts 1:1-12).
    B. The Apostles Of Christ:
        1. Chosen by Christ - 1:2 (Lk. 6:13; Jno. 15:16, 19).
        2. After Christ's resurrection:
            a. They saw many unmistakable evidences of His resurrection (eyewitnesses) - 1:3 (1 Cor. 15:3-8).
            b. They were put under commandment by Him - 1:2 (Matt. 28:18- 20; Mk. 16:15).
            c. Christ taught them about the kingdom - 1:2-3 (Lk. 24:44).
            d. Would be baptized with the Holy Spirit - 1:4-8 (2:1-4).
-We can confidently believe & follow what they taught! - 1 Jno. 1:1-5 (1 Cor. 14:37).

II. HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM - 1:4-8.
    A. We Can Trust The Divine Source Of The Gospel Because Of This Heavenly Power They Received.
        1. Revelation - Jno. 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:13-14.
        2. Inspiration - Matt. 10:19-20.
        3. Confirmation - Mk. 16:17-20. (miracles)
        4. Witnesses of Christ to the world - 1:8 (Jno. 15:27).
-We can confidently receive the gospel as it is in truth, the word of God! 1 Ths. 2:13

III. THE ASCENSION OF JESUS - 1:9-11.
A. Jesus Is Exalted & Reigning In Heaven - Eph. 1:20-23 (Dan. 7:13- 14).
B. Jesus Will Return One Day - 1 Ths. 4:16-18.
-The faithful are comforted because our hope is real!

IV. THE SELECTION OF MATTHIAS - 1:15-26.
    A. The Wicked Will Not Prosper - 1:15-20.
        1. Judas had received a part (shared) in the apostolic mission - 1:17.
        2. He let Satan enter his heart - Jno. 13:2, 27.
        3. In his sin, Judas lost his soul - 1:25.
        4. Lesson: We can fall, too! - 2 Pet. 3:17
        5. Wicked should be removed from places of responsibility - 1:20; Psa. 69:25; 109:8.
            a. In the church (elders, deacons, preachers) - 1 Tim. 5:19-21.
            b. In civil government (Jno. 19:10-11).
    B. The Apostles Are Credible Witnesses - 1:21-26.
        1. Meet the qualifications of an apostle:
            a. Accompanied Christ all of His ministry - 1:21-22.
            b. Eyewitness of resurrected Christ - 1:22.
        2. Chosen by the Lord (not men) - 1:23-25.
-The testimony of the apostles must be heard!

Conclusion
1. Infallible proofs, heavenly power (H.S. baptism), Jesus in heaven, the credibility of the apostles -- All are reasons to be assured that the gospel & Christianity is from God, not man!
2. Acts 1:14 - Will you join with those who long ago "continued with one accord in prayer and supplication" to the God of heaven?