Study 1: POWER FOR FINISHING CHRIST’S UNFINISHED WORK Acts 1:1-11 This is a year of great expectation and realization, a year of great revival and renewal, a year of righteousness and full restoration. Every Bible Study will be the hour of power. We are going to experience the Acts of the Apostles afresh. In the studies, we shall explore together the supernatural power for DAWN – Discipling A Whole Nation, Demonstrating Apostolic Wonders Nationally, Dynamic Anointing Winning Nations, Developing Anointed Witnesses Nationwide, Dethroning Apostates’ Worldly Networks, Discipling Africa With Nationals, Discipling Awakened Western Neighbourhoods. We shall expound and experience the power for personal growth and church growth. We desire to see vibrant and glorious Christianity again as we study the book of Acts of the Apostles. This book throbs with life and thrives with action. In it, we see the Holy Spirit at work, empowering believers, evangelizing the world, building the Church, using believers and Christian preachers to heal the sick and deliver the oppressed. Here, the Holy Spirit so enabled Apostles and disciples to overcome formidable obstacles, spread the gospel everywhere and achieve remarkable results. This inspired history of the early Church, written to reveal how the Church was built and strengthened in the most turbulent period in the world was authored by Luke. The book covers a period of about thirty-three years. It is filled with the supernatural. 1.THE PERTINENT PURPOSE OF HIS GRACIOUS COMMANDMENT Acts 1:1-5; Luke 24:19,45-49; Psalms 27:14; 62:5,11; Isaiah 40:31; Hosea 10:12; 12:3-6; Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16; 11:9-13; John 14:15-17,26; Acts 11:15,16. In “the former treatise” written to the “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:1-4), Luke had carefully reported Christ’s miracles and messages, His deeds and doctrine, His supernatural works and saving words, “all that Jesus began both to do and teach”. Indeed, He was “mighty in deed and word before God and all the people” (Luke 24:19). What Jesus began to do and teach the Apostles, disciples and the whole Church were to continue. Since they were to preach and proclaim His resurrection in the power of the Holy Ghost, He showed Himself to them as the risen Lord “by many infallible proofs”. For 40 days before He was “taken up” (Acts 1:2,9,11,22), He taught them concerning “the Kingdom of God ” and commanded them to tarry in Jerusalem, waiting, praying and expecting “the promise of the Father”, the “baptism with the Holy Ghost”, the enduement of “power from on high” (Luke 24:49). But why in Jerusalem, the city of hatred, intimidation, fear and persecution? Why not wait to receive the promise and begin the great work in another city? Jerusalem was the place of divine appointment and in Jerusalem they waited, received the promised power, witnessed, wrought miracles, signs and wonders, raised and grew the Church and won great victories (Acts 1:4,8; 2:5,41; 4:16; 5:16,28; 6:7). They obeyed and waited; we must obey, wait on the Lord and pray until we are “endued with power from on high”. 2.THE PROMISED POWER FOR THE GREAT COMMISSION Acts 1:6-8; Micah 3:8; Luke 1:15-17,35; 24:47-49; Acts 4:31,33; 6:5,8,10; Romans 15:13,19; 1 Corinthians 2:4,5; Acts 2:32,33,38,39; 5:32. “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? It is not for you to know, but ye shall receive power.” Our curiosity often hinders our spirituality and responsibility. “Lord, and what shall this man do? ” (John 21:21). It is not for you to know but ye shall receive power. “Lord, are there few that be saved? ” (Luke 13:23). It is not for you to know but ye shall receive power. “Lord, who did sin that this man was born blind?” (John 9:2). It is not for you to know but ye shall receive power. “How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? ” (1 Corinthians 15:35). It is not for you to know but ye shall receive power. Those who really desire power for DAWN (Destroying All Wicked Networks) must not allow the natural man’s curiosity to divert their attention to things which are not their concern. In pursuit of Dynamic Anointing to Win Nations, we must Disregard All Worthless Non-essentials. Drop all speculations and seek the power of the Holy Ghost to do exploits for God’s Kingdom. “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” This power is indispensable for effectiveness in Christian witness and ministry. Great talents and intensive training without spiritual power will prove ineffective in this great work of eternal consequence. We must seek and receive the power of the Holy Ghost. 3.THE PROPHETIC PROCLAMATION OF HIS GLORIOUS COMING Acts 1:9-11; Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50,51; John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Revelation 1:7; 3:11; 22:12-14,20; Luke 19:10,13; Matthew 25:1-13; 1 John 2:28; Revelation 2:25-27. The great Commission, the final commandment had been given. Thereafter Christ blessed His disciples. His blessing was enriching but they must still wait and pray, believing until they received the supernatural power of the Holy Ghost. As soon as He had commissioned and blessed them, He was “taken up into heaven”. What a spectacular event; what an unusual happening! Heaven is real. The risen Lord was “taken up” (Acts 1:9,11,22), and while the disciples beheld, “a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Then two angels (two men in white apparel) assured them that “this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” While the Apostles and disciples appeared lost in wonder and worship “gazing up into heaven”, the two angels (two for confirmation) assured them of Christ’s Second Coming at the appointed time. The angelic proclamation gave a sure prophecy and a clear promise that Christ will return as many prophecies of Scripture affirm. The rapture of the Church is certain; Christ’s Second Coming is sure; His return to reign on earth is guaranteed by the divine decree. Instead of idly standing by, pray, receive power, preach and “occupy till I come”.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 06:30:49 +0000
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