The Story 2024

Second Act
August 4, 2024
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch

The Story of Acts…

• Is about the second act of Jesus through his followers

Acts 1:1-2 (The Story, p. 389)
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven….

Acts 9:3-4 (The Story, p. 399)
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

• Is about the spirit of Jesus in his Followers

Acts 1:3-8 (The Story, p. 389)
He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)
… the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

• Is about the mission of Jesus for his followers

Acts 28:31 (NIV)
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance!

• Tells us there are no perfect witnesses for Jesus to work through – we’re all a work in progress

• Testifies that our adversity can be someone else’s opportunity to encounter Jesus

Acts 8:1 (NIV)
… scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.