How can we continue Jesus' work as described in Acts 1:1 today? A Single Verse Packed With Purpose: Acts 1:1 “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach” (Acts 1:1). Recognizing the Twofold Pattern: Doing and Teaching • Jesus’ ministry was action-oriented (“to do”) and truth-oriented (“to teach”). • Acts records what He continued to do and teach through Spirit-filled disciples. • Today the same pattern guides us: practical works of love anchored in uncompromised doctrine (James 1:22; 1 John 3:18). Receiving the Power That Carries the Mission • “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). • The Spirit supplies courage, clarity, and confirming signs (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). • Daily yielding to the Spirit keeps the focus on Christ, not self (Galatians 5:16). Practical Ways to Continue Jesus’ Work Today Doing • Demonstrate Christ’s compassion: feed the hungry, visit the sick, defend the vulnerable (Matthew 25:35-40). • Pursue healing and deliverance through prayer in Jesus’ name (Mark 16:17-18). • Model holy living that adorns the gospel (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Serve inside local churches—hospitality, administration, mercy ministries (Romans 12:6-8). Teaching • Share the gospel verbally, clearly, and confidently (Romans 1:16). • Disciple newer believers one-on-one, passing on sound doctrine (2 Timothy 2:2). • Open Scripture in small groups, Sunday schools, online platforms—every venue counts (Colossians 3:16). • Defend the faith graciously against error (Jude 3; 1 Peter 3:15). Guarding Faithfulness to Scripture • Every action and lesson must align with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Scripture’s sufficiency protects against trends that dilute or distort the gospel (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Regular personal Bible intake fuels accurate teaching and obedient doing (Psalm 119:105). Walking in the Same Spirit, Toward the Same Goal • Abide in Christ through prayer, worship, and obedience (John 15:4-5). • Expect greater works, as Jesus promised: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing” (John 14:12). • Keep eternity in view—our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Jesus began; the Church continues. By the Spirit’s power we still do and teach, displaying the risen Christ to a watching world until He returns. |
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