On Sundays and in our P12, we will begin going through the book of Acts, verse by verse. Let’s start with verses Acts 1:1-3.

Would someone like to read that?

Acts 1:1-3 (NLT) 1. In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Intro: Everything Jesus did up to this point was just the beginning of his ministry. He lived a perfect life and did so many miracles; so much so that there wasn’t a book in the world that could document all of them. He suffered and died for the sins of mankind, was buried and resurrected from the dead! He was taken up in heaven and after all of this, the book of Acts describes it as the beginning of what Jesus did and taught. If that was the beginning how would He continue his ministry and reach the whole world? Jesus called us to continue the ministry that he began.

That word CONTINUE means: To go on after suspension or interruption to keep on some course or action.

QUESTION: What is one way Jesus is continuing his ministry through you?

John 14:12(AMP) 12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.

Here are 3 ways we continue what Jesus started:

1) MAKE DISCIPLES LIKE JESUS DID.

Jesus made disciples, and has called us to CONTINUE that mission in this world.

Take a look at:

Matthew 28:18-20 NLT Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

One of the last things Jesus instructed us to continue doing was to make disciples. Jesus was able to change entire cities, heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons with his disciples.

As long as we follow Jesus’ instructions of making disciples, we will get Jesus’ results. Every assignment, mission, vision, marriage, relationship, business, etc comes with instructions. As long as we follow the instructions of God, we will experience guaranteed success.

QUESTION: Share a time in your life when you followed instructions completely by faith, and it turned out in your favor.

The second way we continue what Jesus started is…

2) DEPEND ON THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Acts 1:4-5 (NLT) Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus made it clear that the early church needed the Holy Spirit in order to continue the work that He began.

Without the Holy Spirit, we wouldn’t have enough strength to get through difficult times.

QUESTION: Share a time in your life when the Holy Spirit brought you out of a difficult situation. How did the Holy Spirit guide you through that time?

Somebody read John 15:26-27.

John 15:26-27 (AMP) 26 “But when the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor — Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, He will testify and bear witness about Me. 27 But you will testify also and be My witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

As we can see in this scripture, another name for the Holy Spirit is helper, or counselor. This means that we can depend no the Holy Spirit to help us when we are in need, and counsel/ advise us on important decisions. The Holy Spirit helps us continue the work Jesus began!

The third way we continue what Jesus started is…

3) TELL PEOPLE ABOUT JESUS EVERYWHERE.

QUESTION: Have you been telling people about Jesus? If so, how have you been doing that? If not, what might be stopping you?

There are many ways we can tell people about Jesus: we tell our story, we share the Gospel, we teach the Word, we invite people to our watch parties, P12’s, Sunday Services, etc.)

Acts 1:8 NLT But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus gave the first disciples a model of how to spread the Gospel and make disciples throughout the world. He told them to start in Jerusalem, then go to Judea, then go to Samaria.

We can follow that same model in today’s world.
• We start in Jerusalem by starting with our homes, our close family, our close friends, our work place, and our inner circle.
• We go to Judea with our extended family and acquaintances.
• We go to Samaria with those that we don’t know. We share our faith with them, make friends with them, invite them to our watch parties, to our church services, do community outreaches, meet their needs, etc.

QUESTION: Who is one person you can commit to sharing Jesus with this week?

GIVING
Since COVID-19, we’ve had to close the doors to our church building, but the ministry DID NOT stop. We’ve been able to grow and do more ministry than ever before during this unprecedented time. From thousands of grocery bags delivered directly to senior citizens and the disabled, to reaching tens of thousands online with the Gospel. Thank you for being a part of that impact! Let’s give today to keep that impact going.

How to Give:

1. Open the app and click give.
2. Change the fund to P12
3. Set up your tithe on recurring giving