Clothed in Power

This week we begin our new teaching series working through the book of Acts. A fast-paced journal of first-hand experiences – a detailed history of the first 30 years of the New Testament church. Written by a beloved physician (Luke) and written to Theophilus, this captivating biographical work maintains a personal touch.  In many ways a sequel to Luke’s gospel, the dramatic accounts of the early church leap from every page and inform us today as we seek to continue the same commission. 

The book is really a tale of two halves; the mission of the newly launched church at home, and the mission of that church internationally, and for many it could be subtitled ‘The Acts of the Holy Spirit’.  The book offers 28 chapters of action-packed narrative, detailing the earliest days of the church, its mission and supernatural power. 

Bookended by the seeming contrast of the ascended Christ and Pentecost power at the beginning, and Paul’s house arrest in Rome at the end. It could appear to some that what started well, ends in human defeat – but this would miss the far bigger story! The book of Acts begins with one locked upper room and ends in another!  The underlying message throughout this exciting account is that the purposes of God are never limited by human constraint or even significant difficulties.  The purposes of God will prevail, often most obviously through human hardship.

As we stand with our friends in Ukraine, it will be encouraging to see the unexpected advances in the Kingdom of God through their significant suffering.  The book of Acts certainly teaches us that his purposes are still being worked out and advanced, even in the face of such suffering. 

Let’s pray that Emmanuel church learns much as we seek to be freshly clothed with power.