The main message is that the risen Lord Jesus continues His work through Spirit-empowered believers. Pastor Lester Jenkins shows that Acts begins with what Jesus “began both to do and teach,” then points believers to the Holy Ghost power needed to witness for Christ in the world.

Pastor Jenkins explains that Luke wrote both Luke and Acts, and Acts functions like a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Luke records what Jesus began to do and teach, while Acts shows Christ continuing His work through the Holy Spirit in the lives of His disciples.

Acts 1 teaches that Jesus truly rose from the dead and showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs. Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Jesus told the disciples to wait because the work ahead required the promise of the Father. Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Pastor Jenkins applies this by reminding believers that God’s promises are worth waiting on.

Acts 1:8 teaches that the Holy Ghost gives believers power to witness for Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Pastor Jenkins points out that “ye shall be witnesses” is stated as a clear promise of what Spirit-filled believers will be. The Holy Spirit points people to Jesus, and the believer’s responsibility is to yield to Him and speak faithfully of Christ.

The sermon applies Acts 1:8 by showing that witness begins near home and reaches even to people we might naturally avoid. Pastor Jenkins uses Samaria, the story of David’s selection, mission experiences, and the testimony of Julia in the barbershop to warn against assuming who will or will not receive the Word of God.

Acts 1 closes with the promise that the same Jesus who ascended will return. Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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.