The Gospel According to Acts

Christianity

Yes, I know.  In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we see “The Gospel According to…”, but in the Acts of the Apostles we see

the gospel in action.

The Gospel:  the “good news” of Jesus the Messiah who came to bring salvation to all who place their faith in Him.

While the first four books are personal accounts of the Gospel, this book is penned to show us what happened to believers after Jesus is ascended back to the Father:

They became living, breathing testimonies of the gospel.

There was no, “I met with Jesus yesterday, but today my life is back to normal.”

He.changed.everything.

Now they had purpose.  Now they had meaning.  And they had a mission:

GO.TELL.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8

The early apostles knew that things would never be the same.  Their boldness overshadowed any previous denial or doubt.  The “NO FEAR” campaign began here!  Their undaunted courage would bring them persecution, imprisonment and even death.

Still their testimony remained,

“…Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide: for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”  Acts 4:19-20

This gospel–God’s story of how He entered into humanity for one sole purpose–culminated in those hours following Jesus’ crucifixion.  When that ground shook and the stone was rolled away, this world entered a new era.  God’s sacrificial love was the ultimate victor, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we now have the privilege and responsibility of taking this message of Good News to a world that desperately needs to hear:

I know.  It’s a hard message to share because the world wants to believe that there are many ways.  They may believe there is a God, but refuse to believe there is only one way to reach Him.  Or that He is completely out of their reach.  But it’s just not true.  The teachings of Jesus may be hard, but they are not prejudice.

Christ died for all.

“Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him.”  Acts 10:34

He commanded us to preach to the people and to solemnly testify that He is the One appointed by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about Him that through His name everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins.”  Acts 10:42-43

Who is it that I have forgotten?  Who is it that God has placed in my path that He wants me to share this Good News with?  Has the Gospel propelled me to ACTION?  When I walk out of the door after spending time with Him, does my life look “normal” or is something different?  The Gospel changes lives.  Not just for eternity, but for today–and tomorrow.  Every day that I wake up I am given another day.  The tomb is still empty.  Someone needs to know that Jesus is alive. That He is risen. He is reigning.  And He is still redeeming those that He died for.

GO.TELL.

***Acts 4:!2 is the verse I chose for my Scripture Challenge.  Won’t you join me?!

****This post was shared on the Salt & Light Link-up.