Series Details
The Book of Acts
The writer of the book of Hebrews said, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”
Faith played a critical role in the early church; God’s hand was constantly at work in the book of Acts. By faith in God and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church took root and grew boldly and boundlessly. The Christian life was an adventure!
We have that same Holy Spirit at work in our lives today. What serendipitous adventures might God have in store for us? We can trust God while “Being Transformed” and expect God’s movement as we are “Prevailing through Prayer,” even in seemingly impossible circumstances. Consider this series by Chuck Swindoll a catalyst to submitting your life to the adventure of faith God has in store for you.
In this series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the early church’s explosive growth and radical faith as documented in the book of Acts. Moving from the confusion of Christ’s departure to the empowered mission of the apostles, this study highlights how the Holy Spirit transforms ordinary people into world-changers. The Christian life isn’t a safe routine; it is a “serendipitous adventure” directed by the sovereign hand of God.
1. Reaching Our World (Acts 1:1–11)
- Overview: Focuses on the transition period between Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Spirit. It addresses the common temptation to look back at the “good old days” rather than moving forward into God’s global mission.
- Key Fact: The apostles were initially confused about the nature of the Kingdom, but Jesus redirected their focus to being “witnesses” through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture: Acts 1:8 – The mandate for the adventure: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses… even to the remotest part of the earth.”
2. Birthing the Church (Acts 2:1–13)
- Overview: Examines the supernatural arrival of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. This message explores how God uses diverse languages and backgrounds to launch a unified movement.
- Key Fact: Pentecost was an annual feast in Jerusalem; God chose this high-traffic moment to publicly demonstrate the presence and power of His Spirit.
- Scripture: Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.”
3. Touching Others’ Lives (Acts 3:1–11)
- Overview: A study of the first miracle after Pentecost—the healing of the lame man at the Temple gate. It illustrates how God uses “interruptions” to display His glory.
- Key Fact: Peter and John didn’t have material wealth (“silver and gold”), but they had spiritual authority in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene.
- Scripture: Acts 3:6 – Peter’s declaration: “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!”
4. Being Transformed (Acts 9:1–19)
- Overview: Focuses on the radical conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus road. This message reminds us that no one is too far gone for God’s grace to reach and repurpose.
- Key Fact: Saul went from being the church’s greatest persecutor to its greatest proponent, illustrating that true adventure begins with a complete surrender to Christ.
- Scripture: Acts 9:15 – God’s description of the transformed Saul: “He is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.”
5. Prevailing through Prayer (Acts 12:1–17)
- Overview: A dramatic look at Peter’s miraculous release from prison. It contrasts the power of the political establishment (Herod) with the superior power of the church’s prayer.
- Key Fact: Even while the church was praying for Peter’s release, they were shocked when he actually showed up at the door, teaching us that God often answers prayer beyond our expectation.
- Scripture: Acts 12:5 – The vital activity of the early church: “So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.”
