Lessons from Acts

God’s departure from this earth through Jesus’ ascension brought us the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:9-11 (NIV)

This departure was not the end but the beginning of a powerful new chapter, ushering in the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us until Christ's return.

While we wait for God’s revelation and direction in our lives—whether we're on the brink of a significant change, about to embark on a "God assignment," or stepping into what’s next—it’s crucial to be attentive and receptive to the Holy Spirit. Let’s talk about what this means.

“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:14 (NIV)

This unity in prayer is a powerful model for us. When we wait for God’s direction, we should do so with a heart of prayer and in unity with other believers, supporting one another in faith. 

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) 

We see three essential things here: they are of one accord in one place, they are filled with the Holy Spirit, and they speak in other tongues.  

“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21 (NIV) 

God is always near, ready to respond to our cries.

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”  In Acts 2:36 (NIV)

I want you to ask yourself this question: Is Jesus both Lord and Christ to me?