Welcome to week 19 of the book of Acts, we are just over halfway through with our series that is covering the first half of the book. We are looking at the early church in order to better identify how to serve and love Jesus as they did. It is important to remember that Acts is both prescriptive and descriptive, meaning some sections teach us what to do while other sections simply describe events that took place. Today we look at Stephen’s first and last sermon recorded in scripture. Stephen was not aware that he would be speaking to the Jewish council, but he knew his Bible and was able to deliver a powerful message.
The book of Acts is not the “beginning” of the “church,” it is about God’s continuing mission in the world. There has only ever been one plan, God’s. In this series of the book of Acts we hope to do three main things: 1) To see the continuing mission of God as He brings to fulfilment His church, 2) That people would have a good idea what to look for in a church if/when they transition out of our town (or church), 3) Create a deeper understanding that when we live on mission for Jesus, we won’t understand everything He is doing, but we can trust Him.
