Acts Sermon #1 Still Not Finished!

What is the mission of the church?

Some might say worship. Others might say serving the poor. Still others might say building community. All of these are good, biblical, and necessary. But if you ask Jesus Himself, His answer is clear. In Acts 1:1–11, just before He ascends into heaven, Jesus gives His disciples their marching orders. He tells them:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, ESV)

These words are not just history. They are the ongoing mission of the church.

Jesus Is Still Working

Luke begins Acts by reminding us that his first book (the Gospel of Luke) told us all that Jesus began to do and teach. That little word “began” changes everything. Acts is not about the church carrying on after Jesus is gone—it’s about Jesus continuing His work through His Spirit, in His people, until He comes again.

Christianity is not the story of a dead founder. It is the story of a living Savior. Muhammad died. Buddha died. Every philosopher and religious leader stayed dead. But Jesus Christ is alive. He rose, He ascended, and He still reigns today.

The Power We Need

Jesus told His disciples not to rush ahead in their own strength. They had to wait for the Spirit. And so do we. Our cleverness, our energy, even our best strategies can’t accomplish the mission of God. We need His power.

That’s good news, because it means God does not leave us to do His work alone. The same Spirit who empowered the apostles at Pentecost empowers the church today.

The Witness We Bear

The apostles were eyewitnesses of the risen Christ. We are “earwitnesses.” We believe and testify based on the reliable, Spirit-breathed testimony of Scripture. Faith comes by hearing. And through our witness—through speaking of Christ and living for Him—God brings people from death to life.

We don’t invent the message. We echo it. We don’t originate the good news. We receive it and pass it on. Salvation is given to be shared.

The Hope We Hold

After Jesus gave His mission, He was lifted up into heaven, enthroned at the right hand of God. And the angels promised He would return in the same way. That is our great hope. Evil will not win. Injustice will not last. Death will not have the final word. Christ will come again to make all things new.

Until then, our calling is clear: not to stand idle staring at the sky, but to bear witness to Jesus—to our neighbors, to our city, across cultures, and to the ends of the earth.

Why This Matters for Us in Irvine

At Central Presbyterian, we are just beginning. Our numbers are small. Our gatherings feel humble. But that’s exactly how Acts begins too. The risen Christ works powerfully through ordinary people who trust Him. The mission of Acts is our mission.

Jesus is still at work. He is still building His church. And He invites you into His story. Whether you’ve walked with Him for years or are still unsure what you believe, the risen Christ calls you: turn from sin, trust in Him, and join the unstoppable movement of the gospel.

Looking Ahead

This is only the beginning. Next Sunday we’ll step into Acts 2:1–41, where the promised Spirit comes in power and Peter preaches the first great sermon of the church. The result? Thousands believe and are baptized. Don’t miss it—because the same Spirit who moved then is still at work today.

Come join us this Sunday as we continue our journey through the Book of Acts.