TRUTH in ACTION throughout Acts

TRUTH that Acts teaches	ACTION that Acts invites
1. How to assure a complete conversion In Acts we find an historical account of the first conversions to Jesus Christ. Here the apostles' message and the response of the people appear in detail. The promise about the giving of the Holy Spirit to everyone who believes is also found here, an experience of power that was a norm in the early church. Our message today should be the same, in respect to the giving of the Holy Spirit and the life that He offers.	2:38-41 Repent, be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Be saved. 3:19,20 Receive forgiveness and your sins will be forgotten through conversion. Enjoy GOD's refreshing presence. 4:12 Know that only the name of Jesus Christ brings salvation. 10:47,48 Make sure that all those whom you lead to Jesus are baptized in water. Remember that water baptism was an integral part of the apostolic preaching. 22:16 Remember that the act of water baptism represents the change from guilt and the "knowledge of sin" by recognizing the cleansing from sin, thanks to Christ's death and a new knowledge of GOD's presence.
Key lessons about the Spirit In the Old Testament, only those who were the object of a special calling from GOD or anointed by the LORD received the Holy Spirit. But under the new covenant, all believers are offered the promise of the Father (Luke 24:49), the active presence of the Holy Spirit. It is due to the fullness of the Spirit and his activity in the life of each believer that the ministry of Christ and His Church continues.	1:8 Believe the power of GOD comes only through the Holy Spirit. Don't try to exercise a ministry without the Holy Spirit. 2:4; 4:8; 13:9 Seek and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Be filled with the Spirit to constantly renew your life and ministry. Allow the Holy Spirit to flow through you in your prayers. 4:13 Seek for your relationship with Jesus, filled with the Spirit, to help you speak energetically, with courage and spiritual understanding. 10:44,45 Carry the message of Jesus audaciously. Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm your testimony.
3. Lessons for leaders Acts contains material indispensable for those who want to know the powerful principles of Christian leadership. This leadership in Acts is one of the most extraordinary examples of spiritual strength that the Church has known throughout history. Every time that Christian leaders have forgotten the models that appear in Acts, they have lost a great part of their power. Applying the lessons for leaders that Acts offers will help give Christian leaders today a ministry of power and effective growth.	2:42-47 Leaders, incorporate these four elements into the life of your congregation. Believe that evangelization will be a result of a church that lives in obedience to the will of Jesus. 4:24-31 Leaders, lift this prayer often with fervor in the worship service of your congregation. 6:1-6 Leaders, share your ministries. Don't weaken your life and ministry doing things that others should do. 12:5 Leaders, submit to the direction of the Spirit when you must make decisions. Call on other leaders to pray and unite on such occasions. Hand over your ministry unwaveringly to someone else if the Spirit asks you. 14:14-18 Leaders, don't accept improper praise from people. Reject the unjust adulation of admirers. 16:1-5 Leaders, personally prepare young people who are called to the ministry. 20:28-32 Leaders, stand guard against disloyalty. Remember that nobody makes disciples for himself. Accept the responsibility of keeping GOD flock from "wild wolves". 20:27 Leaders, be sure to teach "all the counsel of GOD". Live in obedience to the gospel, and observe the results of evangelization and spiritual growth.
4. Key lessons in faith The Book of acts calls us to an energetic faith, that isn't familiar to many people. It is refreshing reading about men and women who believed in our GOD, to do great things, in an extraordinary way. We must have the courage to imitate them. These stories invites us to face the risks associated with this valiant faith.	3:21 Firmly believe that GOD will fulfill that which He has promised in His Word. 14:3 Humbly ask the LORD to offer signs, and realize miracles and wonders to confirm the message of the gospel of His Son with his power.