In the concluding sermon of this series, we will wrap up our journey by highlighting a major player throughout the story of Luke-Acts ? the Holy Spirit. We will note how often the Holy Spirit is mentioned and note that the continuation of the legacy of Luke-Acts is taking place because of the power of the Spirit!

When we observe the evangelistic tools used by the apostles in the book of acts, we are inundated with the use of storytelling. Paul did not hesitate to tell his story as a way to convince listeners to embrace the love of God and to become followers. Every one of us has a story. Will we tell our story or remain silent.

The story of Luke-Acts is a story of God's inclusive plan to save the world. All cultures around the globe are in the heart of God. The narratives in Acts display God's passionate desire to save men and women all over the world by his declaration of his proximity to us.

The establishing of churches is prevalent in the narratives presented in Acts. As we explore the different churches established in Acts, we will see a diversity in makeup and practice, but we will see a unity in purpose and mission.

Video courtesy of David Bowden

Some would argue that the book of Acts is primarily the story of the ministries of Peter and Paul. There is no denying that there is a great deal of writing dedicated to Paul. This would make since as it is revealed in this writing that the writer was a traveling companion of Paul. We will look at the changing power of the Holy Spirit and how Paul's life displays that change associated with God is change we can believe in.

We find ourselves in Samaria and in a chariot. Philip the evangelist becomes the focus of the book of Acts. The mission of God is beginning to spread beyond the borders of Jerusalem and Judea. Starting with the Samaritans, we are given a picture of God's global mission in full effect. To be a part of God's mission is to be a part of something that is constantly on the move. Get out of your comfort zone and you may find yourself proclaiming a message about the kingdom in unlikely territories and to unlikely characters.

The martyrdom of Stephen had been cemented in the memory of the church for centuries. His devotion to God unto death will not be understated. And as we read this story, we are thrust back to the very life of Jesus. Stephen's story is a reminder that we have been called to live just like Jesus.

One of the literary devices used in Luke's writings is his use of comparative narratives. He will tell the story of one character and immediately tell the story of another character of opposite behavior or demeanor. We are presented this device here as we look at Barnabas and Ananias/Sapphira. The stark contrast cannot be denied and it launches us into a deeper discussion about the place of true devotion to God through giving, versus fake devotion through deception.

The name of Jesus is invoked in many of the narratives in Acts. Here at the temple, the invoking of the name of Jesus leads to an opportunity to preach the name of Jesus to those in attendance at the temple. What does it mean to embrace the name of Jesus wholly in our personal lives and in the life of the church?

The mark of the early church was their participation in the very activities that marked the ministry of Jesus. After hearing and receiving the message of God, people asked what they should do. Their response was not only a faithful response to repent and be baptized, there was also a committed effort to live missionally within the community of Christ and in their witness to the world.

Video courtesy of The Work Of The People.

The beginning of the book of Acts presents a seamless transition as the kingdom of God is now being told through the ministry of the early church. A revisit to Jesus post-resurrection appearance reminds the readers that the mission of God will not be hindered and must go on. So get ready to see the mission of God on the move on earth as it is in heaven.

Video courtesy Igniter Media.

As we wrap up the gospel of Luke and prepare to enter the book of Acts, there is something to be said about some of the major themes in Luke that will have a significant role in the book of Acts. We will explore the over abundant references to money and the rich, the importance of fellowship, the power of prayer and the resolve of God to accomplish his mission on earth as it is in heaven.

Another consistent theme throughout Luke-Acts is the practice of prayer. Jesus prayed often and there was an expectation that his followers would pray. The disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. Could they have also been asking Jesus to teach them to want to pray?

This morning we come to the tomb not looking for the dead, because the dead is not here. We come acknowledging that Christ is living. He is living in this world. He is living in this church and Christ is living in us!

Our observance of communion/Lord's supper is rooted in the Jewish observance of the Passover. In observing the Passover we are invited into the story of God. On this day we reflect on the story of God portrayed through the ministry of Jesus as told in the gospel of Luke.

In addition to the "12", Jesus commissioned and sent out 72 others to spread the message of the kingdom. In his instructions to these disciples, he informs them to completely mimic his ministry. We are again reminded that discipleship is about doing exactly what the teacher teaches and does.

In kingdom living, there is an assumption that there will be a quest for power and authority. In Jesus' message, power and greatness is measured by one's ability to see others above themselves. Greatness is also measured by one's embrace of a truth that says that there is a bigger picture and more participants in play then we might want to admit.

Starting in Luke 9:51, Luke's narrative is geared toward getting Jesus to Jerusalem. As the story unfolds, we are presented with a question regarding our discipleship to Jesus. Do we really want to follow Christ? Jesus presents the costs of discipleship and we are left with a decision to make. Pay attention as Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem.

Having spent a great deal of time with his disciples, Jesus would marvel that his closest companions were still doubting who they were following. In a series of events, portrayed his power over evil, over troubling circumstance, over sickness and over death.

The inclusion of women in the Gospel narrative has also presented a challenge to traditional thinking in the first century. The attitudes toward women were often degrading and dismissive. We will briefly highlight Luke's inclusion of women in the gospel record and ask ourselves how we can remain faithful to the spirit of the usage of women in God's kingdom.

See The personal and historical blog of Patrick Mead.

In one of Jesus most powerful and influential speeches, Jesus reveals his radical message of love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy. This famous sermon pronounces blessings on the lowly, curses to the high and mighty and invites us to reorient the way trust in God and treat others.

Luke's inclusion of stories featuring non-Jews presents for the reader a theme consistent throughout Luke-Acts. God's activity and plan of redemption includes everyone on the earth. Luke-Acts retells stories repeatedly of god's intention to include men and women of every race and every culture. In this story, we encounter a character whose faith led Jesus to pause and display amazement. We will explore that moment when God was amazed.

Like the other synoptic gospels (Matthew and Mark), Luke features several parables. Parables were a preferred method of teaching for Jesus. Through reflections offered by some individuals, we will explore the way the parables play a significant role in the teaching ministry of Jesus. These parables may highlight (but are not limited) to the shortsightedness of disciples, the importance of embracing sinners or the urgency of doing good and following God.

One author said that the scandal in the gospel of Luke is that Jesus ministry described what God looked like and that was offensive to the status quo. How does our view of God inform our view of ourselves and others? How does our view of God challenge the way we do ministry?

The popularity of the ministry of Jesus had a lot to do with his many instances of healing. Scattered throughout the gospel of Luke are the stories of Jesus healing. These healings were both physical and spiritual. His healing ministry was in complete harmony with his statement in Luke 5:31-32 - "Jesus answered them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'"

We now immerse ourselves in the ministry of Jesus. He is baptized, his ancestry is explored and his hometown reacts unfavorably to his message. How do we live in harmony with Jesus' calling, his ancestry, his ministry and his rejection by those who knew him best?

The introduction to both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts provide for us a window into intent unlike many of the writings of the New Testament. The author says pretty explicitly in his intro that he intends to write an "orderly account" so that Theophilus would know the certainty of what he has already been taught.