This week begins the second semester of the Ambassador Bible Center classes. For my part this means I am gearing up my class on the Acts of the Apostles. I tell the class every year that this New Testament book should be something every Bible student reads regularly. I liken it to sticking your finger into an electrical outlet and and getting a jolt. The story of the  men and women who took the message of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God to the Roman Empire is a gem set within the Biblical story of God’s revelation for mankind.

This is the third class I have taught and each time I find the experience to be personally rewarding. Reading the accounts is exciting and stimulating as a teacher. It is more than an academic exercise. It’s a spiritual stimulus that serves to sharpen the focus of what the modern Church of God should be doing.

It’s a sad fact of our time that we view the Church of God as more of a corporate than a spiritual body. In Acts we are reminded the Church is a dynamic spiritual body composed of those who are moved to act by the spirit of God. The starting point for the story is the day after Christ’s resurrection when He appeared to the disciples and told them, “…I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high”. (Luke 24:49)

The power of the Holy Spirit did come upon them several weeks later when they were assembled on the Feast of Pentecost. That power motivated them to boldly speak the words of salvation to the Jews and later the Gentile world. Men and women overcame fear, withstood determined opposition and did what Jesus told them to do when they received this power. They witnessed, that is they taught by word and example, to and about Jesus where ever they traveled. 

Christ told them to talk about Him and His message in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Wherever they traveled they did as He instructed. It is a powerful story. It should move us to “act" on our faith and do something beyond ourselves to bear witness of how the story of God has changed our life. It is a journey. We can put ourselves into this story and travel as far as we desire or as far as God’s Holy Spirit leads. 

I am calling this series of blogs "Travels in Acts." Each week through this semester I’ll post my observations and thoughts as I take the students through the text. I have no set itinerary. Like I do some of my personal travels I’ll “play this by heart” and see where each day takes us. Come along, and if you have any observations I’d love to hear from you.