After the Resurrection

 Acts 1:1-11 - written by Luke

(1)  the transition - Luke 1:1-4  Acts 1:1-2
(a continuation / a sequel)

(2)  the account - covers next 33 years / development of the early church.  (interesting that Jesus spent approximately 33 years on earth)

Luke = known for his accuracy!
Uses more than 100 personal names, more than 100 place names
Hence, today - are Tours "in the footsteps of Paul"

On one hand, this is a great history of the early church
However, is NOT the complete history!!  Luke records movement mainly North and West of Jerusalem and nothing about South and East. 
Point = God is typically doing much more than we are aware of.

(3)  The Recipient - "most excellent Theophilus"
"theophilus" = friend of God, loved by God
"most excellent" = used of ppl. with high social standing (probably Gentile ... new believer??  seeker???)

But like all of God's Word ... whether believer or seeker... this = part of God's message... TO YOU!!

(4)  The Purpose - "that you might know the Certainty of the things you've been taught."

The Book = to inform - ie. to build your faith and confidence
                   to instruct   Christianity = worldview BASED on FACT(s) - solid stuff.  Not just another theory or ideas of man.
                   to inspire                                                                                  

AND to evangelize;  Reveal God, Edify believers, draw sinners.

4 things established in this short text that are very important to Christianity:
(1)  The CERTAINTY of the Resurrection. 
Acts 1:3 - if there is no resurrection, faith is worthless.  Is just another theory.

(2)  The Christian Mandate to spread the gospel.
       Acts 1:8   Matt. 28:18-20 - Great Commission

(3)  The promise of Divine Assistance (Holy Spirit) in that task 
     Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, John 14:16, 18
That promise applies to Both Christian walk and Christian ministry 

(4)  The Promise of Christ's return - Acts. 1:11
which = promise of ultimate success, victory for the Christian

SOME APPLICATIONS FROM THIS TEXT FOR US TODAY:

#1.  An informed faith is a strengthened faith 
ie:  the more your learn about our faith ... the more confidence 

You may begin in blind faith (only the Holy Spirit's drawing)
But you are to learn and grow!!

#2.  Christ's work continues today - "what Jesus began to do"
went on 33 more years;  continues today!!

#3.  God generally does His work through His people  (in both Old and New Testaments)
This = His plan according to His wisdom!!

Therefore,
#4.  We are instructed (commanded) to continue His work 
Acts 1:8 - "you will be..." = all believers, all ages

But, #5.  He promises to be with us in that work
Matt. 28:20 - "lo I am with you always"
So Paul... "Phil. 2:12-13  Col. 1:28-29 - Paul is working hard
                ("go and then I'll go with you")

#6.  (As a believer) You are called to be a witness 
Definition of witness = one who sees, observes, experiences, And then ... presents testimony of that experience!!

"Objection!  I didn't see, experience any of this!" 
Answer = IF you've encountered Christ.... then ... you've experienced and are called to testify to WHAT YOU KNOW!!

#7.  This is a personal mandate best accomplished in a cooperative effort!  (ie:  church and churches)
"church" appears 3 times in the gospels.  23 times in Acts!!
Point:  your Christian WALK and Christian WORK are most effective when practiced within a Christian group... which = A church!!

All this = 2,000 years ago ... a lot has changed!!
BUT... (1)  His instructions remain unchanged!
           (2)  His promises remain unchanged!

Closing scripture:  1 Cor. 15:58