DECEMBER 1, Acts 1:8

This month we shall explore the riches of God’s Word in the book of Acts. This book bridges the time Christ was on earth to the writings of the Apostles (disciples of Jesus). Have you ever wondered if the church today is the same as that in the past? By reading the book of Acts, we shall find out more about the church that existed some 2000 years ago. But what is more important to know is that God is the one who builds the church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Another key person to be aware of is God’s fiercest enemy - Satan. We will also learn of his tricks and tactics. Needless to say, there are some prominent heroes of faith with whom we will get acquainted too!

I have a challenge for the older readers -read through the whole of chapter one and you’ll get a better flavour of the context.

Chapter 1 describes the first church with just about 120 members, among whom, some are well known to us – the 11 disciples (Judas Iscariot, the traitor who betrayed Jesus, was already dead). Is the number of 120 members a large one? No! In terms of numbers, the first church would look like the number of children who attend our church’s Junior Worship singspiration.

Today’s reading is a command by our Lord Jesus to the disciples to witness. The witnessing of the early believers would be in vain without the Holy Spirit. Christ had commanded them to wait for the promise of the Father, and for the coming of the Holy Spirit. What can the Holy Spirit do for them? He would come upon them and empower them as they share the Gospel in Jerusalem and Judea first, and bring it to Samaria, and then finally, to other parts of the world.

What does “Witnessing for Christ” mean? It is to introduce Jesus to the people you know. It is to tell them Jesus is your Saviour, and that He died for your sins and rose again, and if your friends or relatives confess their sins and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, He too can bless them with eternal life!

Thought: Will you also share the gospel with others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to share the Gospel with others by the power of the Holy Spirit. I know it is not easy, but Heavenly Father, give me the courage and strength to do so. Please grant me the wisdom to know when is the best time to share the Gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.