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Come with me on a journey through the Book of Acts over these next few weeks. But hear me on this vital point - more importantly than reading these words, is the reading of the Scriptures, the Word of God, itself.

Read Acts Chapter 1.

If we did not have the book of Acts what would we make of the rest of the New Testament? It would be like if Exodus were the first book in the Bible. Have you ever thought? Who are these people who are slaves Egypt? Why are they so important - and so important to God? Genesis explains all that. Similarly, Luke tells us how the Church of Jesus was birthed.

People have asked me - "How do you get into the church? Tell me how!" Acts answers and explains.

• Luke wrote more than any other writer of the New Testament. He was a traveller and doctor - a man who had a careful training - in observation - research - looking at people - studying and examining them - and keeping accurate records.
• Luke was a Gentile - not a Jew. His Gospel speaks to those of us who are Gentiles. It is a good Gospel to give to those seeking.
• Luke was Paul's friend. He is writing to someone called Theophilus - a friend of God. In the Gospel he calls him "most excellent Theophilus" - the title for a Judge.

It was as if Luke wanted to show that the Romans had no problem with Jesus or Paul. All the trouble had come from difficult Jews.

ACTS is the history of the early Church. How the church was birthed - and how Jesus brought it into being. Peter and Paul are the two main characters in Acts.

What Luke says about Peter is paralleled with what he says about Paul - both were filled with the Holy Spirit - preached with boldness - preached to Jews and to Gentiles. Both were put in prison and both were miraculously set free - both healed the sick - cast out demons - most unusual healings (shadows and handkerchiefs) - both raised the dead - both issued very severe judgements against those who lied. Both had to tell people not to worship them. The power of God can give sight and take it away.

Acts has been called - "Nothing can stop it now!" Luke is forever showing that you can believe in Jesus without becoming a Jew. That was a very real problem. Acts is a vital link between the Gospels and the letters. It is a pivotal book.

The Gospels point forward. The letters point back. Acts tells us how it all started. We would hardly know what the Church is if we did not have the book of Acts. 'Witness' is a recurring word in the book. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. When preaching to Jews they used the Bible. When preaching to Gentiles they started with their concept of God.

There are no committees. They did not organise anything. There was no clergy - so divisions between clergy and laity. They did not plant national churches - or Peter or Pauline Churches.

What Jesus began doing in His flesh - He continued - and continues - to do in His Church.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Washed by the Water of the Word