Memory Verses:
7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:7,8
Today is the first Sunday of 2025, and it feels surreal to think that in just 25 years, we’ll be looking at 2050. Time moves quickly, doesn’t it? We can all feel how fleeting it is in our own lives. As we begin this new year, I want to launch our study of the Book of Acts. Luke was a companion of Paul and not only wrote the Gospel of Luke but also the book of Acts. What I find intriguing personally is that in the Book of Acts, Luke doesn’t talk about himself but instead has 20 sermons, Luke was more concerned with Jesus, the Gospel Proclamation, those involved, and the explosion of the church.
Faith Isn’t Static or Stuck in the Past; Faith Is a Journey of Change
The Book of Acts was written by Luke, the same author of the Gospel of Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Acts is a cornerstone of the New Testament, but here’s the challenge: we often approach it as if it’s just a historical account—a bedtime story about the early church. But Acts is more than that. It’s a blueprint for the mission of the church, an ongoing mission, not just a relic of the past.
The World was Forever Changed Because of Jesus
Here is what I am hoping we grow in 2025: the same Jesus who walked on this earth, died, rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven is the one we follow today. The same Holy Spirit who empowered the early believers is available to us now. The mission hasn’t changed. The mission of the church remains to present Jesus Christ to the world!
Consider this: within just 30 years—one generation—the church was established, shaped, and spread across the known world. It became the most talked about, critiqued, and attacked faith in history, yet it continues to thrive today. How? Because of the power of the Holy Spirit and the mission Jesus Himself laid out: to seek and save the lost, to redeem humanity, and to restore the relationship between creation and the Creator.
Which brings us to this morning’s focus: .
This year, I want us to explore the significance of change—not for the sake of change, but for transformation.
What is God calling you to do differently this year?
What areas in your life is He asking you to surrender, shift, or grow in?
Maybe it’s your health—being mindful because you want to be present for your children and grandchildren.
Maybe it’s your finances—planning wisely now to prepare for the future.
Maybe it’s your relationships—ensuring they reflect who God created you to be.
Maybe it’s how you see yourself in the presence of our Lord and King, Jesus.
There are areas in my own life where I sense the Spirit of God, prompting me to change. To ignore His leading would be neglectful and immature. Instead, I’m learning to listen, to recognize His authority and power in my life: to speak life, not negativity, to choose joy over cynicism, and to be a living witness of Jesus Christ.
As we step into 2025, I believe God is calling each of us—individually and as a church—to change not just for ourselves but for His glory and the mission He’s entrusted to us.
C-’ Church
Acts 1:1-3
Reminds Us the Resurrection wasn’t the End; it was the Beginning
The is the Mission of Christ in
H- Spirit
Acts 1:4-5
Waiting on God’s Promise is Never Wasted Time
The Equips Us to Live Out God’s Purpose
A-
Acts 1:6
Sometimes, the Questions We Reveal the of Our Hearts
God’s Often Challenge Us to Surrender, not
N- Need to
Acts 1:7
God’s are not Always Ours to Understand, but They are Perfect
For many of us, this is where we struggle. We hesitate to take the first step toward change because we can’t see the result or don’t understand how it will happen. It feels scary, uncertain, or even unnecessary. So, let me ask you: What’s one thing you hope will be different a year from now? Think about your heart and soul—what do you deeply desire to change?
If you’ve been praying, asking, or even fasting about this, maybe now is the season for change. But if nothing has happened yet, consider these possibilities:
Are you asking the wrong questions?
Are you seeking change that isn’t meant for this moment?
Are you trying to force change instead of surrendering to the Holy Spirit?
G-
Acts 1:8
We Are Jesus’ Without Who Cross Cultural
E-
Acts 1:9-11
The of is About What’s Coming Next
Change We Get Excited About:
Personal Growth – We get excited when we see a transformation in our own lives. Think about starting a new fitness journey or learning a new skill. The excitement of change comes when we can look back and see how far we’ve come. Just like how we eagerly anticipate the growth we see in ourselves, the disciples were excited about the growth of God’s Kingdom, knowing that they were about to take part in something far bigger than themselves.
Family Milestones – Change is also exciting when it comes to family. From a child’s first steps to a graduation or a wedding, these milestones symbolize progress and transformation. In the same way, the disciples were about to see the birth of the Church, a milestone that would change the world forever.
New Opportunities – We get excited when new opportunities open up for us. Whether it’s a job offer, a new relationship, or a chance to serve in a new way, change brings hope and possibility. The disciples were excited about the mission ahead—the opportunity to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The Hope of Jesus’ Return – Finally, the angels remind the disciples that change is not over. Jesus will return, and the best is yet to come. This anticipation of the return of Christ is something we should be excited about as believers, knowing that the ultimate change will be when we are reunited with Him.
As we reflect on the excitement that comes with embracing change, I want to encourage you to think about what change looks like in your life. Change is often intimidating, but it’s also filled with the promise of growth, transformation, and new opportunities. Just as the disciples experienced a dramatic change in their lives after Jesus ascended into heaven, we, too, are called to embrace the change that God is bringing into our lives.
Now, I want you to think for a moment about your legacy—your family lineage, your spiritual history. Many of us are proud of our family histories, whether our great-grandparents fought in wars or accomplished incredible feats in their lifetimes. Maybe your family has a history of leadership, success, or even overcoming struggles. But I want to ask you today: What will your legacy be in terms of your faith?
As we close, let’s consider the changes that God is calling us to make. Embrace the change in your life with excitement because it’s not just about changing for the sake of change. It’s about growing in your relationship with God, fulfilling the mission He’s given you, and leaving behind a legacy of faith.
Maybe you’re at a point where you’re ready to take that first step toward change, or perhaps you’ve been on this journey for a while but need a fresh commitment to grow. Whatever your situation, remember: change is not just a personal transformation—it’s part of God’s plan for His Church and His Kingdom. Embrace it. Step into it with excitement because the impact of your change may just shape the future of generations to come.