Unstoppable! 'New, but Connected' — Acts 1:1-2

Sunday, January 2, 2022

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.
— Acts 1:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

In Acts, Luke began his account of Jesus' early followers by connecting that account to Jesus' ministry through the Holy Spirit. The storyline that followed was new, but it was also connected. When the Lord "was taken up to heaven" from his disciples, he wasn't abandoning them. He subsequently gave them instructions through the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who was active in Jesus' conception, was present at his baptism, and was powerfully at work in his ministry would be at work in them as well. Jesus' followers would have an unstoppable message because the Spirit that empowered Jesus would empower them!

Today's Prayer

Father, I am so thankful that, as your child, your Holy Spirit lives in me. I know that the Spirit is heavenly proof that I am your child.^ I believe the Holy Spirit connects me with Jesus and empowers me to live for him and become more like him. O Holy Spirit, enable me to live out Jesus' mission in my world. Make me bold as I share his message with others. I ask this in Jesus' name and for his glory. Amen.

^ Romans 8:16

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 24:44-53
  • 1 Timothy 3:16

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, January 2, 2022

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Good News for Every Nation' (Ro. 1:1-4)
"Dear Father, who commissioned the Good News to all nations, Thank you that through Christ we have received grace and been commissioned to spread the...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Created Even You and Me!' (Jn. 1:2-3)
"[Jesus, the Word] existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Peter 1:13
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Protects Through Your Faith' (1 Pe. 1:5)
"And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to...."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:1-2 NLT — In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!