By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Acts 1:1-11

“When (Christ) had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9).

The Rev. Ron Purkey

First, the promise of Christ’s second coming (Acts 1:1-8). Acts 1:8 is a key verse. To begin with, it explains that the power of the church comes from the Holy Spirit and not from man (see Zechariah 4:6). God’s people experienced repeated fillings of the spirit as they faced new opportunities and obstacles (Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9).

Ordinary people were able to do extraordinary things because the Spirit of God was at work in their lives. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity.

“Witness” is a key word in the Book of Acts and is used 29 times as either a verb or a noun. A witness is somebody who tells what he has seen and heard (Acts 4:19-20). When you are on the witness stand in court, the judge is not interested in your ideas or opinions; he only wants to hear what you know.

Our English word martyr comes from the eek word translated “witness,” and many of God’s people have sealed their witness by laying down their lives.

Second, the assurance of Christ’s second coming (Acts 1:9-11). Our Lord’s ascension into heaven was an important part of his ministry, for if he had not returned to the Father, he could not have sent the promised gift of the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15). Also, in heaven today, the Savior is our interceding high priest, giving us the grace that we need for life and service (Hebrews 4:14-16).

He is also our advocate before the Father, forgiving us when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9-2:2). The exalted and glorified head of the church is now working with his people on earth and helping them accomplish his purposes (Mark 16:19-20).

Third, as the believers watched Jesus being taken up to glory, two angels appeared and gently rebuked them. Angels play an important role in the ministry described in Acts, just as they do today, even though we cannot see them (see Acts 5:19-20; 8:26; 10:3-7; 12:7-10, 23; 27:23). The angels are the servants of the saints (Hebrews 1:14).

The two messengers gave the believers assurance that Jesus Christ would come again, just as he had been taken from them. This seems to refer to his public “coming in clouds” (Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Revelation 1:7) rather than to his coming for his church “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Regardless of what views different people may take of God’s prophetic program, Christians agree that Christ is coming again and that he can come at any time. This in itself is a great motivation for faithful Christian service (Luke 12:34-48).

Jesus Christ is coming again; he is coming as the king of kings and the Lord of lords. Are you ready?

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.