Introduction: The Movement Then and Now
Throughout history, the church has often drifted from its original mission. Many believers today sense a disconnect between their faith experience and the dynamic, world-changing movement described in the book of Acts. The early church was marked by boldness, miracles, persecution, and an unstoppable spread of the Gospel. In contrast, many modern churches struggle with stagnation, complacency, or inward focus.
But what if the book of Acts is more than just a historical account? What if Luke is not merely telling us, “This is how it was,” but also declaring, “This is how it can be!”
Steve Addison’s Acts and the Movement of God serves as a clarion call for believers to rediscover and embrace the movement of God. By looking at the early church and its defining characteristics, we can learn how to step into God’s mission today—bringing His love, truth, and power to the ends of the earth.
Part 1: The Birth of a Movement
Obscurity to Impact
The movement of God began in an unexpected place—an upper room in Jerusalem, where a small group of believers gathered in obedience to Jesus’ command. They were ordinary people—fishermen, tax collectors, and common men and women. But their faith and obedience set the foundation for a movement that would change the world.
Jesus had already given them their mission:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This commission was not a suggestion—it was a command. It was a divine strategy to take the Gospel from a small, insignificant group in Jerusalem to the farthest corners of the world.
Captivated by Grace
The power of the Gospel is transformative. The early believers were not just religious people following a new set of teachings; they were people changed by an encounter with the risen Christ.
Their message was clear: salvation comes by grace, not by works. This grace was not only the foundation of their personal faith but also the fuel that empowered them to spread the Gospel with urgency and passion.
When people encounter God’s grace, they cannot help but share it. The message of Acts is one of people so overwhelmed by what Jesus had done for them that they willingly faced hardship, suffering, and even death to ensure that others could hear the good news.
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Devoted to Prayer and the Word
Prayer was not an optional activity for the early church—it was their lifeline.
“They all joined together constantly in prayer.” (Acts 1:14)
Before the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, the disciples prayed. When persecution arose, they prayed. When decisions had to be made, they prayed.
Likewise, they were committed to the Word of God. The apostles preached boldly, not with their own wisdom but by proclaiming the Scriptures and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Word and prayer sustained them and empowered their mission.
Part 2: Characteristics of the Acts Movement
Boldness in Persecution
The early church did not grow in a climate of comfort but in the fires of opposition. From the very beginning, followers of Jesus faced threats, beatings, imprisonment, and martyrdom. Yet, instead of shrinking back, they became even bolder.
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31)
Persecution did not silence the movement; it propelled it forward. This is a lesson for believers today—opposition is not a sign of failure but a platform for greater faith and courage.
Generous in Love
One of the most striking features of the early church was its radical generosity.
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:44-45)
Love was not just spoken; it was demonstrated. This generosity was not out of obligation but flowed from hearts transformed by the love of Christ. It was this kind of selfless love that drew people in and made the Gospel tangible.
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Alive with God’s Presence
The book of Acts is filled with stories of miraculous healings, divine interventions, and supernatural encounters. This was not just a time of theological learning—it was a time of experiencing the reality of God’s presence.
The Holy Spirit was the driving force behind the movement, guiding, empowering, and equipping believers to do what they could never do in their own strength.
On the Move: From Jerusalem to the Nations
The Gospel was never meant to stay confined to one place or one people group. The early church, though initially hesitant, eventually broke through cultural and geographic boundaries.
Philip preached in Samaria, Peter took the message to the Gentiles, and Paul carried the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire. What started in Jerusalem spread to Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the ends of the earth—just as Jesus had commanded.
Part 3: Applying Acts to Today
Lessons from Global Movements
The book of Acts is not just a historical account; it provides a model that is still relevant today. Across the globe, modern-day Gospel movements are mirroring the principles found in Acts—bold preaching, sacrificial love, fervent prayer, and rapid multiplication.
Movements in places like China, the Middle East, and Africa are seeing explosive growth, often in the face of intense persecution. The same God who worked through the early church is still at work today.
Joining the Movement
How can believers today step into God’s movement?
- Commit to prayer and the Word – Just as in Acts, revival starts with prayer and a deep commitment to Scripture.
- Be bold in faith – Fear often keeps believers from sharing the Gospel, but the early church was fearless.
- Live generously – The Acts church was marked by radical generosity and love.
- Step out in obedience – The Great Commission is not just for pastors or missionaries; it is for everyone.
From Where You Are to the Ends of the Earth
God’s movement is still advancing. The question is not whether God is at work, but whether we will join Him.
For some, this may mean sharing the Gospel with a coworker. For others, it could mean stepping into full-time ministry. The key is obedience—being willing to go wherever God leads, whether that is across the street or across the world.
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- Rethinking Church: We made it Up, George Barna
- Re-Thinking Church: God is a God of order but his name is not Robert
Conclusion: Acts Is Not Over
The book of Acts does not have a formal conclusion because the movement has never stopped.
We are living in the continuation of Acts, and God is still calling His people to be part of His mission. The invitation is open—will we step into the movement and take the Gospel from where we are to the ends of the earth?
Steve Addison’s Acts and the Movement of God is more than a book—it is a challenge. A call to return to the radical, Spirit-empowered faith of the early church. A reminder that the same God who moved in Acts is ready to move through us today.
Will we join Him?