January 18, 2026

Acts 1:1-8

On Your Marks, Get Set, Wait!

Sunday Sermons

Before the church moved forward, Jesus told them to stop. Before the mission began, He commanded them to wait.

The book of Acts opens not with strategy, speed, or self-confidence—but with a risen Lord who insists that His people do nothing until they are clothed with power from on high.

Join Pastor Jim for an introduction to the book of the Acts of the Apostles and the opening eight verses as he explores why waiting does not have to be wasted time; why the Spirit—not human effort—is the engine of the mission, and how God still moves His people onto mission with the presence and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Speaker

Jim Thomas

Series

Turning The World Upside Down

Go to Series

Scripture

Acts 1:1-8

Topics
Advent Doubt Growth & Discipleship

Sermon Notes

Acts 1:1-8

On Your Marks, Get Set, Wait!

Pastor Jim Thomas

Book: Acts of the Apostles
Author: Luke; a Gentile, physician, historian, theologian, and eyewitness traveling companion of the apostle Paul.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.”
Luke 1:1-4

Literary Genre of the Book of Acts
  • Historical narrative
  • More descriptive than prescriptive
  • More indicative than imperative

Acts records at least these 5 extraordinary things:

  1. The coming of the Holy Spirit
  2. The transformation of the fearful disciples into the faithful apostles
  3. The birth and dramatic growth of the church
  4. Internal tension and external opposition
  5. The wildfire-like spread of the Gospel around the Roman Empire

Acts 1:1–8

  1. A new master: the risen Savior
  2. A new mission: the global calling
  3. A new message: the Gospel of grace
Three Greek Prepositions Describing the Work of the Holy Spirit
  1. Para — the Spirit with us: comforting, guiding, convicting
  2. En — the Spirit in us: new life, new heart, new identity
  3. Epi — the Spirit upon us: boldness, witness, power for mission

“If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.”
A. W. Tozer

“It’s vital to understand that waiting isn’t an interruption of God’s plan. It is His plan. And you can know this as well: the Lord who’s called you to wait is with you in your wait.”
Paul Tripp

“God is both the goal of our journey and the means by which we find Him. We come to the Father through the Son in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Alister McGrath

“Christ’s call is to save the lost, not the stiff-necked; He came not to call scoffers but sinners to repentance; not to build and furnish comfortable chapels, churches, and cathedrals at home in which to rock Christian professors to sleep by means of clever essays, stereotyped prayers, and artistic musical performances, but to capture men from the devil’s clutches and the very jaws of Hell. This can be accomplished only by a red-hot, unconventional, unfettered devotion, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to the Lord Jesus Christ.”
C. T. Studd

Discussion Questions

  • Read the passage together: Before today’s sermon, what did you already know or believe about this passage? Did anything in your understanding shift after hearing the message?
  • Challenge and Reflection: Was there a part of today’s message that was particularly challenging or surprising for you? Why?
  • Unpacking the Message: Pick a quote from today’s sermon notes. Discuss what it means to you.
  • Personal Impact: What’s one specific way you feel called to change or grow after hearing this message?
  • Practical Application: What’s one step you can take this week to put today’s message into practice?
  • Connecting Scripture: Are there other Bible passages or stories this message reminds you of? How do they expand or confirm this teaching?
  • Gratitude: What aspect of God’s character stood out to you in today’s message? How does it inspire praise or gratitude?
  • Pray the Scripture: After hearing the message, is there a specific area where you feel led to pray? How can we pray for one another in light of today’s teaching?

Songs, Readings & Prayer

Songs:

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God“ by A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
“Rejoice“ Words and Music by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive, Skye Peterson, and Bryan Fowler
“Speak O Lord“ by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
“I Will Wait For You (Psalm 130)“ by Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matthew Merker, and Stuart Townend
“Doxology” by Thomas Ken and Louis Bourgeois
All songs are used by Permission. CCLI License #2003690

Call To Worship: To God Be the Glory

Leader: To our God and Father be glory forever and ever!
People: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Leader: To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.
People: I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

All: To our God and Father be glory forever and ever! Amen!

Classic Prayer: John Bailie

O Thou in whose boundless being are laid up all treasures of wisdom and truth and holiness, grant that through constant fellowship with Thee the true graces of Christian character may more and more take shape within my soul: The grace of a thankful and uncomplaining heart: The grace to await Thy leisure patiently and to answer Thy call promptly: The grace of courage, whether in suffering or in danger: The grace of boldness in standing for what is right: The grace of silence, that I may refrain from hasty speech: The grace of forgiveness towards all who have wronged me: And now, O God, give me a quiet mind. Dwell in my thoughts. Let me not be fretted by any anxiety over the lesser interests of life. And in my tasks of each day, to Thy Name be all the glory.

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