When the tomb was found empty on Easter morning, the story of Jesus did not end. In Acts 1, Luke shows us that the risen Jesus continued His work by preparing His followers for the next chapter of God’s plan. Acts 1:1-11 gives us a clear picture of how to live between resurrection and return. We are called to receive the Spirit, trust the King, and join His mission right where we are.
The Work Continues
Luke opens Acts by reminding Theophilus that his first book told what Jesus “began” to do and teach. That word matters. It tells us the ministry of Jesus was not finished at the resurrection; it continued through the church. For forty days, the risen Lord gave convincing proof that He was alive and taught about the kingdom of God.
Acts is not mainly about extraordinary people. It is about an extraordinary Savior who keeps working. Jesus still builds His church, still calls people to Himself, and still advances His kingdom through ordinary followers who trust Him.
A helpful way to think about the kingdom of God is this: God reigns where God is recognized as King. When we submit to Jesus as Lord, we enter His kingdom and begin living under His rule. Acts shows us what that looks like in everyday life.
The Spirit Is Essential
Before the apostles could move forward, Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. That command is easy to overlook, but it is central to the passage. The mission of God cannot be carried out by human excitement alone. It requires divine power.
The disciples may have been ready to act, but Jesus knew they needed more than passion and good intentions. They needed the Holy Spirit, and so do we. We can know the right words, have a sincere heart, and still be powerless apart from the Spirit of God.
The Holy Spirit gives strength, courage, wisdom, and endurance for the life Jesus calls us to live.
The Mission Is Clear
Acts 1:8 is one of the most important verses in the whole New Testament. Jesus tells His followers they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on them, and then they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
That mission is both local and global. It begins where we are and keeps moving outward. In Jesus’ own pattern, the gospel starts in familiar places, reaches uncomfortable places, and continues until it has gone as far as it can go.
A witness is not someone who has everything figured out. A witness is someone who knows Jesus and tells others what they know. He did not call every believer to be a professional theologian or a polished communicator. He called all of His followers to bear witness to Him.
At The Crossing, this fits the mission well: developing devoted followers of Jesus who will develop devoted followers of Jesus. That is not a new mission. It is simply Acts 1:8 lived out in our time.
Don’t Just Stand There
As Jesus ascended, the disciples stood staring into the sky. But the angels interrupted their amazement with a needed correction: why are you standing here looking into the sky?
That question is still needed today. It is easy to get stuck looking backward at what God has done or forward at what God will do, while missing what He is doing right now. Christian hope should never make us passive. It should make us faithful.
Jesus will return. But until He does, His people have work to do. We are sent people. We are not spectators.
Your One
One practical way to live out Acts 1:8 is to focus on Your One. That is one person in your Jerusalem, your everyday circle of influence, whom you intentionally pray for, love, invite, and influence toward Jesus.
This is a simple but powerful discipleship habit. Pray for that person every day. Ask God for open doors and natural conversations. Invite them into your life, not just your church service. Love them in ordinary, consistent ways. Be available, honest, and faithful.
You do not need to force a conversation or have every answer ready. You simply need to be willing. The Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting. He opens hearts, convicts sin, and draws people to Christ. Your part is to show up, speak truth, and love well.
Living Ready
Acts 1 teaches us how to live between the resurrection and the return of Jesus. The work continues. The Spirit is essential. The mission is clear. And we are not supposed to just stand there.
The risen Jesus has sent His people into the world with His power and for His glory. So this week, identify Your One, pray for them, and take one step toward them. Send the text. Make the call. Extend the invitation. Begin the conversation.
Ready or not, here we go.
Next Steps
If you’re exploring faith or unsure where you stand with Jesus, we’d love to walk with you.
Not ready for church yet? Listen to the full message that inspired this article.
You don’t have to live this mission alone. Join a group or serve team where others are living Acts 1:8 with you.
-Post contributed & edited by Dave, one of our amazing volunteers!
