Acts | The Story Continues | Pastor Rob Haslam

Why Study Acts You might wonder, “Why study a whole book of the Bible, especially one this long?” Here’s why: Acts meets us wherever we are in our faith journey. For the new believer: Acts shows what Christianity looks like in practice: baptism, prayer, fellowship, and witness. It makes clear that ordinary people were used by God to accomplish extraordinary things. In our culture, we often assume you need credentials, talent, or influence to be useful. Acts says the opposite: God works through ordinary people, filled with the Spirit, to accomplish His purposes. For the reconnecting believer: Acts reminds us that the church is not an institution but a Spirit-led family on mission. It shows that even those who fail—like Peter denying Jesus or John Mark abandoning Paul—are welcomed back into God’s mission. We often privatize faith, thinking it’s just “me and God.” In Acts, faith is never private—it’s communal. Believers share meals, resources, prayers, and mission. Christianity is not just about reconnecting with God; it’s about reconnecting with God’s people. For the long-term believer: Acts won’t let us get comfortable. It shows that the gospel is always expanding outward, and that the Spirit keeps pushing believers into new places and new challenges. We often equate success with stability, control, and efficiency. Acts turns that upside down—success in God’s kingdom is Spirit-led obedience, even when it looks messy or risky. For the whole church together: Acts unites believers across generations. Everyone—new, returning, or seasoned—has a place in God’s story. We like to read Scripture as if it’s just about “me.” But Acts is written for a community. It’s a story we are all invited into, together.