The Book of Acts 

To the Ends of the Earth 

Acts 1:1–8, ESV 

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice 

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

Sunday, September 7th, 2025  

 
The Passage 

Acts 1:1–8, ESV 

"In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”The Ascension6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

Big Idea: “As believers, we are called to wait on God’s promise, rely on God’s power, and fulfill God’s purpose by being His witnesses to the ends of the earth.” 

Introduction 

The disciples wanted to know when Jesus would restore the kingdom. Instead, Jesus gave them a mission: wait, receive, and witness. That same mission belongs to us today. 

1. God’s Promise — Wait on the Lord (v. 4)

• Jesus told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Spirit came. 

• Waiting is about trusting God’s timing, not rushing ahead. 

• Applications: 

1. Don’t make decisions without prayer. 
2. Be patient in relationships and finances.
3. Learn from Saul (1 Sam. 13) and Israel at Sinai (Exod. 32). 

2. God’s Power — Rely on His Spirit (v. 8a)

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” 

• The Spirit provides strength, boldness, and fruit we cannot produce ourselves. 

• Applications: 

1. Warning signs of self-reliance: burnout, pride, fear. 
2. Evidence of Spirit-reliance: peace, courage, changed lives. 

3. God’s Purpose — Be His Witness (v. 8b)

• The mission ripples outward: from Jerusalem (our community) to Judea and Samaria, to the ends of the earth. 

• Witnesses don’t argue cases—they simply testify to what they’ve seen and experienced. 

• Applications: 

1. Be yourself. 
2. Tell your story of what Jesus has done. 
3. Point people to the church where they can grow. 

Conclusion 

Acts begin with a handful of disciples in Jerusalem. Today, God’s purpose continues through us. As North Valley Church, we’re called to share and show the love of Christ to North Valley and beyond!