The Proof and the Power: Certainty in a Skeptical Age

Passage
Acts 1:1–11

Sermon Summary
Acts opens with a claim to historical verification: the resurrection is established by "infallible proofs" (tekmerion), providing a solid foundation for faith in a skeptical age. From this ground, Jesus reorients the disciples’ focus from political nationalism to the spiritual restoration of God's Kingdom. This global mission cannot be accomplished by human energy; it requires the discipline of waiting on the Spirit's timing (chronos) and authority. Only when empowered by divine ability (dunamis) can the church fulfill its primary identity as witnesses (martus), continuing the story of the gospel unfolding today.

Discussion Questions

1. Faith vs. Feeling: There is a distinction between believing in a "philosophy" or "feeling" versus believing in historical "proofs" (tekmerion). Why is it important for our faith to be grounded in objective history? How does this help when you experience seasons of doubt?
2. The Political Temptation: In verse 6, the disciples asked if Jesus would restore the kingdom now, viewing their mission through a lens that pre-existed their journey with Christ. In what ways is the modern church tempted to confuse the Kingdom of God with earthly power or comfort?
3. The Discipline of Waiting: Jesus commanded the disciples to "wait" in Jerusalem before doing anything. In a culture that values speed and efficiency, why is "waiting on the Lord" so difficult? How can we tell if we are operating in our own strength versus the Spirit's power?
4. The Cost of Witnessing: We learned that the Greek word for witness (martus) is the root of our word "martyr." In Turkey, this can mean social death. Since we live in a free society, what does it look like for us to "carry our cross" or face a cost for our testimony today?
5. The Unfinished Chapter: How are you and your church participating in the kingdom of God coming to Atlanta and to the ends of the earth?

Prayer Prompts

• Pray for a deepened confidence in the historical reality of the resurrection.
• Pray for the patience to wait on God’s timing in our decisions rather than rushing ahead in our own strength.
• Pray for the boldness to be "witnesses" (martus) in our neighborhoods, even when it is uncomfortable.
• Pray for the church in Turkey and the skeptics watching the media ministry to find true certainty (asphaleia) in Jesus.

Resources Consulted

• Acts, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series, William Larkin
• Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles, Simon Kistemaker
• St. John Chrysostom’s Homily II on Acts
• St, Paul the traveler and Roman Citizen, Sir William Ramsay