
Primary Text
Acts 1-14
1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until 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.”
6 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.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Sermon Synopsis
Real joy and purpose don’t come from chasing a “better life” but from belonging to God’s family and joining His mission. Acts shows that Jesus still works through His Spirit and His people. Truth and Spirit together fuel the Kingdom, where ordinary, messy people become witnesses of Jesus’ Kingdom come in all parts of life. And it all begins with prayer.
Key takeaway: Happiness isn’t found in better circumstances, but in being God’s Spirit-filled family on mission.
Sharing Prompts
As we begin this new cell season, what do you want from family, and what is a way for cell to be that for you? What is something specific you can offer to others in your cell group this year so that it feels more like a family?
What does happiness look like for you right now? What are you currently chasing that you believe will make you happier, and looking back, have the things you’ve already chased actually delivered what you hoped?
If true happiness is found and experienced in being “a family on mission,” what would it look like to pursue that with others in your cell group? Would it be difficult? Would it be exciting? Are there barriers that make you feel resistant to becoming a family on mission in this season?
Practice:
Family Covenant Prayer
After discussion, break into smaller groups of three, and share one sentence beginning with:
“This season, I want to receive…”
“This season, I want to give…”
Then close by praying those commitments over each other, asking the Spirit to make the group a true family on mission.