Have you ever thought about where you fit in the continuing story of God's work? The book of Acts documents a remarkable transformation as a small, fearful band of believers becomes an unstoppable movement that reaches the very heart of the Roman Empire. But this isn't just ancient history – it's a story we're still participating in today.

When we examine the message proclaimed by the early church, we discover something profound. Rather than emphasizing Jesus as merely a moral teacher or philosopher, the apostles boldly declared his crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and coming judgment as the fulfillment of promises God made centuries before. Surprisingly, the resurrection receives even more emphasis in their preaching than the cross itself, reminding us that without Easter morning, Good Friday would have remained merely a tragedy rather than the pivotal moment in salvation history.

The growth documented in Acts follows a clear geographic expansion – from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, Asia Minor, Europe, and ultimately Rome itself. With each advance came increasing boldness and the overcoming of seemingly insurmountable barriers. Cultural differences, religious traditions, and political powers all proved incapable of stopping the gospel's advance.

Perhaps most striking is how carefully the apostles maintained their focus on Christ's kingdom rather than becoming entangled with political movements. Despite facing scrutiny from both Jewish and Roman authorities, they consistently distinguished their message from any political insurrection. This distinction preserved Christianity's universal appeal and prevented it from becoming merely another faction vying for earthly power – a lesson modern believers would do well to remember.

The question becomes: how do you see your role in this continuing story? Are you simply putting one stone on top of another, earning a wage, or participating in building God's grand cathedral? Your perspective changes everything about your engagement with Christ's ongoing work. Listen and discover how the book of Acts still speaks powerfully to believers today.