Teaching Library
ACTS: The Mandate of the Church
The Book of Acts pictures the church as it lives out the mandate given by Christ. Sometimes suffering, sometimes in joy, openly worshiping, and crossing boundaries to carry the good news of the Gospel to those who had not heard.
The Church United in Purpose
One Heart and Soul
The early believers were of one heart and soul, committed to Jesus's mission. They shared everything in common, ensuring there was not a needy person among them.
Powerful Testimony
With great power, the apostles gave testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all as they lived out their faith.
Extraordinary Sacrifice
Believers like Joseph (Barnabas) sold their possessions and brought the proceeds to the apostles, demonstrating their commitment to the community and mission.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:42–47
Our Mandate: Be My Witnesses
The Task: Bear Witness
Jesus commanded his followers to be his witnesses, speaking from personal knowledge about who He is and what He has done.
The Power: Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfill this mandate, providing boldness, truth, and conviction.
The Scope: The Nations
Our witness extends from our local community to the ends of the earth, crossing geographical and ethnic boundaries.
The Confidence: Ascended Christ
Our confidence comes from knowing that Christ has ascended and reigns as King, with all authority in heaven and earth.
The Historical Witness of the Church
1
Jerusalem
Peter proclaimed Jesus's death and resurrection to the Jews: "This Jesus, delivered up according to God's plan, you crucified, but God raised him up."
2
Samaria
Philip shared the good news about Jesus with the Ethiopian eunuch, beginning with Isaiah 53 and explaining how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies.
3
Thessalonica
Paul reasoned from the Scriptures, explaining that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, proclaiming "this Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ."
4
Rome
Before Roman authorities, Paul testified about Christ's suffering and resurrection, bringing light to both Jews and Gentiles.
The Holy Spirit: Our Power
Conviction
The Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Revelation
He guides believers into all truth and reveals the glory of Christ.
Boldness
The Spirit gives courage to proclaim Christ even in the face of opposition.
Presence
Believers never go alone—the Spirit is always with them as they witness.
The Nations: Our Zeal

Jerusalem
Starting in our local community
Judea and Samaria
Expanding to nearby regions and crossing cultural barriers
Ends of the Earth
Reaching all nations with the gospel message
God has always worked to make Himself known through a people. In the Old Testament, Israel was "come and see" as nations passed through. Now the church is "go and tell," crossing geographic and ethnic boundaries to bring the gospel to all people.
The Ascension: Our Confidence

Christ Reigns
Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth
Humanity Exalted
Our human flesh is taken to God's right hand
Victory Secured
Christ has conquered his enemies
United with Him
We are seated with Christ in heavenly places
The ascension shows us that a human has entered heaven to reign. Jesus did not discard his humanity but returned to heaven bodily. In his ascension, we too are united with him, our lives hidden with Christ in God.
Our Mission at Heritage
1
Our Mandate
Make followers of Jesus Christ by living the gospel life among the nations
2
Growth Initiative
Expanding our scope of witness through building expansion ($4.8M)
3
Governance Initiative
Improving the quality of our witness through congregational eldership
The building is not the mission. Simply being a big church is not our vision. Our mission is Jesus. As we endeavor to bear witness about Christ, we consider various aspects—programs, structures, facilities—that enable us to do our mission effectively.