WORSHIP GUIDE: EMPOWERED - POWER TO BE A WITNESS

1.TRUST IN GOD

2. YEILD

3. SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD

MESSAGE: EMPOWERED - POWER TO WITNESS

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you… Acts 1:8a (NIV)

THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS ORDINARY PEOPLE TO BOLDLY WITNESS FOR JESUS.

1. GOD DOESN'T ASK US TO DO HIS MISSION IN OUR OWN POWER.

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6 (NIV)

“Jesus has changed my life.”
 “I believe Jesus loves you.”
 “Can I pray for you?”
 “I would love for you to meet some of my church   family this Sunday?”
 “I don't know the answer to that question, but I’d   love to find out with you.”

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT'S POWER IS GIVEN FOR A PURPOSE.

Tell people what you know about Jesus.
 You can witness through:
   Your words. 
   Your actions. 
   Your generosity. 
   Your compassion. 
   Your service. 
   Your willingness to forgive. 
   Your testimony. 
   Your invitation. 
   Your prayers. 
   Your relationships. 

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US COURAGE WHEN FEAR SAYS, “STAY QUIET”

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31 (NIV)

Courage is not the absence of fear.

Courage is choosing obedience even when fear is present.

4. THE MISSION STARTS WHERE YOU ARE.

…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  Acts 1:8b (NIV)

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD OVERVIEW

5. WE ARE WALKING SIGNPOSTS POINTING PEOPLE TO JESUS

“Does my life point people toward Jesus?”

6. YOU DON'T HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING TO SAY SOMETHING.

7. THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES ORDINARY PEOPLE.

HOW DO I DEPEND ON THE HOLY SPIRIT? 

1. PRAY BEFORE YOU WITNESS

2. LISTEN BEFORE YOU SPEAK

3. SHARE YOUR STORY

4. TAKE THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY

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.”               Acts 1:8 (NIV)

MOVING FORWARD - By Stephanie Hamre

Read:   Acts 1:6-11; Acts 4:31

Faith Exercise:

I am reminded of the story of Peter and John after the lame man was healed at the temple. The chief priests and rulers were grieved about Peter and John. They perceived that they were untrained, uneducated, and ignorant men—mere fishermen (Acts 4:13). But recall the day of Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit came upon them in the Upper Room, their mouths were filled with the words of the Holy Spirit, and with Him came confidence, boldness, and courage. These men were witnesses because they had walked, talked, and been with Jesus. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to empower them to go forth, preach the gospel, and make disciples. The chief priests and rulers threatened them not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus. But Peter prayed, “Lord, behold their threatening's and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.”

Live:

As I began to think about the word “IF,” the words “instant fear” popped into my mind. I would like to share a story of the time when this happened to me.

One Sunday afternoon, after hearing Pastor Leah preach a message about sharing our faith, I went to a nearby store. I pulled into the parking lot, and there I saw a man. My first thought was, “Oh no, really? Is this going to be a test?” I pulled into a parking space and sat watching the man leaning up against a pillar not far from the entrance. I watched people walk far around him to avoid him, trying not to make eye contact. I saw folks scurrying past him to stay out of earshot in case he tried to beg for something.

“What if” scenarios kept going through my mind. What if I don’t stop to talk with him? What if I say the wrong thing? What scriptures should I share with him? What if he asks me for money, food, or something else? What if he tries to rob me or harm me? What if...What if.

Fear was trying its best to talk me out of it. On the other hand, what if I was being disobedient to God? What if, I might be “entertaining an angel unaware”? What if I don‘t do it? If I didn't do it, I felt I would feel ashamed and mad at myself for walking by like the others. Then, I felt boldness and courage rise within me as I shucked off the “IF” and cast down the lies of the enemy.   I went, sat down, and started a conversation with him. I did have the opportunity to pray with him, and the words were those of the Holy Spirit – whatever He prompted me to say.  I did not think it through, and it was not rehearsed.    It was the best 20 minutes or so of my life, and the richness of that encounter with him was such an overwhelming blessing and joy. I think of him often, but I have never seen him again since.  

Pray:

Father God, thank you for the Holy Spirit who empowers us and helps us to share the gospel and who places the words in our mouth to share.  Help us to get ourselves out of the way and allow the Holy Spirit to move and flow through us.  Remove the “IF” from our minds and give us boldness and courage to share the gospel and good news of our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ – with whomever we encounter.   I ask in Jesus' name, Amen