Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Witnessing and Healing
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound connection between the power of the Holy Spirit and our ability to witness and perform acts of healing. We began by acknowledging the awkwardness many feel when witnessing, emphasizing that this discomfort often stems from within us rather than from others. The key to overcoming this is to trust in the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to witness naturally and supernaturally. While baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a prerequisite for witnessing, it undeniably provides the power to do so effectively, as illustrated in Acts 1:8.
We delved into the concept of cessationism, which claims that spiritual gifts ceased with the apostolic age. This doctrine is fundamentally flawed, as the kingdom of God, inaugurated by Christ, continues to operate in power through the Holy Spirit until the consummation of the age. The gifts of the Spirit, including healing, are still active today, as evidenced by the experiences of millions of Pentecostals worldwide.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of community and accountability in maintaining sound doctrine and avoiding theological errors. Isolating oneself from the church can lead to misguided beliefs, whereas being part of a church community helps keep us grounded in the truth of God's Word.
We then transitioned to discussing the relay of healing power from the Old Testament to the New Testament and into the present day. God declared Himself as the healer in the Old Testament, and Jesus fulfilled this role in the New Testament. The early church continued this legacy, and now, as modern believers, we are entrusted with carrying the baton of healing. This relay race is ongoing, and we are in the final stretch, empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform acts of healing and witness to the world.
Finally, we emphasized the practical application of these truths. Believers are encouraged to pray for healing, both for themselves and others, and to live out their faith daily. Revival is not an event but a lifestyle of being filled with the Holy Spirit and actively participating in God's kingdom work.
### Key Takeaways
1. Overcoming Awkwardness in Witnessing: The discomfort we feel when witnessing often comes from within us. By trusting in the Holy Spirit, we can witness naturally and supernaturally, allowing His power to flow through us. This makes our testimony more effective and authentic. [00:59]
2. The Flaw of Cessationism: Cessationism, the belief that spiritual gifts ceased with the apostolic age, is a flawed doctrine. The kingdom of God, inaugurated by Christ, continues to operate in power through the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts, including healing, are still active today, affirming God's ongoing work in the world. [04:36]
3. The Relay of Healing Power: Healing is a continuous relay from the Old Testament to the New Testament and into the present day. God declared Himself as the healer, Jesus fulfilled this role, and the early church continued it. Today, we are entrusted with carrying this baton, empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform acts of healing. [22:51]
4. Community and Accountability: Being part of a church community is crucial for maintaining sound doctrine and avoiding theological errors. Isolation can lead to misguided beliefs, but community provides accountability and helps keep us grounded in the truth of God's Word. [06:16]
5. Living Revival: Revival is not an event but a lifestyle of being filled with the Holy Spirit and actively participating in God's kingdom work. By praying for healing and witnessing to others, we live out our faith daily, embodying the power and presence of God's kingdom in our lives. [31:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - The Power of Witnessing
[01:46] - Baptism in the Holy Spirit
[02:41] - The Kingdom of God Has Come with Power
[03:15] - Understanding Cessationism
[04:02] - The Flaw of Cessationism
[04:36] - Jack Hayford on the Kingdom
[05:20] - The Consummation of the Age
[05:50] - Embracing Children in Worship
[06:16] - The Importance of Community
[06:58] - Jesus' Return and Our Mission
[07:39] - The Sacrifice of Jesus
[08:31] - The Promises for Believers
[09:07] - Becoming a New Creation
[10:09] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[11:16] - Participating in a Kingdom of Power
[14:36] - Testimony of Healing
[15:19] - Gifts of the Holy Spirit
[15:57] - Gifts of Healings
[16:30] - Call for Healing
[17:36] - The Process of Healing
[18:16] - Believing in God's Word
[19:04] - The Relay of Healing Power
[19:49] - God's Declaration of Healing
[20:30] - Prophecy of Jesus' Healing Ministry
[21:15] - Jesus as the Fulfillment
[22:07] - The Early Church's Empowerment
[22:51] - The Continuation of the Relay
[23:30] - Believers Today
[24:19] - The Final Stretch
[25:44] - The Importance of Being Empowered
[26:24] - Philip's Example
[27:05] - Full of the Spirit
[28:18] - Philip's Ministry in Samaria
[29:02] - Signs and Wonders
[29:42] - The Impact of Revival
[30:13] - Living Revival
[30:56] - Revival as a Lifestyle
[31:38] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[32:14] - The Supernatural as Normal
[33:04] - Jesus' Healing Ministry
[33:52] - The Great Commission
[34:41] - Running the Race
[35:32] - The Power of the Kingdom
[36:37] - Practical Steps for Healing
[37:06] - Praying for Others
[37:45] - The Role of Prayer
[38:46] - Living Revival Daily
[39:25] - Call for Healing Prayer
[40:07] - Guidelines for Praying for Others
[41:11] - Receiving Healing
[42:00] - Encouragement to Pray
[42:23] - Final Call for Prayer
[42:54] - Closing and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:8 (NIV) - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
2. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV) - "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."
3. Matthew 8:16-17 (NIV) - "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of receiving power from the Holy Spirit? How does this relate to witnessing? [00:59]
2. In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, what are some of the spiritual gifts mentioned, and what is their purpose? [15:19]
3. How does Matthew 8:16-17 connect Jesus' healing ministry to Old Testament prophecy? [21:15]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the continuation of spiritual gifts and their relevance today? [04:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the power of the Holy Spirit help believers overcome the awkwardness of witnessing? [00:59]
2. Why is cessationism considered a flawed doctrine according to the sermon, and how does this impact our understanding of spiritual gifts today? [04:36]
3. What is the significance of the "relay of healing power" from the Old Testament to the New Testament and into the present day? [22:51]
4. How does being part of a church community help maintain sound doctrine and avoid theological errors? [06:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt awkward witnessing to someone. How can trusting in the Holy Spirit help you overcome this discomfort in the future? [00:59]
2. Have you ever encountered teachings that seemed to deny the continuation of spiritual gifts? How did you respond, and how can you ensure your beliefs align with the truth of God's Word? [04:36]
3. In what ways can you actively participate in the "relay of healing power" today? Are there specific people or situations you feel called to pray for healing? [22:51]
4. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of community and accountability within your church? What steps can you take to ensure you are not isolating yourself from the church body? [06:16]
5. Revival is described as a lifestyle rather than an event. What practical steps can you take to live out your faith daily and embody the power and presence of God's kingdom? [31:38]
6. Think of someone in your life who needs healing. How can you gently and respectfully offer to pray for them this week? [37:06]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of praying for healing and witnessing to others in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to make this a regular part of your routine? [36:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting the Holy Spirit to Overcome Awkwardness
Many believers feel awkward when it comes to witnessing, often due to internal discomfort rather than external factors. This awkwardness can be overcome by trusting in the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to witness both naturally and supernaturally. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, our testimony becomes more effective and authentic, allowing His power to flow through us. This trust transforms our witnessing from a daunting task into a natural expression of our faith. [00:59]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt awkward sharing your faith. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in future opportunities to witness?
Day 2: The Continuation of Spiritual Gifts
Cessationism, the belief that spiritual gifts ceased with the apostolic age, is a flawed doctrine. The kingdom of God, inaugurated by Christ, continues to operate in power through the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts, including healing, are still active today, affirming God's ongoing work in the world. This belief is supported by the experiences of millions of Pentecostals worldwide who witness the active presence of these gifts. [04:36]
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (ESV): "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed a spiritual gift in action. How does this experience shape your understanding of God's ongoing work through the Holy Spirit?
Day 3: The Relay of Healing Power
Healing is a continuous relay from the Old Testament to the New Testament and into the present day. God declared Himself as the healer, Jesus fulfilled this role, and the early church continued it. Today, we are entrusted with carrying this baton, empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform acts of healing. This ongoing relay race signifies our role in God's healing ministry, encouraging us to pray for healing and witness to the world. [22:51]
James 5:14-15 (ESV): "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs healing. How can you actively participate in God's healing ministry by praying for them today?
Day 4: The Importance of Community and Accountability
Being part of a church community is crucial for maintaining sound doctrine and avoiding theological errors. Isolation can lead to misguided beliefs, but community provides accountability and helps keep us grounded in the truth of God's Word. Engaging with a church community ensures that we are supported and corrected when necessary, fostering spiritual growth and doctrinal soundness. [06:16]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you become more involved in your church community to ensure you are grounded in sound doctrine and supported in your spiritual journey?
Day 5: Living Revival as a Lifestyle
Revival is not an event but a lifestyle of being filled with the Holy Spirit and actively participating in God's kingdom work. By praying for healing and witnessing to others, we live out our faith daily, embodying the power and presence of God's kingdom in our lives. This daily commitment to revival transforms our lives and impacts those around us, making the supernatural a normal part of our Christian walk. [31:38]
Romans 12:11-12 (ESV): "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to live out revival as a lifestyle, embodying the power and presence of God's kingdom in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus, he did all the work by dying on the cross to pay for our sin. And then he says, it's up to you. You choose. He gives us free will. See, God is not a God who will make us do those things. He says, what do you want? What do you want to do with my son, Jesus? What do you want to do knowing that he died for your sin? So here are the promises that come for those who believe in Jesus. We become a child of God. Is that good news? Part of his family? We're forgiven of our sin. Is that good news?" [08:31] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you choose to follow Jesus, it's the greatest thing you'll ever do. It'll change you on the inside, it'll change your life, give you hope for eternity, you become a part of God's family, no longer separated from him but with a hope in heaven. There's no better news for mankind. No better news." [10:09] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "For all those who believe in Jesus, we are participants in a kingdom of power. I think that's wonderful news. We're not just participants in a group like a club. We are participants in the kingdom of power, the power of God, the power of the Holy Spirit. It was brought into being, this kingdom, by Jesus and it will last until he comes again." [11:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Share Jesus. You see, signs, wonders, miracles, healings are to accompany the sharing of the word. They'll either go before it to open up to the sharing of the word or they'll confirm it the sharing of the word. However and whichever way. Just let's do it, hey? Let's live revival. Let's get a perspective on revival." [38:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're watching online or if you're here this morning and you've never made that decision to believe in Jesus, to ask Jesus to come into your life, to accept him into your life as your Lord and Saviour, you can do that right now. You can literally and simply say, sorry God for my sin. Thank you for dying on the cross, Jesus. I ask you to come into my life. I choose to follow you. Forgive me and make me yours. It's as simple as that and yet it's as deep and profound as that." [10:09] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So Jesus at one point said to his disciples that, I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power. The kingdom of God has come with power. Let me tell you, the kingdom of God has come with power. The kingdom of God has already come with power. That power came on the day of Pentecost for the disciples, the believers. They were baptised in the Holy Spirit. And it set a pattern for us today as believers." [03:15] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Cessationism is a seriously flawed understanding of the kingdom. And then when he talks about the kingdom, he says, the kingdom which according to the New Testament was inaugurated by Christ in the power of the Spirit who continues the work of the kingdom until the consummation. What's the consummation? That's the end of this age when Christ returns. The trumpet shall... And the archangel shall shout and every eye shall see. There's no hidden rapture or anything like that. When Jesus returns, we're going to know. In fact, it says the dead in Christ will rise first. And those who are still alive, we will then join and be with him in the air." [05:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So the Bible talks about running the race, not walking the race. It says about running the race that is set before you. If we're running the race, it's talking about embracing that baton and running with intention. Not wandering. We're wandering along the track hoping we get to the end. We grabbed a hold of the baton and that baton includes healing for the nations going to all the world. Preach the gospel. And these signs will follow those who believe. Are we grabbing a hold of the baton?" [34:41] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The early church was empowered through the baptism in the Holy Spirit to be a church. To continue Christ's work and continue the relay. See, the baton's been passed to Jesus. Jesus is now passing on the baton to the church. The early church, the disciples, the apostles, what we call the apostolic age, if you like. I really love that it didn't just stop there. See, cessationists will say that's when it stopped. But that doesn't make sense. The baton is still there to be run by somebody. We haven't come to the end of the race. The race is not over yet." [22:51] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Revival isn't something that happens in a pocket over here and a pocket over there. I'm sorry. Maybe I'm stepping on your toes. Revival isn't an event. It's day-to-day. Christian living. That's revival. Living out our faith. Get powered up for it. Because that's revival. So if I stepped on your toes then, rather than coming in and criticizing me or throwing rotten eggs, go to God. Ask God for the truth. We need to get baptized in the Holy Spirit. Get to praying. And live revival wherever we are." [31:38] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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