Empowered by the Spirit: Our Call to Evangelism

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Impossible Call

The call to spread the Gospel to all nations is a monumental task that Jesus entrusted to His followers, despite their lack of resources and training. This call remains for us today, and it is only possible through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Recognizing our own limitations is crucial, as it leads us to rely on the Spirit's power to fulfill this mission. The early disciples, ordinary and untrained, were tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to start a revolution and take the world for Christ. This challenge is mirrored in our current context, especially in places where moral and spiritual decay seem overwhelming. Yet, the same power that enabled the early church to overcome their obstacles is available to us today through the Holy Spirit. [14:28]

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: What is one area in your life where you feel inadequate to fulfill God's call? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this area today?

Day 2: Standing Firm Amidst Modern Challenges

The moral and spiritual challenges we face today are immense, with society growing increasingly hostile to God. Yet, these challenges are not new, and Jesus foresaw them. Our response must be to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and power to stand firm and be effective witnesses in our generation. In a world where immorality and hostility towards God are rampant, it can be daunting to live out our faith. However, the early church faced similar challenges and overcame them through the Holy Spirit's empowerment. We are called to do the same, relying not on our strength but on the Spirit's power to navigate these challenges and be a light in the darkness. [17:32]

2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."

Reflection: In what ways do you feel society's hostility towards your faith? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to stand firm and be a witness in these situations?

Day 3: The Essential Role of the Holy Spirit

Without the Holy Spirit, our efforts to evangelize are in vain. The early church's success was due to their reliance on the Spirit's power and guidance. We must prioritize being filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to direct our steps and empower our witness. The transformation of the early church from a fearful group to a bold, world-changing force was due to the Holy Spirit's work in them. This same transformation is available to us if we seek the Holy Spirit earnestly. Our mission is not about human strategies but about being vessels for the Holy Spirit. [20:13]

Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"

Reflection: How often do you rely on your own strength rather than the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life? What steps can you take to prioritize being filled with the Holy Spirit?

Day 4: Personal Responsibility in Evangelism

Our mission begins with those closest to us—our family, friends, and colleagues. As we are faithful in reaching our immediate circle, God will expand our influence. We must seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to effectively reach those around us. The early disciples started their mission in their immediate surroundings, and as they were faithful, God expanded their reach. We are called to do the same, beginning with those in our immediate circle and trusting God to broaden our influence as we remain faithful. [35:17]

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: Who in your immediate circle needs to hear the Gospel? How can you intentionally seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to reach out to them this week?

Day 5: Yielding to the Holy Spirit's Leading

True evangelism is not about human strategies but about being vessels for the Holy Spirit. We must commit to prayer and fasting, seeking the Spirit's empowerment and direction. As we yield to Him, He will lead us to those ready to hear the Gospel and empower us to speak with authority and love. The early church's transformation was a result of their complete reliance on the Holy Spirit. By yielding to the Spirit, we allow Him to guide our actions and words, leading us to those who are ready to receive the Gospel. This requires a deep commitment to prayer and fasting, seeking the Holy Spirit's empowerment and direction. [43:03]

Galatians 5:25 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to yield more to the Holy Spirit's leading? How can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your routine to seek His guidance?

Sermon Summary

In this message, I emphasize the profound challenge and responsibility that Jesus placed on His followers to spread the Gospel to all nations, despite their apparent insignificance and lack of resources. The early disciples, ordinary and untrained, were tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to start a revolution and take the world for Christ. This challenge is mirrored in our current context, especially in a city like New York, where the moral and spiritual decay seems overwhelming. The societal challenges we face today, such as rampant immorality and a culture increasingly hostile to God, are daunting. Yet, the same power that enabled the early church to overcome their obstacles is available to us today through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus knew the impossibilities His followers would face, which is why He instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Without the Holy Spirit, our efforts are futile. The Holy Spirit provides the power, guidance, and boldness needed to fulfill our mission. The early church's transformation from a fearful group to a bold, world-changing force was due to the Holy Spirit's work in them. This same transformation is available to us if we seek the Holy Spirit earnestly.

I stress the importance of not relying on human strategies or plans but instead seeking the Holy Spirit's direction. The Holy Spirit knows the hearts of people and can guide us to those who are ready to receive the Gospel. Our responsibility begins with our immediate circle—our family, friends, and colleagues. As we are faithful in reaching those around us, God will expand our influence.

The key to effective evangelism is not in grand strategies but in being filled with the Holy Spirit. We must become vessels through which the Holy Spirit can work, allowing Him to guide our actions and words. This requires a deep commitment to prayer and fasting, seeking the Holy Spirit's empowerment and direction. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He will lead us to those who are ready to hear the Gospel and will empower us to speak with authority and love.

Key Takeaways

1. Nn_I&t=868s'>[14:28]
2. Facing Modern Challenges: The moral and spiritual challenges we face today are immense, with society growing increasingly hostile to God. Yet, these challenges are not new, and Jesus foresaw them. Our response must be to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and power to stand firm and be effective witnesses in our generation.

3. The Necessity of the Holy Spirit: Without the Holy Spirit, our efforts to evangelize are in vain. The early church's success was due to their reliance on the Spirit's power and guidance. We must prioritize being filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to direct our steps and empower our witness.

4. Personal Responsibility and Circle of Influence: Our mission begins with those closest to us—our family, friends, and colleagues. As we are faithful in reaching our immediate circle, God will expand our influence. We must seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to effectively reach those around us.

5. Yielding to the Holy Spirit: True evangelism is not about human strategies but about being vessels for the Holy Spirit. We must commit to prayer and fasting, seeking the Spirit's empowerment and direction. As we yield to Him, He will lead us to those ready to hear the Gospel and empower us to speak with authority and love.

** [14:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:17] - Healing and Preaching in Jesus' Name
[14:55] - The Disciples' Doubts and Challenges
[16:08] - Starting a Revolution
[16:32] - Overwhelming Challenges in New York
[18:06] - Acknowledging Our Insignificance
[20:13] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[21:21] - Transformation Through the Holy Spirit
[23:02] - The Holy Spirit's Guidance
[25:00] - The Futility of Human Strategies
[27:11] - The Need for the Holy Spirit Today
[29:23] - The Burden of the Lord
[33:16] - Personal Evangelism Experiences
[35:46] - The Measure of the Holy Spirit
[43:03] - Yielding to the Holy Spirit
[46:14] - Prayer for the Holy Spirit's Empowerment

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Acts 1:8 - "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."
Luke 24:49 - "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Galatians 3:5 - "So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?"

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Observation Questions:

What was the seemingly impossible task that Jesus gave to His followers, and how did He prepare them for it? [14:28]
How does the sermon describe the societal challenges faced by the early church compared to those we face today? [17:32]
What transformation did the early disciples undergo after receiving the Holy Spirit, according to the sermon? [22:00]
How does the sermon illustrate the futility of human strategies without the Holy Spirit's guidance? [25:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit change the way believers approach evangelism, according to the sermon? [20:13]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit provides guidance and direction to believers? [23:02]
How does the sermon interpret the role of personal responsibility in evangelism, especially within one's immediate circle? [35:17]
What does the sermon imply about the relationship between prayer, fasting, and the Holy Spirit's empowerment? [43:03]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel overwhelmed by the challenges of sharing your faith? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in these areas? [19:50]
Consider your immediate circle of influence. How can you be more intentional in sharing the Gospel with your family, friends, and colleagues? [35:17]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and fasting. What specific steps can you take to incorporate these practices into your routine to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance? [43:03]
Have you ever relied on human strategies rather than the Holy Spirit's guidance in your efforts to evangelize? How can you shift your approach to be more Spirit-led? [25:10]
Identify a specific person in your life who may be ready to hear the Gospel. How can you prepare yourself to be a vessel for the Holy Spirit to reach them? [23:02]
The sermon mentions the transformation of the early church through the Holy Spirit. What changes do you hope to see in your own life as you seek the Spirit's empowerment? [22:00]
How can you cultivate a deeper hunger and thirst for the Holy Spirit in your daily walk with Christ? What practical steps will you take this week to pursue this? [51:17]

Sermon Clips

"Think of it he's talking to ordinary insignificant untrained men and women, and when you stop to think of it when Jesus left he put the burden of his whole church the future of church on their shoulders. If the world is to be saved it's going to be because they lay hold of what he said and something's going to happen." [00:14:28]

"Jesus knew all about these impossibilities, these overwhelming oppositions, the problems he knew what that little band would face he knew it well and he knew looking down through history what you and I would face here in New York City, all over America and around the world he knew what would happen to this society." [00:19:32]

"And this is why Jesus sent them to the upper room. He was telling them and he's telling us you can't do it unless you're full of the Holy Ghost. You are absolutely helpless until you are clothed with the Holy Spirit, and behold I send the promise of my Father upon you." [00:20:13]

"God says I know what you face and I'm going to give you a power that's greater than any power in this universe. You'll be able to stand against every king, every prince, you'll be able to stand against governments, you'll be able to stand against demon powers and the power that's in you is going to be greater than any power in the world." [00:21:21]

"Now folks the best part of all is now they're getting direction explicitly from the Holy Ghost. They are not mimicking a move, they're not doing a thing, they're making no plans until they get alone with God and fast and pray, and then the word of the Holy Ghost comes." [00:23:02]

"Folks, if you don't go to the upper room first you better not go until you're full of the Holy Ghost. You better not go, you have no direction, you have nothing, you have nothing to offer and we have preachers getting together and they're strategizing." [00:25:00]

"How much more do we need that today, how much more in this society that's many many times more wicked than theirs. The truth is we don't even know how to pray as we are let alone evangelize. Didn't he say we don't know how to pray, the Holy Ghost has to come down and teach us." [00:27:11]

"You're only responsible for your circle. God's not going to put the burden of somebody in China on you when you're not even touching your circle. Your circle includes your family, those you work with, those that you know. You begin there, you begin to ask God to convict them." [00:35:17]

"Now folks, sometimes preachers will preach like this because they've got empty seats as you see people standing everywhere here. It's not to pack the pews, it's because Jesus said so and we have to stand one day before the throne of God we have to answer for obedience this commandment of the Lord." [00:43:03]

"Now I know a lot of Christians are dissatisfied to have prayer meetings and just pray and pray and pray that they don't expect to ever be called on God to go out and win the lost. That's not enough. I don't care if we become the prayingest church in America." [00:29:23]

"God says no that's not enough and by the way God said if you go out there and get interest in other people's problems yours will pale in significance compared to what you're going to see and hear from others. No, it's not just go you first go to the upper room." [00:43:03]

"Now folks, there are amazements there are some in the Old Testament that were full of the Holy Ghost, it was measured out to them godly giants and even today there are some of you who have a bit of the Holy Spirit, you do not have a fullness of the Holy Spirit." [00:43:03]

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Empowered by the Spirit: Our Call to Evangelism

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Impossible Call

Day 2: Standing Firm Amidst Modern Challenges

Day 3: The Essential Role of the Holy Spirit

Day 4: Personal Responsibility in Evangelism

Day 5: Yielding to the Holy Spirit's Leading

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Empowered by the Spirit: Our Call to Evangelism

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