Empowered Witnesses: Faith and Miracles in Action
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continued our series titled "You Will Be My Witnesses," based on Acts 1:8. This verse emphasizes the power we receive from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Christ, not just in our local communities but to the ends of the earth. The term "witness" in the Old Testament is derived from the Hebrew word "ud," meaning to see something important or amazing and then tell others about it. In the New Testament, the Greek word "martis" implies a witness so committed that they would testify even at the cost of their life.
We often share trivial things like viral videos or restaurant reviews, but how much more should we be eager to share the incredible works of God? The Bible is filled with miraculous events, from the Old Testament miracles like manna from heaven and the parting of the Red Sea to the New Testament healings and resurrections performed by Jesus. These acts were witnessed and recorded to show God's power and to encourage us to share these testimonies.
Jesus not only performed miracles but also empowered His disciples to do the same. This empowerment wasn't just for the early church; Jesus promised in John 14:12 that those who believe in Him would do even greater works. However, many of us struggle with not seeing these miracles in our lives. The key element that accompanies miracles in the Bible is faith. Faith is not a formula but a relationship of trust in God.
We explored the story of a blind beggar in Luke 18 who received his sight through his faith. This story teaches us five key principles: passion, persistence, precision, positivity, and praisefulness. Passionate faith means seeking God with all our hearts. Persistent faith means not giving up, even when answers are delayed. Precise faith involves clearly asking God for what we need. Positive faith maintains trust in God’s goodness, even when we don’t understand His ways. Praiseful faith means worshiping God in all circumstances.
In conclusion, the greatest miracle is the salvation of our souls. Jesus came to save us, and that is the ultimate testimony we should share. If you need a miracle today, whether it's physical healing, financial provision, or spiritual renewal, come forward and let’s pray together, trusting that God is faithful.
### Key Takeaways
1. Passionate Faith: God seeks those who are passionate about Him, who place Him above all else in their lives. Passionate faith is about seeking God with all our hearts, as emphasized in Jeremiah 29:13. This kind of faith stirs up a fervent desire to witness and share God's works. [59:41]
2. Persistent Faith: Persistence in faith is crucial. Jesus taught that we should keep asking, seeking, and knocking, even when answers are delayed. This persistence shows our unwavering trust in God’s timing and His plans for us. [01:05:07]
3. Precise Faith: Being specific in our prayers is important. Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted, even though it seemed obvious. This teaches us the power of declaring our needs and trusting God to meet them. [01:10:13]
4. Positive Faith: Faith involves a positive attitude towards God, trusting that He is always up to something good, even when we don’t see it. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [01:16:03]
5. Praiseful Faith: Regardless of whether we have received our miracle, our attitude should be one of praise. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, which brings peace that transcends understanding. [01:22:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:53] - Introduction to Series
[42:20] - Definition of Witness
[43:14] - Witnessing in the 21st Century
[43:39] - Old Testament Miracles
[44:46] - New Testament Miracles
[46:46] - Unrecorded Miracles of Jesus
[47:57] - Empowerment of the Disciples
[49:10] - Are Miracles for Today?
[50:26] - The Role of Faith in Miracles
[52:25] - Building Our Faith
[56:45] - The Story of the Blind Beggar
[59:41] - Passionate Faith
[01:05:07] - Persistent Faith
[01:10:13] - Precise Faith
[01:16:03] - Positive Faith
[01:22:00] - Praiseful Faith
[01:28:33] - The Greatest Miracle: Salvation
[01:30:37] - Call to Action and Closing
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. John 14:12 (NIV) - "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
3. Luke 18:35-43 (NIV) - The story of the blind beggar who received his sight through faith.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Acts 1:8 say about the power we receive from the Holy Spirit and our role as witnesses? [41:53]
2. In John 14:12, what promise does Jesus make to those who believe in Him? [49:35]
3. Describe the interaction between Jesus and the blind beggar in Luke 18:35-43. What was the beggar's response when he heard Jesus was passing by? [56:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being a witness in Acts 1:8 extend beyond just sharing our faith locally? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [41:53]
2. Jesus promised that believers would do even greater works than He did (John 14:12). What might this look like in the context of our modern lives and communities? [49:35]
3. The blind beggar in Luke 18 demonstrated several key principles of faith. How do passion, persistence, precision, positivity, and praisefulness play a role in our faith journey? [56:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Passionate Faith: Reflect on your current relationship with God. Are you seeking Him with all your heart? What steps can you take to cultivate a more passionate faith? [59:41]
2. Persistent Faith: Think of a situation where you have been praying for a long time without seeing an answer. How can you remain persistent in your faith and continue to trust in God's timing? [01:01:04]
3. Precise Faith: Are there specific needs or desires you have not clearly presented to God in prayer? How can you be more precise in your prayers this week? [57:59]
4. Positive Faith: When faced with challenges, do you maintain a positive attitude towards God, trusting that He is working for your good? How can you shift your mindset to be more positive in difficult times? [01:14:39]
5. Praiseful Faith: Regardless of your current circumstances, how can you incorporate more praise and thanksgiving into your daily routine? What are some practical ways to worship God in all situations? [01:20:33]
6. Sharing Your Testimony: The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing our testimonies. Identify one recent experience where you witnessed God's work in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone this week? [43:39]
7. Faith in Action: Jesus empowered His disciples to perform miracles. How can you step out in faith to serve others and be a witness to God's power in your community? [47:57]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon and apply its teachings to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind everyone that faith is a journey that we are all on together.
Devotional
### Day 1: Seek God with Passion
Description:
Passionate faith is about seeking God with all our hearts, as emphasized in Jeremiah 29:13. This kind of faith stirs up a fervent desire to witness and share God's works. When we are passionate about something, it naturally overflows into our conversations and actions. In the same way, our passion for God should be evident in how we live our lives and share His love with others. Passionate faith is not just about emotional fervor but a deep, abiding commitment to prioritize God above all else. This kind of faith is contagious and can inspire others to seek God with the same intensity. [59:41]
Bible Passage:
"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:13-14, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about an area of your life where you have been half-hearted in your pursuit of God. What steps can you take today to seek Him with all your heart?
### Day 2: Persist in Faith
Description:
Persistence in faith is crucial. Jesus taught that we should keep asking, seeking, and knocking, even when answers are delayed. This persistence shows our unwavering trust in God’s timing and His plans for us. Persistent faith is not easily discouraged by setbacks or delays. It is a faith that holds on to God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. This kind of faith is built on the understanding that God's ways and timing are perfect, even when we don't understand them. By persisting in faith, we demonstrate our trust in God's character and His faithfulness. [01:05:07]
Bible Passage:
"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary."' And for a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'" (Luke 18:1-5, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a prayer request you have been waiting on for a long time. How can you renew your commitment to persist in prayer and trust in God's timing today?
### Day 3: Be Specific in Your Prayers
Description:
Being specific in our prayers is important. Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted, even though it seemed obvious. This teaches us the power of declaring our needs and trusting God to meet them. Specific prayers show that we have thought deeply about our needs and desires and that we trust God to address them. When we articulate our requests clearly, it helps us to recognize God's answers when they come. It also deepens our relationship with God as we engage in honest and open communication with Him. [01:10:13]
Bible Passage:
"And Jesus stopped and called them, saying, 'What do you want me to do for you?' They said to him, 'Lord, let our eyes be opened.' And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him." (Matthew 20:32-34, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a specific need or desire you have. How can you clearly articulate this in your prayers to God today?
### Day 4: Maintain a Positive Attitude of Faith
Description:
Faith involves a positive attitude towards God, trusting that He is always up to something good, even when we don’t see it. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. A positive attitude of faith means believing in God's goodness and His plans for us, even when circumstances are challenging. It is about maintaining hope and trust in God's promises, knowing that He is working all things for our good. This kind of faith is not based on our circumstances but on the unchanging character of God. [01:16:03]
Bible Passage:
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." (Hebrews 11:1-3, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a situation where you have struggled to see God's goodness. How can you choose to trust in His character and promises today?
### Day 5: Praise God in All Circumstances
Description:
Regardless of whether we have received our miracle, our attitude should be one of praise. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, which brings peace that transcends understanding. Praiseful faith means worshiping God in all circumstances, not just when things are going well. It is about recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of trials. When we choose to praise God, it shifts our focus from our problems to His greatness, and it brings peace and joy into our hearts. [01:22:00]
Bible Passage:
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you choose to praise God and give thanks in the midst of it today?
Quotes
1. "If the power of the Holy Spirit is to enable us to be witnesses, then what is a witness? Well, in the Old Testament, it was this word, ud, right? That's a fun word, ud. In the original Hebrew, the word ud was somebody who witnessed something. They had seen something. Either the definition says important or actually uses the word amazing, like important or amazing, and they didn't just see it. They ud-ed it. They told somebody. They reported it. They said something." [42:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In the New Testament, we see Jesus on the scene and they're saying the same stuff about Jesus. This is what we saw him doing. Matthew chapter nine, the gospel writer writes this, Jesus went through all the towns and villages and he, he, teaching and, and there's synagogues. So we saw Jesus teaching. So we're supposed to witness teaching about him, about God, preaching. That's what, I'm gonna do a little bit of that today. I'm gonna get a little excited today because I'm passionate about what we're talking about." [45:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Why is it that we're called to be a witness and to bear witness? Because freely, we've seen freely. We've been saved. The world needs to hear the message that Jesus is alive. And so that's what, that's what they were all a part of. And I have to ask this question in this difficult season, has this ended? Has it stopped? Are there no more miracles? Was it just for them and them and not for here and now and today?" [49:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Everywhere in scripture, that I read about miracles, there is always something that accompanies miracles, faith or belief, always around miracles. Every place that I've read in the story of scripture talks about belief or faith. Matter of fact, in the verse we just read, very truly, I tell you what, whoever he starts it off with belief and the results of that is what? He will do it." [50:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I can't answer the question why God does it sometimes and why he doesn't do it other times. But I always know this faith is involved at the highest level possible. And so if I'm going to teach today about bearing witness to the healings and what Jesus did and the miracles of his life and bearing witness to that, I can't give you the seven steps to produce miracles, but I'll give you the one step to help us build our faith." [52:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So no matter the status of your faith, it can be built today. And what if we're just going to start right now stirring up your faith? Like what if this fall semester is the semester that you declare in your family? We're going to go all in and everything that God's doing in my life. Like maybe this is the semester that I'm going to say I'm going to make a commitment to attend every service I can. I'm not going to let comfort or convenience prevent me from being in the house of the Lord." [53:12] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I believe all throughout Scripture, the Bible is telling us a story that God looks for those who are passionate about him, who are jealous for him, who don't let anything else sit on the number one seat of their life. But God, all throughout Scripture, it points to this idea that he needs to be the number one thing that we're excited about. And I believe God responds to passion in our life." [59:41] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We have to be persistent when it comes to our faith. We see that they told him, hey, dude, be quiet. See, that's the message of the world. Stop. It doesn't work. Give up. That's useless. That's a crutch of the masses. We hear from the culture of the world. This is not the answer, and they're going to keep telling us to be quiet, but I believe the Lord is looking for a church that says, I don't care what the world says. As for me and my house, I'm going to be faithful, and I'm going to be persistent, and I'm going to call out." [01:01:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Faith is an attitude toward God, positive, not like positive, like not, not like it's, it's an attitude. Positivity is a choice. If we're going to approach this idea of faith, I have to choose to have a positive, positive about what? Positive. That God is up to something. Even when I don't see him, I'll say it again, because some of y'all didn't get that positive that God is up to something. Even when I don't see him moving or even understand, or here's another one disagree with." [01:15:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Faith is about what I believe in my life. That's faith. So prayer. Saying a prayer isn't faith starts faith. Faith is saying, no matter what you do, I trust you with my life. And I read this as comfort for some in this room who have been here. And it said, you know what? I prayed and nothing happened I prayed for healing in the past. Second Timothy four 18 says it this way. Paul's writing to Timothy was probably going through a dev devastating death. I have no idea, but he captures this. The Lord." [01:19:10] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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