Empowered Witnesses: Living the Gospel Through the Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Aldersgate United Methodist Church! Today, we gather to celebrate the gift of life and to express our gratitude to God for His many blessings. We are thankful for the air conditioning, the beauty of creation, and the healing of those we've prayed for, like Carson and Frank Smith. We also lift up those still in need of healing and support, such as Teresa, Gay Probst, and Sandra Hendrickson.
As we conclude our series on the Holy Spirit, we reflect on how the Holy Spirit is God's personal presence within us, connecting us to His love and empowering us to live as Jesus did. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are essential for our spiritual growth and for being effective witnesses of Christ.
We are reminded that the Holy Spirit energizes us to be Christ's witnesses, not salespeople. A witness simply shares what they have seen and experienced. Everyone is a witness to something, whether it's a lifestyle, a belief, or a person. As followers of Jesus, we are called to bear witness to His love and truth.
To be effective witnesses, we can practice hospitality, proclaim the Gospel with our words, and demonstrate the Gospel through our actions. Jesus often shared meals with people as a way to invite them into God's kingdom. Similarly, we can welcome others into our homes and church, creating spaces where they can experience God's love.
Proclaiming the Gospel with our words involves sharing our faith stories and speaking of God's love and hope. Demonstrating the Gospel through our actions means living in a way that reflects Christ's love and justice. These acts of witness not only impact others but also strengthen our own faith.
Being a witness to Christ is vital for our spiritual vitality. Sharing our faith helps us experience God more deeply. As we invite the Holy Spirit to fill us anew, we are empowered to be Christ's witnesses, bringing hope and healing to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Gratitude and Prayer: Expressing gratitude to God for His blessings, such as the beauty of creation and the healing of loved ones, is essential. It reminds us of His presence and faithfulness in our lives. Regular prayer for others strengthens our community and aligns us with God's will. [20:15]
2. The Holy Spirit's Fruit: The Holy Spirit produces essential qualities in us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are not just for personal growth but are vital for our witness to the world. They reflect God's character and draw others to Him. [22:50]
3. Witnessing Through Hospitality: Jesus often shared meals with people, inviting them into God's kingdom. Practicing hospitality in our homes and church creates spaces where others can experience God's love. It's a simple yet powerful way to bear witness to Christ. [38:06]
4. Proclaiming the Gospel: Sharing our faith stories and speaking of God's love and hope are crucial. Words have the power to transform lives. Even simple invitations to church or affirmations of God's work in someone's life can make a significant impact. [40:45]
5. Demonstrating the Gospel: Our actions often speak louder than words. Living in a way that reflects Christ's love and justice is a powerful witness. People are watching, and our lives can change their perceptions and lead them to Christ. [43:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:15] - Gratitude and Prayer
[22:50] - The Holy Spirit's Fruit
[38:06] - Witnessing Through Hospitality
[40:45] - Proclaiming the Gospel
[43:16] - Demonstrating the Gospel
[52:42] - Offering and Doxology
[57:18] - Closing Hymn
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. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
3. Romans 15:7 (NIV) - "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? How do these qualities reflect God's character? [22:50]
2. According to Acts 1:8, what will believers receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what are they called to do with this power? [31:16]
3. How did Jesus demonstrate hospitality according to the sermon, and what is the significance of this practice in our witness to others? [38:06]
4. What does Romans 15:7 suggest about the way we should treat others, and how does this relate to the concept of hospitality mentioned in the sermon? [39:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit empower believers to live as witnesses of Christ, according to Acts 1:8 and the sermon? [31:16]
2. In what ways can the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) enhance our ability to be effective witnesses for Christ? [22:50]
3. How does practicing hospitality, as Jesus did, create opportunities for others to experience God's love? [38:06]
4. What are some practical ways we can proclaim the Gospel with our words, and why is this important for our witness? [40:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt grateful for God's blessings. How can expressing gratitude regularly impact your spiritual life and community? [20:15]
2. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with your family or friends? [22:50]
3. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person? [22:50]
4. How can you practice hospitality in your home or church this week? Identify one person or family you can invite for a meal or coffee. [38:06]
5. Share a personal story of how you have experienced God's love and hope. How can you use this story to proclaim the Gospel to someone in your life? [40:45]
6. Reflect on a time when someone's actions spoke louder than their words in demonstrating Christ's love. How can you incorporate similar actions into your daily life? [43:16]
7. How can you be more intentional about being a witness to Christ in your workplace or community? Identify one specific step you can take this week. [49:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude and Prayer
Gratitude is a powerful practice that aligns our hearts with God's will and reminds us of His faithfulness. By expressing thanks for the blessings in our lives, such as the beauty of creation and the healing of loved ones, we acknowledge God's presence and goodness. Regular prayer for others not only strengthens our community but also deepens our connection with God. It is through prayer that we can lift up those in need, like Teresa, Gay Probst, and Sandra Hendrickson, and trust in God's healing and support.
Gratitude and prayer are essential for spiritual growth. They help us to focus on God's blessings rather than our challenges, fostering a sense of peace and contentment. When we pray for others, we participate in God's work of healing and restoration, becoming conduits of His love and grace. Let us make it a daily habit to thank God for His blessings and to intercede for those in need, trusting in His perfect plan. [20:15]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Who in your life can you pray for today? Take a moment to thank God for specific blessings and lift up someone in need of His healing and support.
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Fruit
The Holy Spirit produces essential qualities in us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are not just for personal growth but are vital for our witness to the world. They reflect God's character and draw others to Him. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we become more like Jesus, embodying His love and grace in our daily lives.
These fruits are evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence within us. They are not something we can produce on our own but are the result of a life surrendered to God. By cultivating these qualities, we become effective witnesses of Christ's love and truth. Let us invite the Holy Spirit to fill us anew, transforming us from the inside out and empowering us to live as Jesus did. [22:50]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you feel you need more of in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in this area today.
Day 3: Witnessing Through Hospitality
Jesus often shared meals with people, inviting them into God's kingdom. Practicing hospitality in our homes and church creates spaces where others can experience God's love. It's a simple yet powerful way to bear witness to Christ. By opening our homes and hearts to others, we demonstrate the love and acceptance that Jesus offers to all.
Hospitality is more than just entertaining guests; it is about creating an environment where people feel valued and loved. It is an opportunity to share the love of Christ in tangible ways, whether through a meal, a listening ear, or a warm welcome. Let us be intentional in practicing hospitality, inviting others into our lives and church, and creating spaces where they can encounter God's love. [38:06]
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV): "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Reflection: Who can you invite into your home or church this week? How can you create a welcoming environment for them to experience God's love?
Day 4: Proclaiming the Gospel
Sharing our faith stories and speaking of God's love and hope are crucial. Words have the power to transform lives. Even simple invitations to church or affirmations of God's work in someone's life can make a significant impact. By proclaiming the Gospel with our words, we bear witness to the truth of Jesus and the hope He offers.
Proclaiming the Gospel is not about having all the answers or being a skilled speaker; it is about sharing our personal experiences of God's love and grace. Our stories have the power to inspire and encourage others, pointing them to Jesus. Let us be bold in sharing our faith, trusting that God will use our words to touch hearts and change lives. [40:45]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: What is one way you can share your faith story with someone this week? How can you speak of God's love and hope in a way that is gentle and respectful?
Day 5: Demonstrating the Gospel
Our actions often speak louder than words. Living in a way that reflects Christ's love and justice is a powerful witness. People are watching, and our lives can change their perceptions and lead them to Christ. By demonstrating the Gospel through our actions, we show the world what it means to follow Jesus.
Living out the Gospel involves more than just words; it requires us to embody the love and justice of Christ in our daily lives. This means treating others with kindness, standing up for what is right, and serving those in need. Our actions can have a profound impact on those around us, drawing them to the love of Jesus. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects Christ's character, being His hands and feet in the world. [43:16]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate Christ's love and justice? How can you be a living example of the Gospel to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Holy Spirit is how we connect with God. How we experience God's presence, God's love. On the first Sunday of this series, the first time I spoke on this series, someone came up to me in the patio after worship and they said, you know, I had an experience of the Holy Spirit that you're going to think is kind of weird. He said, this happened years ago, but I had this intense experience of God's love. This deep sense of God's love. It was a physical sensation as if God's love was filling up my whole body. It's hard to explain in words. It was years ago, but I remember it so clearly." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Through the Holy Spirit, we experience God's presence. In particular, God's love. And this love gives us strength. This love energizes us. Just as Jesus was energized by the Holy Spirit to do what He did, we are energized by the Holy Spirit to live as Jesus lived. The Holy Spirit energizes us to live as Jesus' disciples. The Holy Spirit gives us power." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus does not say you will be my salespeople. Right? Jesus says you will be my witnesses. A witness is simply someone who tells others what they've seen or experienced. Right? Used as a verb to witness or to bear witness simply means to tell others what you've seen or experienced." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are all witnesses. Here's what I mean by that. We all bear witness to something or someone. As John Mark Comer puts it, everyone is preaching a gospel. The question isn't are you preaching a gospel? The question is what gospel are you preaching? Anti-racism? Democratic socialism? American nationalism? Cold water therapy? Intermittent fasting? Keto diet? Mindfulness? New wave psychedelics? Right? All of these are gospels. They're all messages about where our hope lies." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Everyone preaches a gospel. Everyone is a witness. But as an apprentice of Jesus, we're called to be his witness. That's the difference. We're called to preach his gospel. And that's challenging. It's challenging because we're warned to stay away from religion and politics. It's challenging because we don't want to offend anyone, right? It's challenging and yet we live in a culture where folks are spiritually open." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So practically speaking, how can we live as Christ's witnesses in our world today? I want to mention three ways. The first is this, to practice hospitality. Right? How did Jesus proclaim and demonstrate the good news of God's kingdom? By eating and drinking with folks. As I've shared before, Tim Chester points out that in Luke's gospel, there's two times where Jesus says the Son of Man came. And these are statements about himself. First time he says the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. That's Jesus' mission. The second time he says the Son of Man came eating and drinking. That's Jesus' method. His mission was to seek and to save the lost. His method for doing that was by eating and drinking." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Proclaim the Gospel with our words. This is what we see in the book of Acts. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter said. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen said. Filled with the Holy Spirit, others said. We can use our words to speak of God's love and hope. And I think there's something very beautiful, so challenging about this. I saw a great example of this. A couple of weeks ago, I went to a church up in LA. It's a church I used to serve where the pastor's getting a new appointment. So it was a send-off for the pastor. And they had an open mic time." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Demonstrate the gospel. Right? To bear witness not just by what we say, but by what we do. Right? Not just through our words, but through our actions. I think in many ways, this is the most powerful way to be a witness. Through our actions. Through how we live. A couple of weeks ago, I listened to a sermon from a black pastor who lives in Portland, Oregon. His name is Trey Giles. And he went to college in a small town in western Kansas. While he was a student there, an unarmed black man was killed by a police officer." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sharing our faith strengthens our faith. There's a missionary named Frank Laubach he puts it this way, I must talk about God or I cannot keep God in my mind. I must give God away in order to have God. The more I share God the more I experience God. I've seen this in my own life in so many ways. In the lives of others. I've seen this recently in the life of my oldest son Micah." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I haven't been going to Aldersgate Church for too long. Probably a little more than a year and a half. I feel very blessed to have found a church that is so warm and welcoming to all new members. I came to the church when I was hurt and broken. I was going through the lowest point in my life. And the people I met at church lifted me up. I feel forever grateful. And going to Aldersgate has made me feel not so alone. I also enjoy listening to the weekly sermons. Definitely brings me closer to God." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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