Empowered Witnesses: The Call to Action

Summary

Today’s focus is on the power and calling that Jesus gives to His followers, as seen in the opening chapter of Acts. The story begins with Jesus’ final instructions before His ascension, where He commands His disciples not to act immediately, but to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. This waiting is not passive, but a preparation for a new chapter in God’s redemptive plan, where the Spirit would empower ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. The disciples, still thinking in terms of earthly kingdoms, ask if now is the time for Israel’s restoration. Jesus redirects their attention from political power to spiritual mission, promising them power from the Holy Spirit and commissioning them to be His witnesses—starting in Jerusalem, then Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

This commission is not just for the apostles, but for every believer. The call is to be witnesses—those who both testify to what Jesus has done and who get a front-row seat to what He is still doing. The power of God is not reserved for the spectacular or the miraculous alone, but is most often seen when believers step out in faith, share the gospel, and serve others. The church is called to saturate its community, region, and the world with the good news of Jesus, not just through programs or pastors, but through the obedience of every member.

Stories of modern missionaries, like Karen Watson and the five men who gave their lives in Ecuador, remind us that the call to witness can be costly, but it is always worth it. Their lives and deaths demonstrate that the true power of God is seen in obedience, sacrifice, and love for others—even enemies. The Holy Spirit’s power is not a “parlor trick,” but the divine energy that enables believers to love, serve, and proclaim Christ in the darkest places.

The invitation is clear: to move from being spectators to participants, from intention to action, from comfort to obedience. Whether across the street or across the world, every believer is called to be a witness, trusting that God will use their life to display His power and bring others home to Him.

Key Takeaways

- The Power of Waiting and the Promise of the Spirit
Jesus’ command to wait for the Holy Spirit before acting teaches that spiritual power is not self-generated but received. True effectiveness in God’s mission comes not from rushing ahead, but from dependence on the Spirit’s timing and empowerment. This waiting is an act of faith, trusting that God’s presence is better than our plans or efforts. The Spirit’s arrival marks a new era where every believer is equipped for God’s work, not just a select few. [34:56]

- Redefining Power: From Earthly Kingdoms to Spiritual Mission
The disciples’ desire for political restoration is met with Jesus’ vision for a global, spiritual movement. God’s power is not about seizing control or comfort, but about transformation from the inside out. The church’s mission is not to build earthly kingdoms, but to bear witness to Christ’s reign in every heart and nation. This reorientation challenges us to seek God’s agenda over our own, trusting that His ways are higher and more lasting. [37:30]

- Witnessing: Both Testimony and Participation
To be a witness is not only to speak about Jesus, but to see and experience what He is doing in the world. The call is to step into the story, to be present where God is at work, and to testify both with words and with life. This means moving beyond passive observation to active involvement, allowing God to use us as conduits of His grace and power. The greatest miracles often happen when ordinary people say “yes” to God’s prompting. [44:35]

- The Cost and Joy of Obedience
Stories like Karen Watson’s and the missionaries to the Alka Indians remind us that following Jesus can be costly, even unto death. Yet, obedience to Christ is not about comfort or success, but about faithfulness and surrender. The true reward is not in earthly recognition, but in God’s glory and the joy of knowing and serving Him. Such lives inspire others to fill the gap, to risk more, and to expect God to do the impossible. [58:00]

- The Power of God is Revealed in Mission
The Holy Spirit’s power is most evident when believers step into places of need, darkness, or opposition with the gospel. It is in the collision of light and darkness that God’s presence is most tangible, and lives are most radically changed. The invitation is to connect to the Spirit’s power by being a witness—wherever God sends us—trusting that He will do more through our obedience than we could ever imagine. [01:01:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Memorial Day and Community
[02:30] - Prayer for Leaders and Nation
[04:10] - Introduction to Acts: The Acts of the Apostles
[07:00] - Reading Acts 1:4-11
[10:00] - The Ascension and the Great Commission
[13:00] - Jesus’ Final Instructions: Waiting for the Spirit
[16:00] - The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Explained
[19:00] - The Disciples’ Question: Earthly Kingdoms vs. God’s Plan
[22:00] - Acts 1:8: Power and Witness
[25:00] - Gospel Saturation: Local and Global Mission
[29:00] - Stories of Mission: IMB and Project 3000
[33:00] - The Cost of Mission: Karen Watson’s Story
[36:00] - The True Nature of God’s Power
[39:00] - The Alka Missionaries and the Power of Forgiveness
[43:00] - Responding to the Call: Be a Witness
[46:00] - Commissioning Mission Teams and Closing Prayer
[49:00] - Invitation to Follow Jesus and Next Steps

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 1:4-11
(Jesus’ final instructions, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the call to be witnesses)

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### Observation Questions

1. What specific instructions did Jesus give His disciples before He ascended into heaven? (Acts 1:4-5)
2. How did the disciples respond to Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit? What question did they ask Him? (Acts 1:6)
3. According to Acts 1:8, what two things does Jesus say will happen to His followers when the Holy Spirit comes upon them?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of people who obeyed Jesus’ call to be witnesses, even when it was costly? ([55:36])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit instead of acting right away? What does this reveal about where spiritual power comes from? ([34:56])
2. The disciples were focused on the restoration of Israel as a nation. How does Jesus redirect their focus, and what does this say about the kind of “power” God wants His people to have? ([37:30])
3. The sermon described being a “witness” as both testifying about Jesus and experiencing what He is doing. How might this change the way someone thinks about their role in God’s mission? ([44:35])
4. Stories like Karen Watson’s and the missionaries to the Alka Indians show that following Jesus can be costly. What does their example teach about the true nature of God’s power and the meaning of obedience? ([58:00])

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### Application Questions

1. Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit before acting. Are there areas in your life where you tend to rush ahead instead of waiting on God’s timing? What would it look like for you to practice “active waiting” this week? ([34:56])
2. The disciples wanted Jesus to restore political power to Israel, but He called them to a spiritual mission instead. Are there ways you find yourself seeking comfort, control, or influence, rather than God’s agenda? How can you reorient your focus to God’s mission? ([37:30])
3. The sermon emphasized that every believer—not just pastors or missionaries—is called to be a witness. What are some practical ways you can be a witness for Jesus in your daily life, whether at work, school, or in your neighborhood? ([44:35])
4. Think about the stories of Karen Watson and the Alka missionaries. Is there something God is asking you to do that feels risky or uncomfortable? What would it look like to say “yes” to God, even if it costs you something? ([58:00])
5. The power of the Holy Spirit is often seen when believers step into places of need or darkness with the gospel. Is there a specific person or situation where you sense God prompting you to step out in faith? How can you respond this week? ([01:01:55])
6. The sermon challenged listeners to move from being spectators to participants in God’s mission. What is one step you can take this month to move from intention to action in sharing your faith or serving others? ([01:06:15])
7. When have you experienced God’s power in your life as you obeyed Him? Share a story, or if you haven’t, what is one area where you want to trust God for His power as you step out in faith? ([01:03:03])

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Devotional

Day 1: Empowered by the Holy Spirit for God’s Mission
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His followers, not as a distant theological concept, but as a living presence that empowers ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for God’s kingdom. The disciples were told to wait for this gift, a baptism not of water but of the Spirit, which would immerse them in God’s power and presence. This same Spirit is given to every believer at salvation, equipping us to live boldly and to be transformed from the inside out. The Holy Spirit is not just for the spiritual elite or for special moments; He is for every believer, every day, enabling us to live out our faith with courage and purpose. [34:56]

Acts 1:4-5, 8 (ESV)
And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ... “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: In what area of your life do you most need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than your own strength today? Ask God to fill you afresh and guide your next step.


Day 2: Witnesses to God’s Work—Here, Near, and Far
Jesus commissions His followers to be witnesses, not just in their own city, but to the ends of the earth. This calling is not limited to pastors or missionaries; it is for every believer, inviting us to see and share what God is doing in our lives and communities. Being a witness means both proclaiming the gospel and living in such a way that others see Christ in us. The mission starts at home but extends outward, crossing barriers and reaching people who may seem far from God. God’s heart is for all nations, and He invites us to join Him in saturating our neighborhoods, our region, and the world with the good news of Jesus. [44:35]

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: Who is one person in your “Jerusalem” (your immediate circle) and one person or group in your “Samaria” (outside your comfort zone) you can pray for and reach out to this week?


Day 3: Obedience Over Comfort—The Call to Go
The call to follow Jesus is a call to obedience, not to comfort or personal success. Throughout history, men and women have responded to God’s call by stepping out in faith, sometimes at great personal cost, to bring the gospel to those who have never heard. True obedience may mean leaving behind what is familiar, risking safety, or sacrificing personal dreams, but it is in this surrender that God’s glory is revealed and His mission advances. The stories of missionaries who gave everything remind us that the greatest reward is not earthly comfort, but knowing and serving Christ. [58:00]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Reflection: Is there an area where God is calling you to step out in obedience, even if it means leaving your comfort zone? What would it look like to say, “Here I am, send me” today?


Day 4: The Power of Sacrificial Witness
God’s power is most clearly displayed not in grand gestures or miracles for their own sake, but in lives laid down for the sake of others. The stories of those who have given their lives for the gospel—whether on the mission field or in daily acts of love and forgiveness—show that true spiritual power is found in sacrificial witness. When we choose to forgive, to serve, or to love those who have hurt us, we become living testimonies to the transforming power of Christ. The world may see sacrifice as loss, but in God’s kingdom, it is the seed of resurrection and new life. [01:06:15]

John 12:24-25 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Reflection: What is one way you can lay down your own comfort or preferences today to serve or love someone else as a witness to Christ’s love?


Day 5: Saying Yes to God’s Call—A Life of Impact
Every believer is invited to respond to God’s call, whether that means going across the street, across the country, or across the world. The impact of a life surrendered to Jesus is immeasurable, as God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Saying “yes” to God may look different for each of us, but it always involves a willingness to trust Him with our story, our gifts, and our future. When we open our hands and hearts to God’s leading, we become part of His ongoing work to set the world alight for Jesus. [01:11:20]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can offer yourself to God’s purposes today—at home, at work, or in your community? Pray and commit that step to Him now.

Quotes

These are all critical parts of Christian doctrine. Now what many people don't think about is that Jesus actually spent quite a bit of time with people between His resurrection and His ascension, which means that for almost 40 days, Jesus taught the Bible, taught them how to interpret it in light of the events that happened. He met with people. He hugged them. He ate meals with them. He spent time with them, which is why we believe in the resurrection. It's not simply, hey, some people like went to an empty tomb. People actually saw Jesus and interacted with Him and wrote about it. [00:31:36] (00:00:36 seconds) Edit Clip

So, Jesus says, there's going to be a new chapter in the book of God's redemptive plan, and the Holy Spirit's going to come in a way He hasn't come before, and He's going to baptize you. Just like you were baptized with water, with John's baptism, the Holy Spirit's going to baptize you. [00:35:33] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip

But the baptism of the Holy Spirit is God's Spirit coming upon you. That happens at salvation. It hadn't happened yet in Acts to the people who believed in Jesus. But when you get saved, you get baptized by the Holy Spirit, which simply means that you get immersed. That's what the word baptizo means in Greek. Baptism, baptizo, it means to be immersed. [00:36:47] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

But also, when it comes to the Holy Spirit baptizing the disciples, it means that they're going to have the Holy Spirit come upon them. It's actually going to come and live inside them, and it's going to be different than it was before, which I don't want to run past this. [00:37:39] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

Not just simply what Jesus did when he walked on the earth like Peter, James, John, but you and I get to witness what God can do through ordinary people's lives. And that is such an incredible responsibility. If we're willing to see it, we can witness what God is going to do. I think that that's something we can never lose sight of. It's that the God of the Bible is still doing things today and we get to witness it. [00:42:35] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

Every IMB missionary, every missionary that leaves the International Mission Board is asked to write a letter to give to their pastor if they were to die. And they actually have her letter framed right there next to the wall of names. And I just want you to just meet Karen through this letter. So if you indulge me, I'm going to read the whole letter to you. She writes it to her pastors. She says, Dear Pastor Phil and Pastor Roger, You should only be opening this letter in the event of my death. When God calls, there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations. I wasn't called to a place. I was called to Him. To obey was my objective. To suffer was expected. His glory was my reward. His glory is my reward. [00:56:26] (00:00:53 seconds) Edit Clip

A lot of us, when we think about God's power, we think, Man, I would love to actually show power someday. I would love to heal somebody. I'd love to do a miracle. I'd love to change water to wine. I'd love to do something like that, I see in the Bible. Wouldn't it be cool? But the power of God is not a parlor trick. It's not something you can simply just do on command. The power of God is something completely different. [00:59:38] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

Many of us, like, live our lives starved from the power of God in our life. We know instinctively that the Holy Spirit that Jesus gave us has promised, that's been promised to us should give us the power of God in our life, but many of us don't see it, and we wonder where it is. I think the reason we miss it is because we don't understand how being a witness to God, its ability to change people's life, and witnessing is directly tied to the power of God. It is the connecting cable between the Holy Spirit and our life. [01:01:07] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

What I want for you more than anything else is to be the kind of person that no longer sees Christianity as an academic exercise, but it's actually a group activity. But you get to be a part of it so that God can be used through you. Because when you do, when you lay down your life, when you trust Him, when you go public, God does something incredible through you. And you get to see the power of God made flesh. [01:02:45] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

But they felt convinced that god wanted them to go and what happens next is they actually led the entire tribe to christ this picture is hard to even like really look at when you really know what's going on there's a young woman being baptized in a river there's another little boy they're standing they're watching these children are nate saint's kids being baptized by their dad's murderers in the same spot where he died power that's the holy spirit of god moving in power these children call their father's murderer grandfather god changes people's lives when we say i want to witness the power of god god in my life and in order to do that you gotta say i will be a witness i want to witness what god is going to do through my life and i'm going to witness his power made reality through me. [01:05:35] (00:01:24 seconds) Edit Clip