Empowered Witnesses: The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit

 

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Community Church. Today, I have the privilege of sharing with you in Pastor Charlie's absence. He and Jill are away celebrating birthdays, and I’m excited for them to have this time away. Today is Pentecost Sunday, a significant day in the Christian calendar. After Easter, Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples, teaching and sharing with them. He promised to send the Holy Spirit, and Pentecost marks the fulfillment of that promise, 50 days after Easter. This day is a reminder of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

We began by reading from Acts 1:4-8, where Jesus commands His disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He tells them that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and that they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth. This command liberates us from the need to know everything; instead, we are called to be witnesses of Christ.

Witnesses play a crucial role in determining the truth. In a court of law, a witness's firsthand, believable account can make or break a case. Similarly, Jesus wants us to be His witnesses, attesting to the truth of who He is. He is the Son of God, the way, the truth, and the life. He is the resurrection and the life, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the great physician, and the way maker. Our lives should reflect these truths, and our actions should align with our faith.

We then discussed the importance of being real witnesses for Christ. The Thessalonians were a great example of this. Despite facing adversity, they remained faithful, loving, and hopeful. Their lives were a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. They got rid of their idols and turned their lives over to Christ, showing genuine conversion. This transformation was evident to others and served as a powerful witness.

I shared a personal story about my mother, who experienced a radical transformation after accepting Christ. She quit smoking instantly and became a different person. Her witness had a profound impact on me, even when I was resistant to following Christ. This story illustrates the power of a genuine witness and the change that the Holy Spirit can bring.

We also talked about the importance of serving others as a way of witnessing for Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:9 tells us that we are co-workers with God. Serving others is a labor of love and a powerful witness. The Thessalonians were known for their hospitality and love for strangers. Similarly, our church is known for being welcoming and loving. Our actions, such as mowing a neighbor's lawn, can open doors for sharing the gospel.

Finally, we discussed the enduring hope we have in Christ. Life is tough, and bad things happen to good people. However, as Christians, we have hope because of the Holy Spirit and the good news of Christ. Romans 8:28 reminds us that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. This hope allows us to be real witnesses, even in the face of adversity.

I concluded with a prayer, asking God to help us be His witnesses, to serve and love others, and to endure with hope. I encouraged everyone to take steps to become better witnesses and to engage with our community. May the Lord bless and keep us, and may we be great witnesses for Him.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost Sunday reminds us of the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses for Christ, enabling us to share the gospel with boldness and authenticity. This power is not something we can earn; it is a gift from God that transforms our lives and equips us for ministry. [30:29]

2. The Role of Witnesses: Witnesses are crucial in determining the truth. In the same way, our lives should be a testament to the truth of who Jesus is. He is the Son of God, the way, the truth, and the life. Our actions and words should align with this truth, serving as a powerful witness to those around us. [34:39]

3. Genuine Conversion: The Thessalonians demonstrated genuine conversion by getting rid of their idols and turning their lives over to Christ. This transformation was evident to others and served as a powerful witness. Similarly, our lives should reflect the change that the Holy Spirit brings, showing that we have truly accepted Christ. [50:56]

4. Serving Others as Witnesses: Serving others is a powerful way to witness for Christ. Our actions, such as acts of kindness and hospitality, can open doors for sharing the gospel. People are more likely to listen to our words when they see our genuine love and care for them. [56:03]

5. Enduring Hope in Adversity: Life is tough, and bad things happen to good people. However, as Christians, we have hope because of the Holy Spirit and the good news of Christ. This hope allows us to be real witnesses, even in the face of adversity, showing the world that Jesus is who He says He is. [01:02:53]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00:00] - Welcome
[0:30:29] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[0:34:39] - The Role of Witnesses
[0:50:56] - Genuine Conversion
[0:56:03] - Serving Others as Witnesses
[01:02:53] - Enduring Hope in Adversity

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:4-8: "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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 Thessalonians 1:3-5: "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake."

3. Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

#### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to His disciples in Acts 1:4-8, and what promise did He make to them? ([32:39])
2. How did the Thessalonians demonstrate their genuine conversion according to 1 Thessalonians 1:3-5? ([44:32])
3. What does Romans 8:28 say about how God works in the lives of those who love Him? ([01:04:55])
4. In the sermon, what personal story did Pastor Mike share about his mother’s transformation after accepting Christ? ([52:34])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus told His disciples they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses? How does this empower us today? ([32:39])
2. What does it mean to be a "real witness" for Christ, and how did the Thessalonians exemplify this? ([44:32])
3. How can the hope mentioned in Romans 8:28 help Christians endure adversity and be effective witnesses? ([01:04:55])
4. Pastor Mike mentioned that serving others is a powerful way to witness for Christ. Why do you think acts of service can open doors for sharing the gospel? ([57:37])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your journey of faith? Can you share a specific instance where you felt empowered to witness for Christ? ([32:39])
2. The Thessalonians got rid of their idols and turned their lives over to Christ. Are there any "idols" in your life that you need to let go of to be a more genuine witness for Christ? ([50:56])
3. Pastor Mike shared a story about his mother’s radical transformation. Have you witnessed a similar transformation in someone’s life? How did it impact your faith? ([52:34])
4. Serving others is a way to witness for Christ. What specific act of service can you commit to this week to show Christ’s love to someone in your community? ([57:37])
5. Romans 8:28 speaks of enduring hope. How can you cultivate and share this hope with others, especially during tough times? ([01:04:55])
6. Pastor Mike mentioned the importance of aligning our actions with our faith. Are there areas in your life where your actions do not align with your professed faith? What steps can you take to change this? ([54:25])
7. Think about your neighborhood or workplace. What practical steps can you take to engage with your neighbors or colleagues and show them the love of Christ? ([01:00:34])

Devotional

Day 1: The Empowering Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God that empowers believers to be witnesses for Christ. This power is not something we can earn; it is freely given to us by God. The Holy Spirit enables us to share the gospel with boldness and authenticity, transforming our lives and equipping us for ministry. On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, marking a significant moment in the Christian calendar. This day serves as a reminder of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, encouraging us to rely on this divine gift in our daily walk with Christ. [30:29]

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: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life to be a bold and authentic witness for Christ?


Day 2: Living as True Witnesses of Christ
Witnesses play a crucial role in determining the truth. In the same way, our lives should be a testament to the truth of who Jesus is. He is the Son of God, the way, the truth, and the life. Our actions and words should align with this truth, serving as a powerful witness to those around us. Just as a witness in a court of law provides a firsthand, believable account, we are called to provide a living testimony of Jesus' love and truth through our daily lives. This means living in a way that reflects Christ's character and teachings, showing others the reality of His presence and power. [34:39]

1 Peter 3:15-16 (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, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."

Reflection: In what specific ways can your actions and words today reflect the truth of who Jesus is to those around you?


Day 3: Genuine Conversion and Transformation
The Thessalonians demonstrated genuine conversion by getting rid of their idols and turning their lives over to Christ. This transformation was evident to others and served as a powerful witness. Similarly, our lives should reflect the change that the Holy Spirit brings, showing that we have truly accepted Christ. Genuine conversion involves a radical shift in our priorities and behaviors, as we turn away from sin and embrace a new life in Christ. This transformation should be visible to those around us, serving as a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the reality of our faith. [50:56]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What idols or old habits do you need to let go of to fully embrace the transformation that comes with genuine conversion in Christ?


Day 4: Serving Others as a Witness for Christ
Serving others is a powerful way to witness for Christ. Our actions, such as acts of kindness and hospitality, can open doors for sharing the gospel. People are more likely to listen to our words when they see our genuine love and care for them. The Thessalonians were known for their hospitality and love for strangers, and our church should strive to be known for the same. Simple acts of service, like helping a neighbor or volunteering in the community, can demonstrate Christ's love and create opportunities to share the good news. [56:03]

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Reflection: What is one specific act of service you can do today to show Christ's love to someone in your community?


Day 5: Enduring Hope in Adversity
Life is tough, and bad things happen to good people. However, as Christians, we have hope because of the Holy Spirit and the good news of Christ. This hope allows us to be real witnesses, even in the face of adversity, showing the world that Jesus is who He says He is. Our hope in Christ is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God and His promises. This enduring hope can be a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the strength and peace that come from a relationship with Jesus, even in difficult times. [62:53]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you demonstrate the hope you have in Christ to others, especially during times of adversity?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "When we exude or offer hope, especially in the face of adversity, we're able to be real witnesses. Come on, life is tough. Has anybody figured that out? Bad things happen to good people. We are people of hope. The Holy Spirit, the good news of Christ, helps us to be people of hope. We don't grieve as the rest of the world grieves. In Christ, we know this. In Christ, it's all good, even when it appears to be all bad." [01:02:53]( | | )

2. "Jesus Christ is the Johnny Cochran of our souls. He set us free, even though we were guilty. We're all guilty. Jesus wants us all to know that. He wants people to know that he is our advocate and our savior. And listen, the better we can attest to the fact that he is our advocate and savior, the more people that can be acquitted. Jesus is wanting some real witnesses, people who will unashamedly, accurately, believably attest to the truth that he is who he said he is." [43:07]( | | )

3. "Jesus is the son of God, the only begotten of the father, full of grace and truth, that he is the way, the truth, and the life. He said, no man comes to the father, but by me. He is the resurrection and the life. Those who walk and do life with me, even though they die, they shall live, is what Jesus said. He wants us to know that he's the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world." [36:19]( | | )

4. "Our witness with words is generally more believable and receivable when preceded by labors of love. Service is influence. People don't care what we know until they know that we care. Can I let you in on a little secret about our neighbors? All of us have neighborhoods. We have spheres of influence. Can I just tell you, our neighbors don't care so much about how good a Christian we are. They don't care how much scripture we know and how much scripture we can preach and pontificate upon. They're busy going about their lives. But when we begin to engage them, when we begin to show that we actually genuinely care about who they are." [01:00:34]( | | )

5. "When we serve people, it's influence, but it opens a door of opportunity for us to be able to show them the Christ that is in us, the hope of glory. Here's a question. Are you witnessing by serving others? If not, why not take steps to start a labor of love today?" [01:02:17]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Now, the Thessalonians, it was evident to others that they really had turned their lives over to Christ. Why? For them, they had started getting rid of their idols. They had idols that they were worshiping back then. Today, the idols look different, but it's the same thing. Today, our idols can be people. Our idols could be our job. An idol could be money. An idol could be anything that we begin to put our trust in, anything that we begin to prioritize or look to for real fulfillment outside of God." [50:56]( | | )

2. "We are real witnesses for Christ when we serve the Lord by serving others. First Corinthians 3.9 tells us that we are actually co-workers with God. You know, I didn't understand this years ago when I became a follower of Christ. I remember praying a prayer, Lord, I want to work for you. And I prayed that prayer, and that prayer to me is kind of what led me into going into full-time ministry. What I didn't know was that that prayer, as I was praying, Lord, I want to work for you, it was like God was saying, yeah, duh, all of you are supposed to work for me." [56:03]( | | )

3. "When we accept Christ, we really accept Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, we can't help but love God? We love people. It is one of the proof positive that we actually have the Holy Spirit within us because we get to the point where we say, this great thing that I have, I want everyone to experience. And so I'm willing to serve the Lord by serving others." [57:37]( | | )

4. "Jesus said, we don't have to know everything, but this we need to know. He is expecting for us to be witnesses. His witnesses. Well, why witnesses? Witnesses help determine what is true. When people are trying to prove truth, especially in a trial, they seek someone who can give an accurate, believable, firsthand account of the matter at hand." [34:39]( | | )

5. "The Holy Spirit helps us to receive God's word is true. The Holy Spirit helps us to be witnesses. And there were three ways in particular that these people witnessed for Christ. And the scripture says that the whole region ended up being filled with faith in God because of their witness." [46:02]( | | )

6. "We are saved by faith, but the kind of faith that is life-giving and life-altering. When we really accept Christ and the Holy Spirit, we begin to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. The Holy Spirit begins to bring change. If we're not changing, it's possible that we are not really committing our lives to Christ the way we say we are. And if our lives aren't changing, then we may not fully be taking advantage of what God wants to give us." [47:41]( | | )

7. "We have the blessed assurance that one day absent from the body means present with the Lord. This blessed assurance helps us to be people of hope. Over the past five years, there have been several people in my life who've passed, several people from our church family. We've had Pastor Arlie, our founding pastor, go and be with the Lord. My mother passed away. My wife's mother passed away. Sister Debbie Van, Pastor Fred Van's wife passed away." [01:06:36]( | | )

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Transcript
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