Stay Here and Be a Witness

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at Acts 1:1-14.

[Scripture introduction] Acts picks up where Luke’s Gospel leaves off, recording the early progress of the gospel as Jesus’ disciples took it from Jerusalem throughout Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the Mediterranean world. The story begins with Christ’s ascension and the events of Pentecost. As Gentiles begin responding to the gospel, the focus shifts to Paul and his missionary journeys. Acts forms a bridge between the four Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, showing how the apostles carried on Christ’s work and providing a historical background for Romans through Revelation. The Acts of the Apostles is the second of two New Testament books written by Luke. Like his Gospel, Acts was a letter to Luke’s friend Theophilus, written sometime in A.D. 62–64.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words about first forty days of post resurrection history in Acts 1:1-14. [The preacher reads the Scripture passage out loud.]

[Prayer for illumination] Pray with me as we ask God to direct our hearts and minds into his sacred word. [The minister offers a brief prayer asking the Holy Spirit to bless the understanding of the preacher and hearers as God’s Word is proclaimed.]

[Introduction] In our new series, we are revisiting the ancient church where Jesus sent out his disciples to witness to the nations.

If we believe Christ is raised, then we understand that we cannot stay home, but we must be sent off and expand the kingdom of God. However, before we can be sent off to do ministry, we must sit back and learn from Christ.

His Word teaches us the ways of being a sent church.

What exactly needs to happen with you before you can go and represent the Risen one to the world?

[Main point 1] I will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon me, and I will become Christ's witness.

You need to accept the Father and Son’s gift of the Spirit.

He will baptize you and cleanse your sins and form your Christian identity.

The witnessed life is a Spirit life.

[Main point 2] Why do I stand looking around? I cannot witness where there are no people.

You must address your mission field and go.

The witnessed life is a shared life.

[Main point 3] I can only witness for Jesus once I have prayerfully filled my life.

You must saturate yourself with prayer groups and find a new spiritual rhythm.

We need to be praying for the same things!

The witnessed life is a praying life.

Stay here and wait on the Spirit so you can be a witness for Jesus.

[Conclusion] To embrace Christ is to be sent, before we go, let’s let the Spirit transform our lives and open our hearts.

[Prayer for Transformation] Pray with me as we ask the Lord to transform us. [The minister prays for the congregation to seek the Spirit and become the sent people of God.]