Believe In Jesus

Key Verse: 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."

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast canyon, the other side so far away it seems unreachable. You've been told there's a bridge, invisible yet as solid as the ground beneath your feet, that can take you safely to the other side. To use it, you must believe it's there. This is faith. In Acts 1, Jesus is asking His followers to take a step of faith, to believe in what they cannot see—His continuous presence and power through the Holy Spirit. This belief is not passive; it's a belief that moves them, and us, to action.

Overview

Acts 1:8 serves as the cornerstone of the book of Acts, outlining the geographical and spiritual journey the gospel message would take from Jerusalem, through Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. It emphasizes the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. This verse not only anticipates the spread of the gospel but also encapsulates the essence of what it means to believe in Jesus: to be empowered and to bear witness.

Receiving Power Through the Holy Spirit

Luke 24:49 (NIV) - "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

The Promise of the Father

Understanding the promise as the empowerment for witness.

A student receiving a scholarship promise—it's not just about the financial provision but the empowerment to pursue education.

Being Clothed with Power

Embracing the Holy Spirit's power as essential for our mission.

Putting on a suit of armor, readying oneself for battle, symbolizing preparation and empowerment.

Being Witnesses in a Progressive Journey

- **Supporting Bible Verse**: Acts 1:8 (NIV) - (Referenced Key Verse)

- **Sub Point A**: Starting in Jerusalem

- **Step**: Beginning our witness in our immediate surroundings.

- **Illustration**: A stone causing ripples in water, the impact begins at the center and moves outward.

- **Sub Point B**: Expanding to Judea and Samaria

- **Step**: Overcoming prejudices and barriers to spread the gospel.

- **Illustration**: Breaking down a wall brick by brick, illustrating the breaking of societal and personal barriers.

- **Sub Point C**: To the Ends of the Earth

- **Step**: Embracing a global mission perspective.

- **Illustration**: A map with expanding circles from a single point, symbolizing the spread of the gospel worldwide.

#### Lesson Point 3: The Role of Belief in Empowerment and Witness

- **Supporting Bible Verse**: Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

- **Sub Point A**: Belief as the Foundation of Empowerment

- **Step**: Trusting in Jesus' promise for the Holy Spirit's power.

- **Illustration**: A child jumping into the arms of a parent, symbolizing trust and belief in the parent's strength.

- **Sub Point B**: Belief Leading to Action

- **Step**: Moving from belief to being aa witness through action.

- **Illustration**: A seed growing into a tree, representing the development of faith into visible actions and witness.

### Conclusion:

#### Bringing It All Together:

Just as we began with the illustration of believing in an invisible bridge to cross a vast canyon, Acts 1:8 calls us to a similar faith. It challenges us to believe in the invisible yet powerful presence of the Holy Spirit that enables us to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. This belief is not static; it propels us forward, from our own "Jerusalem" to the "ends of the earth." The journey of faith starts with a step of belief—believing in the power of the Holy Spirit and in our calling to be witnesses of Jesus.

#### Call to Action:

Today, let us recommit ourselves to this belief in Jesus and His promise of the Holy Spirit. Let us ask for a fresh outpouring of His power in our lives, that we may be effective witnesses starting in our own communities and extending to wherever He may lead us. May our lives reflect our belief in Jesus, demonstrating His love, grace, and truth to a world in desperate need of hope.

#### Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who empowers us