"Empowered Witness Week Five: Responce to the Call"

Part 2: "The Response to the Call"

Introduction:

Recap of Part 1, emphasizing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and Peter's powerful delivery of God's word.

Main Points:

Conviction of the Heart

The Power of the Word: Discuss how Peter’s words, empowered by the Holy Spirit, pierced the hearts of the listeners (Acts 2:37).Role of Conviction: Explain the importance of conviction in the process of repentance and spiritual renewal.Personal Reflection: Encourage personal examination and openness to the Holy Spirit’s convicting work.

The Call to Repentance

Peter's Direct Appeal: Analyze Peter’s call to repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).Transformation Through Repentance: Discuss the transformative power of repentance and the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit.Community Transformation: Share examples of how repentance and baptism have transformed lives and communities historically and in contemporary times.

Living as an Empowered Community

Gift of the Holy Spirit: Emphasize the promise of the Holy Spirit as a gift to all believers, marking the initiation into a new life in Christ.Characteristics of the Early Church: Highlight the characteristics of the early Christian community – unity, sharing, prayer, and growth (Acts 2:42-47).Call to Community Life: Inspire the congregation to emulate the early church in devotion, community, and outreach.

Conclusion:

Recapitulate the main points discussed.Call to action: Encourage a commitment to repentance, baptism, and active participation in community life.Offer a time for response and prayer for those seeking to receive or renew their commitment to the Holy Spirit.