The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Witness Boldly

The Holy Spirit Gives us Power

Read Acts 1:4-9

Acts 1:4–9 ESV

4 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; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 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.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Background

The disciples have been with Jesus 40 days after resurrection

Jerusalem, Galilee, Jerusalem

We don’t know what he taught them

They knew he was leaving them soon

They were probably afraid for what would happen after he left

They could have been wondering what this gift of the father would be like.

In this passage, we learn that the disciples will receive power of some kind once the Holy Spirit comes on them.

I love how Luke phrases this same idea in Luke 24:49:

Luke 24:49 ESV

49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Tell story of being made quarterback on my birthday

Not physical strength, but supernatural abilities.

Things like wisdom, courage, insight, skills and authority.

What is this power for?

They were going to be his witnesses! they needed the power of the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim Christ to the world!

What does it mean to be a witness?

Tell what you have seen

We think of witness in terms of crime or car accident

What about witness to something amazing?

Illustration: Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” – 1997 NBA Finals, Game 5

It was June 11, 1997. Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Chicago Bulls were tied 2–2 with the Utah Jazz. The series was intense, physical, and close. But that night, something was off—Michael Jordan looked sick. Really sick. The cameras showed him slumped on the bench, sweat pouring off his face. Reporters would later confirm he had a severe flu or food poisoning—dehydrated, feverish, exhausted.

Everyone thought he wouldn’t play. He could barely walk. But he started the game anyway.

And what happened next became legend.

Jordan didn’t just play—he scored 38 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final seconds to seal the win. He was visibly weak, leaning on teammates, barely able to stand during timeouts. But he kept pushing. His will to win eclipsed his physical limits.

Players on both teams watched in awe. They weren’t just seeing an athlete—they were witnessing greatness. Not just skill, but heart. Grit. Resolve.

After the game, teammate Scottie Pippen helped him off the court—literally holding him up. Years later, players who were there said they never saw basketball the same way again. Because they saw what greatness really looked like.

Spiritual Application:

The disciples saw Jesus—not just in glory, but in suffering. They saw Him beaten and crucified. Then they saw Him alive again—scarred, but victorious.

Disciples heard teachings, saw miracles, saw resurrected Jesus

Disciples heard teachings, saw miracles, saw resurrected Jesus

Jesus gave us the example of how to share our faith

Jesus was the original witness to his fathers love

Disciples shared with world

World shared with others

So on until us

Now we are commanded to share our witness

What have we seen Jesus do in our life?

Just tell your story. What have you seen Jesus do?

Witnessing is not about what we have done, but about what Christ has done in and through us.

Tell story about putting expectations on family. Not letting them be who they are.

Why do we need the power of the Holy Spirit to do this?

Fear

Disciples faced prison, beatings, and martyrdom.

First Christians endured persecution

No sacrificing to idols, no participation in daily life

Christians today are killed for faith

We do not face death for witnessing about Christ, so what are we afraid of?

Rejection

People laughing at us

Making fun of us

Family cutting us out

Doing it wrong

Not knowing the words

Telling people something inaccurate

Not having all the answers

Lack of authority

Who am I to share the gospel?

Not a pastor

No one has told me I can

But one such disciple did boldly share her faith

Rachel Scott – A Bold Witness at Columbine

Background: Rachel Joy Scott was a 17-year-old student at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. She was known among her peers as someone who deeply loved Jesus and openly lived her faith. She regularly wrote in her journals about her desire to live a life that would glorify God, even if it meant standing alone.

What Happened: On April 20, 1999, Rachel became the first victim in the Columbine High School shooting. Eyewitnesses reported that one of the shooters approached her and asked, “Do you still believe in God?” When Rachel replied, “You know I do,”she was shot and killed.

Her Legacy: Though her life was tragically cut short, Rachel’s faith and courage sparked a powerful movement. Her journals were later published, and her story was told in the book Rachel’s Tears and the film I’m Not Ashamed. Her father, Darrell Scott, began Rachel’s Challenge, a national school program promoting kindness, respect, and character development based on her life.

Why This Is a Bold Witness: Rachel wasn’t a preacher or missionary. She was a teenager who chose to stand firm in her faith even under the threat of death. Her quiet, everyday witness—writing prayers in her notebooks, befriending outcasts, sharing her faith—culminated in a moment of extraordinary courage.

We are ALL given the authority to witness boldly for Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Practical Tips

Pray

Pray with boldness.

Pray for something that scares you.

Pray for courage to speak

Pray for ears to hear HS

Pray to love people like Jesus

Jesus had nothing to gain by going to the cross.

Supernatural love drove him to obedience

We need the same love

Practice your faith story

If you don’t know what to say, spend time remembering your faith story

Use this as a guide:

What was your life like before Jesus?

What happened when you said yes to Jesus?

What has life been like with Jesus?

Practice it with other Christians, friends & family.

Just do it

It sounds obvious, but you must try in order to get better.

If you do nothing, then God has nothing to work with.

Bad is better than not at all.

Tell story of couple who ran out of gas at Walmart

Do it with others

There is safety in numbers!

Take a friend, go to HEB and ask if people need prayer.

Ask your server at the restaurant if you can pray.

Try for a short period, then do it longer and more often.

Takeaway (And Finally)

We are called to share the gospel with boldness!

Am I sharing Jesus with those around me?

When was the last time I shared Jesus?

Are you actively listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?

No promptings? Ask God for them and ears to hear.

Don’t go if God didn’t send you.

Don’t try to force anything.

Wait to be led.

We do not have to do this in our own strength! The Holy Spirit will empower us.

We can all be doing more to share our faith with others around us.

Let us ask God for the courage, boldness, and awareness to share the generous gift of God we have already received!

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.