Empowerment (Part 5)

Series: Inside Out Part 5 – Empowerment

CtK Core Value: Empowerment- CtK Church values helping each person reach their God-given potential, purpose and full identity in Christ.

So why is empowerment so IMPORTANT for us as a CHURCH and why do we believe it is an ESSENTIAL VALUE to nurture in our lives?

First, Empowerment is a right given to you by God.

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Colossians 1:9–14 ESV

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

John 14:26 ESV

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Second, Empowerment is an essential practice in the Christian life.

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Third, An Empowered Church saves lives.

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.”

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Family/Group Study Notes for Week of September 23, 2018 Series: Inside Out Part 5 – Empowerment

Share with each other a time when you felt really empowered to do something? What was that like? Why did you feel empowered? What was the outcome?Share with each other a time when you were not empowered? What was the difference? What was the outcome? What are ways that God has empowered you? Read . How were these early Christians empowered by God? How many aspects of empowerment can you name? What value does each give? Read . How does the Holy Spirit empower your life? (may refer to: ; ; ; ; )How can you empower the gifts of God in each other? Share some examples of how that has happened for you.What would an empowered church look like with everyone sharing their gifts? What difference can you make to help your church become more empowered to live out its mission?Can you name the 5 core values of CtK Church? (go to www.ctkcharlotte.org for help).Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other