Scripture - Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Observation - The disciples have a meeting here with Jesus, previously Jesus had promised that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and receive power from on high. They were waiting in anticipation for that moment - now Jesus reiterates the promise and says don't leave here until it happens. They had an expectation for this power - interestingly though - the power was for a purpose "to become witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to the end of the earth." In other words we are to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness. To take the message of Jesus out of the four walls of the church and into the streets and homes and businesses of our community and around the world.
Application - Man we need to grasp this word. We spend alot of time focused on the Holy Spirit and I believe the Holy Spirit is necessary for each believer. The problem is that it seems like the power we have been given does not translate into witnessing. Something I would like to see is the people of God - actually taking the message outside the church and let the Holy Spirit help them to witness and make Jesus famous in our community.
Prayer - Father help me to be a better witness and inspire my congregation to follow.
Observation - The disciples have a meeting here with Jesus, previously Jesus had promised that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and receive power from on high. They were waiting in anticipation for that moment - now Jesus reiterates the promise and says don't leave here until it happens. They had an expectation for this power - interestingly though - the power was for a purpose "to become witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to the end of the earth." In other words we are to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness. To take the message of Jesus out of the four walls of the church and into the streets and homes and businesses of our community and around the world.
Application - Man we need to grasp this word. We spend alot of time focused on the Holy Spirit and I believe the Holy Spirit is necessary for each believer. The problem is that it seems like the power we have been given does not translate into witnessing. Something I would like to see is the people of God - actually taking the message outside the church and let the Holy Spirit help them to witness and make Jesus famous in our community.
Prayer - Father help me to be a better witness and inspire my congregation to follow.
