EmpoweredНамуна

EMPOWERED TO TESTIFY

Background:

This Bible Plan is inspired by a teaching series at Watoto Church titled "Empowered", focusing on the Book of Acts. The series highlights how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to testify about Christ, just as the apostles did following Jesus’ ascension. The Book of Acts bridges the Gospels and the apostolic work after Jesus ascended to heaven, demonstrating how ordinary people were empowered to accomplish extraordinary things through the Holy Spirit.

Objectives:

1. Encourage Outreach: Increase engagement in Evangelism.
2. Ignite a Passion for Missions: Inspire you to go on missions to communities, schools, hospitals, etc.
3. Deepen Relationship with the Holy Spirit: Help you know the Holy Spirit and seek to be used by God as you testify.

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-9

In the opening chapter of Acts, Jesus commands His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses "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." (Acts 1:8 NIV). This empowerment by the Holy Spirit was crucial for the apostles as they began their mission to spread the Gospel.

Key Points:

• Authorship: Luke, the same author of the Gospel of Luke, wrote the Book of Acts. Luke was a physician, known for his meticulous detail and accuracy in documenting historical events. He was also a companion of Paul, travelling with him on missionary journeys and providing firsthand accounts of the early church’s growth.
  Just as Luke took great care in documenting the events of the early church, we are encouraged to be mindful of how we share our testimonies, ensuring they are rooted in truth and clarity.
  
• Purpose: The Book of Acts was written during a time when the early church was facing persecution and challenges. It was a crucial period, with Paul imprisoned in Rome (AD 59-61). Despite the obstacles, the book serves as a guide on how to live faithfully and spread the Gospel even in difficult circumstances.
  Acts emphasises the role of the Holy Spirit in breaking down barriers—whether racial, social, or regional—to ensure that the message of Jesus reaches everyone.
  Consider how the early church faced opposition yet continued to spread the Gospel. Today, believers might face different challenges, such as cultural opposition or social indifference, but the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome these and reach out effectively.
  
• Inclusiveness of the Gospel: Acts highlights how the Gospel was spread beyond Jewish communities to include Gentiles, breaking down long-standing divisions. The Holy Spirit played a vital role in guiding the apostles to take the message of Jesus to all people, showing that the Gospel is universal.
  Reflect on modern-day examples where the Gospel has crossed cultural or social boundaries. For instance, missionaries who bring the Gospel to remote, unreached tribes demonstrate the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in breaking down barriers to share the message of Jesus.
  

Application:

• Empowered to Testify: Just as the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit, we too need His power to be effective witnesses for Christ. The same Spirit that enabled Peter to preach boldly at Pentecost (resulting in 3,000 conversions) is available to us today.
  Think about moments in your own life where you’ve felt the Holy Spirit guiding your words or actions. For instance, you might recall a time when you felt prompted to share your faith with a colleague or friend, and despite your fears, the conversation led to a deeper understanding or even a commitment to follow Christ.
  
• Engaging with the Holy Spirit: The apostles were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit before embarking on their mission. This teaches us the importance of not rushing ahead in our strength, but instead relying on the Holy Spirit’s timing and empowerment.
  In ministry, there are times when we might feel an urgency to act, but the Holy Spirit might lead us to pray and wait. Perhaps before launching a new initiative at church, you spent time in prayer, and when the time was right, you saw the Holy Spirit’s power move in ways you couldn’t have imagined.
  
• Breaking Barriers: The Holy Spirit’s work in Acts shows that no barrier is too great for the Gospel. Whether it’s cultural, linguistic, or socioeconomic, the Spirit empowers us to overcome these hurdles.
  Consider the example of the Samaritan woman in John 4. Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, broke social norms to reach out to her, and as a result, many in her town believed in Him. Similarly, we are called to step out of our comfort zones, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide us to those who need to hear the message of Jesus.
  

Reflection:

• How is the Holy Spirit working in your life today? Are there areas where you need to rely more on His power and less on your efforts? Consider how you can actively engage with the Holy Spirit to be a more effective witness in your community.

Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with boldness and power to be a witness in your community and beyond, just as the early disciples were in Acts. Pray for the courage to step out in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide and empower you.

Let’s Pray: "Lord, empower us by Your Holy Spirit to testify boldly about Your resurrection and the salvation that comes through You alone. May we see Your power at work in our lives as we step out in faith? In Jesus' name, Amen."