Acts Chapters 1-2

On Tuesday night, I had the  great privilege of introducing the book of Acts and teaching through the first two chapters. During our study we learned that one of the big themes about Acts is “Witness”. The word “Witness” is used all over the book in some form or another. Jesus tells the disciples that they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth. The word witness is used in chapters 1-2 four times in the ESV Bible, in fact. The coolest part about being a witness for Jesus is the fact that it isn’t expected to be done in our own strength. If you’re like most people, you know how easy it is to make an excuse about WHY you believe you can’t do something. Too tall, too short, too fat, too skinny, too smart, not smart enough! We can come up with a reason if we just think hard enough, but Jesus promises to do His work through us, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what He promised to His disciples before he had ascended into Heaven. He told them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and the Power He would give would be for the purpose of making them witnesses.

If you weren’t there on Tuesday night, I highly recommend reading through chapters 1 and 2 of the book of Acts, and get acquainted with the events leading up to the first church. Then ask yourself, “Is that same Spirit still available for me if I just ask the Lord and wait?” . The answer is YES!

Perhaps right now you’re desiring to have the Lord fill you with His Spirit so you can be empowered to be His witness. Well, it’s as simple as asking. From your heart, pray something like this, “Lord Jesus, I love you, and I thank you for redeeming me! Now, Lord, I ask for the power of Your Spirit to be in me, in order that I may be a witness for you. I ask this according to your will, and in your name, AMEN.”