The Power of the Holy Spirit

Series: Bold Witness

Date: May 19-19

Scripture: Acts 1:4-11

Big Idea: The power of the Holy Spirit provides effectiveness and influence to the follower of Christ who is willing to give everything to God.

Introduction

The Book of Acts has two primary themes:

• Power for ministry

• Expansion of the ministry

I. You will receive an amazing power from God Himself

1. The power of the Holy Spirit was certainly present in the Old Testament

i. His power was first seen in the act of creation (Gen. 1:1-2)

ii. His power was promised to provide spiritual healing and guidance (Ez. 36:26-27)

iii. He empowered men in the OT:

• David was given the power to become the anointed King:

• Bezalel was given the power for wisdom and skill

• Joshua was given the power to lead the Israelites

• Samson was given the power for strength

2. The Holy Spirit was promised in the New Testament to empower the disciples

i. They were empowered to perform miracles

ii. They were empowered to teach

iii. They were empowered with wisdom

iv. They were empowered to heal (Acts 3:1-10)

v. They were empowered with the ability to witness with amazing success

3. The power of the Holy Spirit was not a quiet event at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)

4. Many were saved because of the power of the Holy Spirit

II. You will minister in ever-increasing influence

a. The disciples were powerful in witness only through the Holy Spirit

i. Powerful in witness if they waited for the Holy Spirit to come on them

ii. Powerful in witness if they were absolutely and totally sold out

b. The disciples were powerful in ever increasing geographical areas of influence

iii. Jerusalem: represented their home…where they were comfortable…

iv. Judea: represented a larger geographical area…but still relatively safe

v. Samaria: represented the those who were different than they were…

vi. Ends of the earth: represented other countries far from their comfort zone, culture and language

What does it mean to receive the power of the Holy Spirit?

• It is an act of faith

• It is an act of complete dedication

• It is both a private and public decision