Series Big Idea: When the church is rooted in truth & filled by God’s spirit, nothing can shake it. Big Idea: If we’ve received the benefits of salvation, we have the responsibility and privilege to share God’s message of forgiveness — boldly, faithfully, and personally. We Are Empowered By The Holy Spirit To: 1. Proclaim The Truth with Confidence In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After his suffering, He showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3 (NIV) For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (NIV) 2. Stay Focused On The Mission 4 On one occasion, while He was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 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 1:4-8 (NIV) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:13-15 (NIV) 3. Speak Boldly About What You Know 8 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." 9 “After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven." Acts 1:8-11 (NIV) Prayer: “Lord, give me a heart for those who don’t know You.” Blind Man: Share your experience “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" John 9:25 (NIV) Women at the Well: Share your imperfections Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” John 4:39 (NIV) Paul: Share your need for a Savior I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 (NIV) With whom is God asking you to share your faith this week? My Next Right Step I Will Receive God’s Grace By: Accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior Being baptized as a believer May 18th Attend the Foundations Class April 27, May 4, 18, & 25 [9am – 10:30am] Attend Vertical Marriage May 3, 10am - 3:30 pm, $35 per person Watch some videos at www.truelife.org [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Big Idea: If we’ve received the benefits of salvation, we have the responsibility and privilege to share God’s message of forgiveness — boldly, faithfully, and personally. Icebreaker Question: What’s one moment in your life you had to tell someone about? (A surprise, a win, a crazy story, etc.) We Are Empowered To: 1. Proclaim The Truth With Confidence Read: Acts 1:1-3 Read: 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 Why is the resurrection of Jesus such a central part of our faith? How does knowing that Jesus truly rose from the dead give you confidence in sharing your faith? What are some ways you’ve personally experienced the risen Christ working in your life? 2. Stay Focused On The Mission Read: Acts 1:4-8 What does it mean to be a “witness” for Jesus in your everyday life? Who are the people in your “Jerusalem” — those closest to you — that need to see and hear your faith? What’s the biggest barrier that keeps you from sharing your story of faith more openly? Read: Romans 10:13–15 What is the problem if we do not share our faith? 3. Speak Boldly About What We Know Read: Acts 1:8–11 Why do you think Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit help us live and speak boldly for Christ? When have you sensed the Holy Spirit giving you courage, words, or direction? Read: Revelation 12:11 How do believer’s overcome in the end times? Blind Bart: Share your experience Read: John 9:1-25 Share something that is different because Jesus is in your life? Women at the Well: Share your imperfections Read: John 4:39-42 Some people are afraid to come to church because they fear that they will be judged. Why is it so powerful to share about your imperfections? Paul: Share your need for a Savior Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-16 Philip: Invite people Read: John 1:45-46 Did Philip answer all of Andrews questions? If you are asked a question about Jesus that you do not know, what is a response that you can give? Share your testimony in 1 minute Take time as a group to pray for: • A deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence • Boldness to be witnesses of Jesus this week • Specific people by name who need to hear the gospel Personal Next Steps: This week, choose one person to pray for and look for a natural opportunity to share part of your story or invite them to church.