MAIN IDEA: The early church expanded in the world after God sent explosive power to his disciples to use persuasion and face persecution. Jesus’ disciples were empowered by His Spirit to be his witnesses, telling people about him around the world. Acts 1:8 (NLT) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 17:1-4 (NLT) 2 ...he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3 He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” Some listeners were & joined the disciples. 4 Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women. Some gathered a mob of troublemakers to the disciples. Acts 17:5–7 (NLT) *TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS * 1. Christianity } aka “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism” Jude 3 2. Christianity } Telling = offending Telling everyone everywhere about Jesus is powered by the spirit, but compelled by love. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: 1. Why do you think God decided to send the Holy Spirit to empower disciples to tell people about Jesus? 2. How comfortable are you with “reasoning with people” using the Scripture, explaining the prophecies or sharing your own stor? 3. If love compels you to tell people about Jesus, what fears seem to hold you back? 4. Would you be able to describe any experience telling someone about your faith where they decided to join you (disciple) or attack you?