Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 2:2-4 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. The purpose of the power is for participation and multiplication. Everyone is called into ministry. Ministry is you in serving others to extend the kingdom of God. We are all called to be disciples. A disciple is a disciplined follower of Christ. Jesus did not commission us to make spectators. Jesus did not say go into all the world and make attendees. Your best life is lived when you discover your kingdom purpose and live it out. In Acts 5 Pride and hypocrisy tried to invade the church with Ananias, with Sapphira lying about their giving. God judged their willing hypocrisy and the fear of the lord came upon the church. Acts 5:11-12 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. The empowerment of the is for us to live with greater eternal purpose. John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. God did not design you to live beneath your circumstances. He didn’t intend for you to live an ordinary everyday life. He called us to something greater than what we think we can do. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. God wants us to live out His plan for our lives. This isn’t the time to give up on God and think he is done with you. If you ain’t dead, you ain’t done. God wants us to live high above our human potential. Empowerment is for ! 1. We are empowered to be more than conquerors. Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. God has given us all the power and tools that we need to live an empowered life. If you ain’t dead you ain’t done! Start to dream again to see God’s plans fulfilled in your life. 2. We are empowered to be seated in heavenly places. Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus We must look at everything from a heavenly perspective. Luke 9:1-2 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. Jesus gave the authority and He wants us to use it. 3. We are empowered because Holy Spirit is in you. John 14:16-17 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Since Holy Spirit lives within us, we have all the potential of heaven. We are called to represent the very one that lives in us! Be determined to reach His potential for your life.