YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES
First 8 chapters – time period of 30-33
Luke quotes OT LXX (Septuagint or “70”), not Hebrew – early Greek translation of OT
Chapters 1-12 – Peter’s Ministry / Chapters 13-28 – Paul’s Ministry
Pentecost is 50 days after Passover (known as Feast of Weeks), Greek word “50th”
Pentecost is one of 3 major feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16) – the Festival of Unleavened Bread [begins day after Passover for a week, in remembrance of the Exodus/no leaven], the Festival of Weeks/Harvest [gratitude of Harvest], and the Festival of Tabernacles/Booths [5 days after Day of Atonement, dwell in tents to remind of time before Canaan]
Acts 1:4-7 – Promise of Holy Spirit / Acts 1:5 – Wait for the Holy Spirit / Acts 1:9-11 – Ascension
Holy Spirit is the beginning
Only belong to Christ with the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:9
Adopted – Romans 8:14-17
Be Body of Christ with Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:13
Tongues of Fire – Speech, communication of Gospel; Fire – God’s purifying presence
Mt. Sinai – Exodus 19:16-18 – fire came down at one place, now every believer
Only baptized by Holy Spirit once – Ephesians 4:4-5
Sins Against the Holy Spirit
Insulting Him – Hebrews 10:29
Lying to Him – Acts 5:3-4
Resisting Him – Acts 7:51
Blaspheming Him – Mark 3:29
Grieving Him – Ephesians 4:30 – Cause Him sorrow/sadness because of indwelling sin
Quenching Him – 1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Allow sin to hinder influence of Holy Spirit, won’t allow His power to yield righteous fruit because of this sin
How YOU will be His witness – John 14-16
Comforts YOU (Acts 9:31) – He is known as the Comforter
Fills YOU with power (Acts 1:8)
Guides YOU to Truth (16:13)
Reminds YOU of Jesus’ Words (14:26)
Gives YOU the words to say (Luke 12:12)
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You Will Be My Witnesses
What I Have
Acts 3 – Healing of a Lame Man
The Lame Man Settled
We settle with our circumstances
We accept our pains, our struggles, our situations
What if we thought beyond what was possible in our eyes?
What if we put everything into God’s hands?
Peter & John shared WHAT THEY HAD
What do you have?
Do you get caught in thinking what you have is time, talent, treasure, but forget the most important item you have?
People need the message of eternal life— people need JESUS and the SALVATION He freely gives more than the temporary things of the earth.
This lame man was not given money to get him through the day— He was provided with healing for the temporary but through Christ Jesus he also was offered SALVATION – ETERNAL LIFE
Why would we rather toss some money at someone then give them what is truly needed above all things? {Road Dogs – not about the hot dogs, about Jesus}
The healing was done IN THE NAME OF JESUS
He gives you authority (power to influence, power to command)
When they say this, it means they are stating that Jesus gave them the power and authority to do this on Jesus behalf. It is all about Jesus. We are the vessels.
Are you using the authority and power you have been given to witness to others?
In verse 20, it speaks of seasons of refreshing that come from the presence of the Lord. We are all in need of this refreshing.
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You Will Be My Witnesses
All In
Acts 6:8 – Acts 7:60 – STEPHEN’S WITNESS
Stephen kept his eyes fixed on Jesus
Face of an angel (6:15)
Moses at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35)
Stephen followed the example of Jesus
He did not defend himself though the leaders were noting he was heard speaking blasphemous words (6:11) and presented false witnesses (6:13)
These same charges against Jesus (Matthew 26:59-60)
He spoke the truth despite the consequences, calling the people stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears. He told them they are always resisting the Holy Spirit (6:51). He told them they received the Law but haven’t kept it (6:53).
He trusted God with his spirit (7:59)
Jesus said — “Father, into Your hands I entrust My Spirit” (Luke 23:46)
He asked for forgiveness of those who stoned him (7:60)
Jesus said — “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)
Stephen received a “standing ovation” for his witness (7:55-56)
He saw the glory of God
He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God
When he spoke this truth, he was saying Jesus was equal to the Father
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NOT FOR SALE
Acts 8:9-25
Severe persecution broke out again the church in Jerusalem (8:1)
Saul was ravaging the church
People scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria
Those who were scattered continued preaching the Word (8:4)
Philip went to Samaria
Samaritans were considered unclean
When the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria, the Jews and Gentiles intermingled — resulted in the Samaritans
Samaritans had a their own temple, read a different version of the Pentateuch, and had differing views about the Messiah
Philip’s ministry to the Samaritans was fruitful, only one called Evangelist
Crowds were all paying attention, many were healed
Simon the Magician/Sorcerer
He amazed the people with magic, called “Great Power of God” (not from God)
When Philip evangelized, even Simon declared he believed and was baptized
Simon followed Philip everywhere, watching him perform sings & miracles
Laying Hands = Holy Spirit
The Samaritans believed but did not yet receive the Holy Spirit
Many believe this delay of the Holy Spirit was to confirm unity, the laying of hands was affirmation of the spreading of the Gospel to Samaria
When Simon saw this power, he offered to buy it (like Judas, put monetary value on something spiritual) – heart not right before God (8:20)
Peter rebuked Simon, told him to repent & pray for forgiveness (8:22)
God’s Salvation is Not For Sale
Ephesians 2:8
God’s Spirit is Not For Sale
1 Corinthians 12:7
God’s Blessing is Not For Sale
Psalm 1:1-6
Matthew 6:33
Psalm 67
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Chosen
Here I Am (v. 10)
Told WHERE to go — street called Straight, house of Judas
Told WHO to go to — Saul, man from Tarsus
Told WHEN to go — at once
Told WHY he must go – since he is praying there, needs to place hands on him and pray so his sight can be restored
BUT this man… (v. 13-14)
Very evil, Power to harm
He is my CHOSEN INSTRUMENT (vessel of election) (v. 15)
He will carry my name before the Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel
He is chosen to suffer for Jesus Christ
We are to WITNESS to GOD’s CHOSEN ONES
They are chosen ones because they will accept Jesus (PREDESTINATION)
Ephesians 1:4-5 — even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.
God wants to freely pour out His grace & mercy on His chosen ones
2 Peter 3:9 — The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
God has a plan for His chosen ones
Romans 8:28-30 — And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
You are called to say “Here I Am” to God’s leading you to share Jesus so that His message of hope and salvation can reach the chosen ones
2 Timothy 1:9 — who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began
Ephesians 1:11-12 — In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
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FREE AT LAST
Acts 11:1-18
The Truth will set you free (John 8:31-36)
Everyone who believes is set free (Romans 8:1-4)
No Condemnation
Free from the Law of sin & death, Jesus fulfilled the Law
Acts 11:1-18
Approach God with freedom (Ephesians 3:12)
Don’t submit to yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1)
Be slaves of God (Romans 6:22)
Slaves of Righteousness
Charles Spurgeon said as slaves of God, enjoy:
Perfect Freedom
Joyful Existence
Heavenly Prospect
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Deliverance
Acts 12
King Herod (Agrippa I)
His grandfather was Herod the Great (slaughtered babies after Magi visit – Matt. 1
His uncle was Herod Antipas (murdered John Baptist) – Mark 6
James (brother of John) executed by sword
12:17 is James, Jesus’ half-brother who is leading Jerusalem church
“Wartime Walkie Talkie” – John Piper’s description of prayer
James executed, Peter arrested
Herod attacks by sword, church counters with prayer
Peter was sleeping, not anxious/panicked (confidence in God)
Peter doesn’t escape… he is delivered
Angel had to strike Peter on side too wake him (v. 7)
Chains fell off Peter’s wrist (v. 7)
Gate opened by itself (v. 10)
Peter was too asleep to even know what was happening (v. 9, 11)
Deliverance comes after church praying fervently to God (v. 5, 13)
Prayer is the church’s weapon
They didn’t believe Peter was at the door even though they were praying for him
Perhaps didn’t think he could be rescued, that he was going to end up like James so prayed differently
Perhaps thought he was already dead (mentioned seeing his ghost)
God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)
1) Made In Faith
“All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’ – Mark 9:23
2) Abide in Him
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” – John 15:7 [NASB]
3) In Jesus Name
“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:13-14 [NLT]
5) For God’s Will
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” – James 4:3 [NIV]
“We are confident that God listens to us if we ask for anything that has his approval. We know that he listens to our requests. So we know that we already have what we ask him for.” – 1 John 5:14-15 [GW]
6) Persistent and Bold
Ask, Seek, Knock – Continuous (Not Single Request – Present Tense) – Matthew 7:7-11
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Walk with Integrity
ACTS 5:1-16
Ananias & Sapphira
Joseph aka Barnabas… sold a field, laid money at apostles’ feet (Acts 4:36-37)
Ananias & Sapphira sold a piece of property too… but lacked integrity… didn’t fear God
Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Galatians 6:7 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Posers / Liars / Deceivers
Pretended to do a righteous act, lied about it
Planned this deception, both were on board
Praise seekers
They sought recognition for their act of giving
Greedy
The word used in v. 3 means “to keep back” or to “pilfer” (“steal in small amount”) – embezzlement is what we would call it today
The Holy Spirit was grieved by this couple who professed Jesus
Proverbs 10:9 – Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
The word means “blameless,” “upright,” “innocent.”
To walk with integrity means:
Live the Truth
Stay Humble
Be Generous
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Not God
Acts 14:8-20
Lystra
Part of Galatia
Temple dedicated to Zeus at the town gates
Pagan people lived there — they had no knowledge of Old Testament so Paul adjusted message to the people so they could understand
He started with the very beginning – God who made the heaven & earth
Legend
Zeus & Hermes came down to Lystra. No one would welcome them except an old couple (Philemon & his wife)
Philemon & his wife. They made a temple, appointed the couple priest & priestess
They sent a flood to destroy the others.
Paul called Hermes (messenger of the gods) because he was speaker of the duo
Keep the focus on God
God is Creator (v. 15)
God is Provider (v. 17)
If you offer someone something other than God, it will fail
How Do You Make Sure You are God-Focused as a Witness:
1. Receive the Gospel daily
Sinner, saved by grace
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; [NASB]
IF YOU DON’T RECOGNIZE YOUR NEED FOR THE GOSPEL, YOUR PRIDE WILL RISE UP AND TAKE HOLD OF YOUR WITNESSING.
IT WILL THEN BE ALL ABOUT YOU HELPING, YOU SAVING, YOU DOING
2. Thank God daily
Gratitude reminds us of how blessed we are– that our blessings come from God.
Psalm 50:23
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” [ESV]
Gratitude reminds us that He is our Creator and He is our Provider.
IF YOU DON’T THANK GOD OFTEN FOR THE BLESSINGS, YOU MAY HARBOR A FEELING OF ENTITLEMENT.
IF YOU DON’T THANK GOD OFTEN FOR THE BLESSINGS, YOU MAY BECOME NEGATIVE…. FOCUSING ON WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE… FOCUSING ON THE BAD THINGS YOU SEE OR THINK YOU SEE.
3. Live in His Truth daily
Be in the Word
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [NIV]
Walk in Faithful Obedience
James 1:22
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. [ESV]
4. Glorify God always
Acts 12:20-23
But things went from bad to worse for Herod. Now people from Tyre and Sidon put him on the warpath. But they got Blastus, King Herod’s right-hand man, to put in a good word for them and got a delegation together to iron things out. Because they were dependent on Judea for food supplies, they couldn’t afford to let this go on too long. On the day set for their meeting, Herod, robed in pomposity, took his place on the throne and regaled them with a lot of hot air. The people played their part to the hilt and shouted flatteries: “The voice of God! The voice of God!” That was the last straw. God had had enough of Herod’s arrogance and sent an angel to strike him down. Herod had given God no credit for anything. Down he went. Rotten to the core, a maggoty old man if there ever was one, he died.
God is our Creator
We were created to glorify Him… to point to Him!
God is our Provider
We are given all we need by Him… to point to Him!
Let us glorify Him
To Him alone be all honor, glory, and praise… point to Him!
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PRAISE AT ALL TIMES
Acts 16:25-34
Matthew 26:30
After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. [NASB]
After the Last Supper, sang a hymn and then went to the Mount of Olives.
Read Acts 16:25-34
Fortune Teller – power from evil spirits/demons – Paul commanded the demon come out in Jesus name. Owners lost money.
Paul and Silas were beaten, flogged, and jailed
Praying and singing hymns (v. 25)
Prisoners were listening – PEOPLE ALWAYS LISTENING
Earthquake – prison doors open/chains off – jailer & household saved!
Acts 16:25-26
Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn’t believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose. [MSG]
ROBUST – strong, vigorous
Acts 16:25
Paul and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship. [TPT]
UNDAUNTED – not intimidated or discouraged
Why are we talking about this today?
We were made to glorify God. (Isaiah 43:7)
1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith — more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire — may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. [CSB]
How can we be undaunted (not discouraged) & sing robust (strong) praises to the Lord at ALL times so we can point to Jesus Christ (be the “good” witness)?
Be Grateful at ALL times
Always look for God’s grace. Seek it out.
Read Psalm 118
Be God centered
Don’t look at the situation. Look to God…. To His Truth, His Promises!
Don’t focus on the mess… remember the future ahead!
Rest in your confidence in Him!
Ex: Waiting for your child to finish tying his/her shoes
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. [NIV]
SALVATION IS FROM GOD — v. 18 is salvation (God alone offers salvation through Christ Jesus)
VICTORY IS FROM GOD — v. 19 is control, victory (God is in control, He provides victory)
Psalm 34:1-3
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the LORD; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the LORD’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together. [CSB]
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Not A Suggestion
You Will Be My Witnesses
It is not a suggestion to repent and turn to God.
God is our Creator and Sustainer.
In Him we live, move, and exist!
We long for Him & through repentance, turning toward God we can do life with Him!
It is not a suggestion to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
People are living life blinded by sin, unable to be in the presence of God, unable to experience life as it is intended.
We have been commanded to share Jesus through the Great Commission — it is not a suggestion!
Acts 17:22-34 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Paul Speaks to the Leaders of Athens
22 So Paul stood in the middle of the leadership council and said, “Respected leaders of Athens,[a] it is clear to me how extravagant you are in your worship of idols.[b]
23 For as I walked through your city, I was captivated by the many shrines and objects of your worship. I even found an inscription on one altar that read, ‘To the Unknown God.’[c] I have come to introduce to you this God whom you worship without even knowing anything about him.
24 “The true God is the Creator of all things. He is the owner and Lord of the heavenly realm and the earthly realm, and he doesn’t live in man-made temples.
25 He supplies life and breath and all things to every living being. He doesn’t lack a thing that we mortals could supply for him, for he has all things and everything he needs.
26 From one man, Adam, he made every man and woman and every race of humanity, and he spread us over all the earth. He sets the boundaries of people and nations, determining their appointed times in history.
27 He has done this so that every person would long for God, feel their way to him,[e] and find him—for he is the God who is easy to discover![f]
28 It is through him that we live and function and have our identity; just as your own poets have said,[g] ‘Our lineage comes from him.’[h]
29 “Since our lineage can be traced back to God, how could we even think that the divine image could be compared to something made of gold, silver, or stone, sculpted by man’s artwork and clever imagination?
30 “In the past God tolerated[i] our ignorance of these things, but now the time of deception has passed away.[j] He commands us all to repent and turn to God.[k]
31 For the appointed day has risen, in which he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man he has designated. And the proof given to the world that God has chosen this Man is this: he resurrected him from among the dead!”[l]
32 The moment they heard Paul bring up the topic of resurrection, some of them ridiculed him, then got up and left. But others said, “We want to hear you again later about these things.”
33 So Paul left the meeting. 34 But there were some who believed the message and joined him from that day forward. Among them were Dionysius, a judge on the leadership council,[m] and a woman named Damaris.[n]
Hebrews 10:22 The Passion Translation (TPT)
22 we come closer to God and approach him[a] with an open heart, fully convinced by faith that nothing will keep us at a distance from him. For our hearts have been sprinkled with blood to remove impurity and we have been freed from an accusing conscience and now we are clean, unstained, and presentable to God inside and out![b]
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 The Message (MSG)
7-10 Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.
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Judgment
Acts 24:22-27
Felix listened to Paul about Jesus
Felix was originally a slave, freed by Emperor Claudius
Felix became one of the emperor’s infamous favorites
As governor, Felix committed every act of extortion
Felix lured Drusilla away from her husband because he desired her
She was one of the three daughters of Herod Agrippa I
Her father murdered James
Her uncle murdered John the Baptist
Her great grandfather murdered the Hebrew babies
PAUL WAS NOT ASHAMED
Romans 1:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT)
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
Felix sent for Paul often (v. 26)
Felix thought Paul would offer a bribe
When asked to share truth about “the faith in Jesus Christ,” Paul did not dampen the message to not offend
PAUL WAS PREPARED
1 Peter 3:14-16 English Standard Version (ESV)14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
FELIX WAS CONVICTED & FEARFUL
Fear stopped Felix from listening fully
He feared judgment which was surely coming
THE TIME WAS NOT CONVENIENT
Felix sent Paul away for a convenient time
Time is never convenient
Follow the Holy Spirit’s leading
Recognize you may be sent away like Paul
JUDGMENT IS COMING
Hebrews 10:26-31 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Christ or Judgment
26 For if we go on willfully and deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate], 27 but a kind of awful and terrifying expectation of [divine] judgment and the fury of a fire and burning wrath which will consume the adversaries [those who put themselves in opposition to God]. 28 Anyone who has ignored and set aside the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much greater punishment do you think he will deserve who has rejected and trampled under foot the Son of God, and has considered unclean and common the blood of the covenant that [a]sanctified him, and has insulted the Spirit of grace [who imparts the unmerited favor and blessing of God]? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], I will repay [the wrongdoer].” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful and terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God [incurring His judgment and wrath].
Revelation 6:16-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Tania Gutekunst 