INTRODUCTION

In Acts 1:8, Jesus gives His followers both a promise and a calling: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” Before the disciples were sent out into the world, they first had to wait for the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew they could not live out this calling through their own strength.

This was not just for the first disciples. It is an ongoing invitation to us today, to recognise that the Holy Spirit is already at work in the lives of people around us and partner with what He is already doing. As resurrection people, we are called to be witnesses of Jesus in our everyday lives through our words, our actions, and the way we live.

DISCUSSION

1. Read Acts 1:6-8. The disciples were focused on when God would restore the kingdom to Israel, but Jesus redirected their attention toward becoming witnesses to the world.
   
   a. Why do you think people naturally prefer a faith that feels safe, familiar, and centred around their comfort zones? In what ways do we sometimes reduce God’s kingdom to our own preferences and personal interests?
   
   b. Jesus called the disciples to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Which of these places do you relate to most in your own life right now?

• Jerusalem — familiar and comfortable places
• Judea — people similar to us but outside our normal circle
• Samaria — difficult people, uncomfortable spaces
• Ends of the earth — situations that feel overwhelming, unfamiliar, or impossible

2. Read Acts 1:8, Jesus says His followers will receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses to the world.
   
   a. When you hear the phrase “being a witness for Jesus,” what feelings or thoughts come to mind? 
   
   b. Many people think witnessing is only about speaking, but the sermon reminds us that witnessing also happens through ordinary faithfulness. What are some everyday places or relationships where God may already be using you to be a witness for Him?

3. Read Acts 1:9–11 and Acts 10.
   
   After Jesus ascended into heaven, the angels reminded the disciples that although Jesus would return one day, there was still important work for them to do. This mission eventually led them to people who were different from them, people they once avoided, misunderstood, or even saw as outsiders.
   
   a. Is there a person, group, place, or conversation you tend to avoid or feel uncomfortable with? How does the gospel challenge the way we separate people into “us” and “them”?
   
   b. In Acts 10, Peter struggled at first because what God asked him to do felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable. What is one small step you sense God may be prompting you to take, even if it feels outside your comfort zone?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Our words and our actions tell people what we believe is true about life, about hope, and about Jesus. Acts 1:8 is more than an instruction. It is a promise. “You will be my witnesses.” 

The Holy Spirit goes before us and works through us. Our part is simply to partner with Him.

This week, try these three small steps:

• Pause. In the middle of your day, slow down. Take a breath. Become aware that the Holy Spirit is already at work in the people around you.
• Pray. Ask, “Holy Spirit, where are you inviting me to partner with you today? Is there someone you want me to reach out to? Is there a boundary you are inviting me to cross?”

Perceive. If you sense a nudge, step out in obedience. Trust that the power does not come from you. It comes from the Spirit who is already going ahead of you.

MEMORY VERSE

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8