Message Notes

THE CALL TO BEAR WITNESS

1. By the Lord God   (Isaiah 43:10-12; 44:8)

2. By the Lord Jesus Christ   (Acts 1:8)

OWNING THE WORK OF WITNESSING

1. The work of witnessing becomes effective when people “own it”

2. Obedience is one thing; owning it is another

3. What does it mean “to own the work of witnessing?”

IMPORTANT HISTORICAL CONTEXT

1. Post-resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ   (Acts 1)

2. The Out-pouring of the Holy Spirit   (Acts 2)

3. The Early beginnings of the Jerusalem church   (Acts)

(Only 120 people formed the church)

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

1. Empowering

a) Ability to speak in foreign languages

b) Ability to understand the Scriptures

c) Ability to stand up with boldness to bear witness of Christ’s resurrection

2. But there were people:-

a) Who were confused

b) Who were sceptical

c) Who were mocking

3. Ownership is where there is:-

a) Boldness in identification with Christ the Risen Lord

b) Firmness in declaring that they are all witnesses for the Lord

c) Fullness of conviction of their task of bearing witness for the Lord

THE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE TODAY

1. Ignorance

2. Darkness

3. Unbelief (scepticism)

OUR RESPONSE

1. To find a renewed faith

2. To find empowering from the Spirit of God

3. To bear witness for the Lord boldly