Living a Life on MissionSample

FUELED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

Think...

What was Jesus’ commission and promise to the disciples in Acts 1:8?

What were the signs of the Holy Spirit’s arrival on the Day of Pentecost?

What was the result of Peter’s Holy Spirit-led sermon?

Yesterday, we read Matthew’s account of the Great Commission. Today, we look at Acts. Acts was written by Luke as a continuation of his own gospel, and he chose to emphasize different words of Jesus before His ascension. Jesus promised His disciples power that would come from His Spirit and He told them to be witnesses of all they had seen and heard. As witnesses they were to proclaim the gospel to their nearest neighbours and to the ends of the earth.

Not long after, the promised Holy Spirit arrived in dramatic fashion, changing the world forever. Peter was emboldened to preach a powerful sermon and 3000 people were saved! The disciples continued to preach and perform miracles in Jerusalem where the number of believers grew and flourished. These believers would later be thrust out of the city by persecution, eventually taking the gospel to the ends of the earth!

If we continue to read through Acts, we find that the expansion of the Church was led by the Holy Spirit. He empowered His people to speak boldly. He allowed them to perform signs and wonders. He guided them to specific people and places. He even teleported a man from one place to another! (Acts 8:39-40)

The Holy Spirit also enabled Christians to endure persecution with joy and hope. Jesus sent His disciples as witnesses but He did not leave them to do it alone. Without the Holy Spirit, their mission would never even have gotten off the ground.

As we consider what mission God is calling us to today, it is important to remember that we were never meant to do it alone or in our own strength. The Holy Spirit is as present with us today as He was with the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. His power, guidance, and confidence are just as available for us today. As we step out in obedience as His witnesses, the Holy Spirit will give us everything we need to be fruitful in His work.

Apply...

What are some things that hold you back from stepping into the mission God is calling you to? How does knowing the presence of the Holy Spirit is with you and for you change the way you view those barriers?

How can you remind yourself of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?