1-5-25 Empowered Witnesses Acts 1:1-14 Pastor Joshua Kennedy

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1-5-25 Empowered Witnesses Acts 1:1-14 Pastor Joshua Kennedy

January 5, 2025 • Acts 1:1–14

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Title: "Empowered Witnesses”

Introduction:

Acts 1 serves as a crucial transition between the Gospels and the early Church, marking Jesus' ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit. This chapter sets the stage for the Holy Spirit’s transformative work in believers’ lives. In this teaching, we will explore how Acts 1 illustrates the importance of waiting on the Spirit, receiving empowerment, and understanding our role in God’s mission.

1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:1-5 (NLT) 1 In my first book, I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles occasionally, proving to them in many ways that he was alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once, when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the promised gift of the Father—the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment was essential for them to fulfill their calling. In the same way, we are called to begin each day refreshed in the presence of the Lord, receiving the Holy Spirit’s power anew. The Holy Spirit working through the body of Christ is the most significant evidence to the world that Jesus is alive.

Just as the children of Israel relied on fresh manna daily in the wilderness, we, too, must seek a daily refilling of the Spirit. Spiritual empowerment is not a one-time event but a continuous renewal, equipping us for God’s purposes. The disciples’ waiting was intentional, involving prayer, scripture reflection, and fellowship. Likewise, we must cultivate a posture of expectation and readiness to receive and move in the Spirit.

This waiting is not passive—it is active, filled with anticipation, preparation, and community engagement. As we align ourselves with God’s timing and rely on His grace, we are strengthened to live out our faith and reveal His kingdom to the world.

2. Empowerment for Mission

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We can only effectively be witnesses for Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we are the same as any other religion or philosophy; our efforts will always fall short, no matter how well-intentioned. The best we can do on our own will never be enough to transform lives or reveal the glory of God.

The Holy Spirit eliminates all barriers—cultural, linguistic, racial, gender and social divisions are dismantled as we walk in His power. Through the Spirit, unity and understanding are supernaturally achieved, enabling us to reach hearts that human efforts cannot.

In a world that often turns to gimmicks and strategies for evangelism, God’s way requires only one essential: the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is not our persuasive words or clever methods that make the difference; it is the person of the Holy Spirit working through us. When filled with the Spirit, He bears witness to Christ, using us as His vessels to bring the gospel to life in power and truth.

3. The Ascension and the Promise of His Return

Acts 1:9-11

9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Too many so-called disciples are still gazing upward, focused on Christ’s physical return, instead of looking within and moving in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our concern should not be consumed with when Jesus will return but with the pressing reality of a world desperately needing Him. We are called, chosen, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring His presence and message to lost people.

Suppose we are not actively witnessing the people around us. In that case, we risk becoming like the disciples’ initial reaction to Jesus’ ascension—so heavenly-minded that we are no earthly good. While the timing of Christ’s return remains unknown, one truth is certain: He is already with us through the Holy Spirit, guiding and equipping us for the work.

The Holy Spirit is entirely God, equal with the Father and the Son. We have everything we need in Him—the fullness of God’s power, presence, and purpose. Instead of longing solely for Christ’s physical return, we must embrace the reality of His Spirit dwelling within us. The Spirit empowers us to fulfill the mission of reaching the world for Christ, bringing heaven’s hope to earth until the day He comes again.

4. Community in Prayer

Acts 1:12-14

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile.[c] 13 When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

As the body of Christ, we are made up of many members, and the unity we cultivate directly impacts the power of the Holy Spirit released among us. The early Church exemplified the transformative power of community and prayer, showing that living in the Spirit is not merely an individual journey but a deeply communal one.

Prayer meetings are often the least attended in many churches because we fail to grasp the complete revelation of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. When we understand that prayer is not merely offering well-wishes to heaven but entering a space of divine encounter—waiting for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and declaring His prophetic word—prayer will no longer feel optional. Instead, it will become a source of longing and a place of transformation.

The continued experience of Pentecost requires us to gather consistently in prayer. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, revival, and prayer are inseparable. Revival is born out of prayer, ignited by the Spirit’s outpouring. To sustain a vibrant, Spirit-filled life as a community, we must commit to praying together with expectation and unity, just as the early Church did.

Conclusion

In Acts 1, we witness the transformative call to wait, receive, and act. The disciples were not merely instructed to remain in Jerusalem; they were charged to prepare for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to empower them to fulfill the Great Commission. Today, we stand in that same lineage of faith, equipped with the Holy Spirit’s power to carry out God’s mission.

This is not a passive calling—it is a charge to be active witnesses for Christ, living lives that reflect His kingdom here and now. The promise of the Spirit is not reserved for a select few; it is for all who believe and are willing to wait, receive, and move in His power.

We are empowered for purpose—not to sit idly by but to transform the world through the gospel. The Spirit equips us to cross every barrier, unite across every division, and demonstrate God’s love to a broken and searching world. Christ's ascension and the promise of His return call us to urgency and focus. Instead of staring into the heavens, let us look to the Spirit within us and to the harvest fields around us.

Charge:

* Wait expectantly in prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Make prayer a priority both individually and as a community.

* Walk boldly in the Spirit’s power, knowing that you are equipped to overcome barriers and bring the light of Christ to every dark corner of the world.

* Witness actively, sharing the gospel wherever you go, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you in power and truth.

Remember, you have been empowered for a divine purpose. Go, therefore, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world longing for His hope and truth. Through word and action, let your life declare that Christ is alive and His kingdom is at hand.

Praise Tabernacle

Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor

2235 Ocean Heights

Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com

praisetabernacle.church

(609) 927-4560(w)

1-5-25 Empowered Witnesses Acts 1:1-14 Pastor Joshua Kennedy 10:30 am

January 5, 2025 • Pastor Josh, Joshua Kennedy, Pastor Joshua Kennedy • Acts 1:1–14

Title: "Empowered Witnesses” Introduction: Acts 1 serves as a crucial transition between the Gospels and the early Church, marking Jesus' ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit. This chapter sets the stage for the Holy Spirit’s transformative work in believers’ lives. In this teaching, we will explore how Acts 1 illustrates the importance of waiting on the Spirit, receiving empowerment, and understanding our role in God’s mission. 1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit Acts 1:1-5 (NLT) 1 In my first book, I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles occasionally, proving to them in many ways that he was alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once, when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the promised gift of the Father—the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment was essential for them to fulfill their calling. In the same way, we are called to begin each day refreshed in the presence of the Lord, receiving the Holy Spirit’s power anew. The Holy Spirit working through the body of Christ is the most significant evidence to the world that Jesus is alive. Just as the children of Israel relied on fresh manna daily in the wilderness, we, too, must seek a daily refilling of the Spirit. Spiritual empowerment is not a one-time event but a continuous renewal, equipping us for God’s purposes. The disciples’ waiting was intentional, involving prayer, scripture reflection, and fellowship. Likewise, we must cultivate a posture of expectation and readiness to receive and move in the Spirit. This waiting is not passive—it is active, filled with anticipation, preparation, and community engagement. As we align ourselves with God’s timing and rely on His grace, we are strengthened to live out our faith and reveal His kingdom to the world. 2. Empowerment for Mission Acts 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We can only effectively be witnesses for Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we are the same as any other religion or philosophy; our efforts will always fall short, no matter how well-intentioned. The best we can do on our own will never be enough to transform lives or reveal the glory of God. The Holy Spirit eliminates all barriers—cultural, linguistic, racial, gender and social divisions are dismantled as we walk in His power. Through the Spirit, unity and understanding are supernaturally achieved, enabling us to reach hearts that human efforts cannot. In a world that often turns to gimmicks and strategies for evangelism, God’s way requires only one essential: the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is not our persuasive words or clever methods that make the difference; it is the person of the Holy Spirit working through us. When filled with the Spirit, He bears witness to Christ, using us as His vessels to bring the gospel to life in power and truth. 3. The Ascension and the Promise of His Return Acts 1:9-11 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Too many so-called disciples are still gazing upward, focused on Christ’s physical return, instead of looking within and moving in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our concern should not be consumed with when Jesus will return but with the pressing reality of a world desperately needing Him. We are called, chosen, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring His presence and message to lost people. Suppose we are not actively witnessing the people around us. In that case, we risk becoming like the disciples’ initial reaction to Jesus’ ascension—so heavenly-minded that we are no earthly good. While the timing of Christ’s return remains unknown, one truth is certain: He is already with us through the Holy Spirit, guiding and equipping us for the work. The Holy Spirit is entirely God, equal with the Father and the Son. We have everything we need in Him—the fullness of God’s power, presence, and purpose. Instead of longing solely for Christ’s physical return, we must embrace the reality of His Spirit dwelling within us. The Spirit empowers us to fulfill the mission of reaching the world for Christ, bringing heaven’s hope to earth until the day He comes again. 4. Community in Prayer Acts 1:12-14 12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile.[c] 13 When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. As the body of Christ, we are made up of many members, and the unity we cultivate directly impacts the power of the Holy Spirit released among us. The early Church exemplified the transformative power of community and prayer, showing that living in the Spirit is not merely an individual journey but a deeply communal one. Prayer meetings are often the least attended in many churches because we fail to grasp the complete revelation of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. When we understand that prayer is not merely offering well-wishes to heaven but entering a space of divine encounter—waiting for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and declaring His prophetic word—prayer will no longer feel optional. Instead, it will become a source of longing and a place of transformation. The continued experience of Pentecost requires us to gather consistently in prayer. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, revival, and prayer are inseparable. Revival is born out of prayer, ignited by the Spirit’s outpouring. To sustain a vibrant, Spirit-filled life as a community, we must commit to praying together with expectation and unity, just as the early Church did. Conclusion In Acts 1, we witness the transformative call to wait, receive, and act. The disciples were not merely instructed to remain in Jerusalem; they were charged to prepare for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to empower them to fulfill the Great Commission. Today, we stand in that same lineage of faith, equipped with the Holy Spirit’s power to carry out God’s mission. This is not a passive calling—it is a charge to be active witnesses for Christ, living lives that reflect His kingdom here and now. The promise of the Spirit is not reserved for a select few; it is for all who believe and are willing to wait, receive, and move in His power. We are empowered for purpose—not to sit idly by but to transform the world through the gospel. The Spirit equips us to cross every barrier, unite across every division, and demonstrate God’s love to a broken and searching world. Christ's ascension and the promise of His return call us to urgency and focus. Instead of staring into the heavens, let us look to the Spirit within us and to the harvest fields around us. Charge: * Wait expectantly in prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Make prayer a priority both individually and as a community. * Walk boldly in the Spirit’s power, knowing that you are equipped to overcome barriers and bring the light of Christ to every dark corner of the world. * Witness actively, sharing the gospel wherever you go, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you in power and truth. Remember, you have been empowered for a divine purpose. Go, therefore, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world longing for His hope and truth. Through word and action, let your life declare that Christ is alive and His kingdom is at hand. -- Praise Tabernacle Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor 2235 Ocean Heights Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 mailto:pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com http://praisetabernacle.church (609) 927-4560(w)

1-5-25 Empowered Witnesses Acts 1:1-14 Pastor Joshua Kennedy 9 am

January 5, 2025 • Pastor Josh, Joshua Kennedy, Pastor Joshua Kennedy • Acts 1:1–14

12-22 The Gify of the Holy Spirit

December 22, 2024 • Pastor Joshua Kennedy

Sermon: The Gift of the Holy Spirit Series: Living in the Spirit  Introduction: The Greatest Gift * The Christmas story is about God’s love demonstrated through the gift of Jesus Christ. * Just as the angels proclaimed the arrival of peace and goodwill to shepherds, God’s ultimate plan was not only to save but also to dwell within us through the Holy Spirit. * Christmas is a time of giving, and through the Holy Spirit, God gives us gifts that transform, empower, and guide us. I. The Holy Spirit: A Promise Fulfilled * Luke 2:11: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” * Jesus’ birth fulfilled the promise of redemption, paving the way for the gift of the Spirit. * The miracle birth of Jesus through the Holy Spirit made the rebirth of mankind possible through the Holy Spirit. * John 14:16-17: Jesus promised His disciples a Helper who would live with and in them, ensuring they were never alone. * Just as the shepherds rejoiced at the news of Christ’s birth, we rejoice in the Spirit’s presence. II. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit comes bearing gifts that enable us to live out the message of Christmas every day. Emanuel, God is with us! He is with us because He is in us when we serve others; we become His hands and feet as the body of Christ to manifest His presence all around us. 1. The Gift of Adoption * Romans 8:15: “You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” * Through the Holy Spirit, we are made children of God, part of His family, and heirs of His promises. * This adoption reflects the inclusiveness of the shepherds’ message—available to all who believe. 2. The Gift of Comfort and Peace * John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” * Just as the angels proclaimed peace on earth, the Spirit gives us an internal peace that surpasses all understanding, especially in trials. 3. The Gift of Guidance * John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” * The wise men followed a star; today, we follow the Spirit, who illuminates God’s will and guides us in our decisions. 4. The Gift of Power * Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” * Through the Spirit, we are empowered to live boldly for Him, spreading His message of salvation. 5. The Gift of Transformation * Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit transforms us from within, reflecting Christ in our character. * This inner transformation mirrors the miraculous nature of Christmas—a world forever changed by the Savior’s arrival. III. The Spiritual Gifts in Scripture In addition to these foundational gifts, the Holy Spirit equips us with unique gifts for ministry and service. 1. The Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) * Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues. * These gifts demonstrate the Spirit’s power in supernatural ways, enabling us to minister effectively to others. 2. The Gifts for Building the Church (Ephesians 4:7-13) * Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. * These leadership gifts equip the body of Christ for works of service and maturity in faith. 3. The Sevenfold Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3) * The Spirit of the Lord, Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, and Fear of the Lord. * These attributes empower us to live godly lives and make decisions that align with God’s will. 4. The Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:3-8) * Prophesying, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leading, and Showing Mercy. * These gifts reflect the diversity of God’s design for His church, allowing every believer to contribute uniquely. IV. Living in the Spirit: A Life of Overflowing Gifts * As we receive these gifts, we are called to share them with others: 1. The Gift of Adoption leads us to welcome others into God’s family. 2. The Gift of Comfort equips us to comfort those in pain. 3. The Gift of Guidance helps us lead others to the truth. 4. The Gift of Power emboldens us to share the gospel. 5. The Spiritual Gifts enable us to build the church and fulfill our unique callings. The Charge: Receiving and Sharing the Gift * The angels’ proclamation of Christ’s birth reminds us that the most incredible gifts bring glory to God and benefit others. * This Christmas, let us celebrate the Holy Spirit—the continuation of God’s gift of Emmanuel, “God with us.” * As we embark on the Living in the Spirit Series, may we embrace His gifts and live a life that reflects His presence. -- Praise Tabernacle Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor 2235 Ocean Heights Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 mailto:pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com http://praisetabernacle.church (609) 927-4560(w),