Power to Be Witnesses
Month 12: Sent & Standing Firm · Walking in the Spirit
Today's Scripture
Read together: Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Memory Verse
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”— Matthew 28:19 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Micah 5-7
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Near Day 356 of 365 — "He has shown you, O man, what is good" — Micah 6:8.)The Heart of It
Jesus told His followers to "Go," but He also told them to wait first. Right before He went back to heaven, He said, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me" (). Why wait? Because being a witness for Jesus isn't something we can do well on our own willpower. We need His power. A "witness" is simply someone who tells what they have seen and know to be true. And the Holy Spirit gives us the boldness, the right words, and the love we need to do it. A few days later, at Pentecost, the Spirit came. Ordinary, fearful people became courageous and full of joy (). The same Helper is offered to you and your family today.
Look at the shape of . Witnesses in Jerusalem, right where they were. Then Judea and Samaria, the places nearby. Then "to the end of the earth," which means everywhere. That's your mission map too. The Spirit's power starts you witnessing right where you live. That's your family, your street, your school. Then it stretches you outward to the whole world. And remember "character over gifting." The Spirit's first work is to make us like Jesus. He makes us loving, joyful, and patient (). That changed character is itself a powerful witness. The Spirit doesn't just give us words to say. He makes our lives say something true about Jesus.
Around the Table
The Holy Spirit gives us power and brave words to tell people about Jesus!
Let's do it: Flex your muscles and say, "Holy Spirit, give me power to tell about Jesus!"
A "witness" tells what they know is true. The Spirit helps us know what to say and gives us courage to say it.
Let's talk: Where is your "Jerusalem"? Where is the closest place you can be a witness for Jesus this week?
Jesus told them to wait for the Spirit's power before they went. That same power to witness is offered to every believer.
Let's go deeper: What's the difference between trying to witness in your own strength and being filled with the Spirit's power?
💬 Conversation Starter
If you saw something amazing happen, who's the first person you'd run to tell? Being a witness for Jesus is a lot like that!
🛡️ Defending the Faith
One of the strongest evidences for the resurrection is the disciples themselves. Terrified men who hid behind locked doors became fearless witnesses who would rather die than take it back. This happened especially after the Spirit fell at Pentecost. People don't suffer and die for something they know they made up. The Spirit's power in changed lives is itself part of the case for Christ ().
For Dad · Go Deeper
Classic Pentecostal theology reads as the thesis statement of the whole book. The Spirit comes primarily to empower God's people for witness and mission, not merely for private comfort. This is a gift for your children too. They are not too young to be filled with the Spirit and used by God. But two guardrails matter. First, "character is always more important than gifting" (Sam Storms). We want the fruit of the Spirit, never hype or performance. Second, you can't lead your family into a Spirit-empowered witness you aren't living yourself. So the searching question tonight is honest. Am I witnessing in His power, or just coasting on routine? Then do what the disciples did. Ask the Father to fill you afresh (), and let your kids see a dad who depends on the Spirit.
Draws on: Robert Menzies, Empowered for Witness; Sam Storms, Understanding Spiritual Gifts.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, fill our family with Your Holy Spirit. Give us power and love to be witnesses for Jesus. Help us start right here at home. And carry us all the way to the ends of the earth. In Jesus' name, amen."
I don't witness in my own strength. The Holy Spirit gives me power, words, and courage.