Summary

In this sermon from the series 'The Forgotten God,' Pastor Keith discusses the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers to be witnesses for Christ, based on Acts 1:8. He emphasizes that being a witness isn't about following a scripted evangelism method, but rather naturally sharing how Jesus has changed your life. The pastor illustrates this through several stories, including a couple who adopted four children after their mother's overdose, demonstrating how the Holy Spirit often leads believers into uncomfortable but meaningful service.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss what it means to be Your witnesses, we ask that Your Holy Spirit would open our hearts and minds. Help us to be honest about where we've compartmentalized our faith or hesitated to share what You've done in our lives. Give us courage to step beyond our comfort zones and the wisdom to recognize the opportunities You place before us. May this discussion transform how we see our role in Your kingdom work. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What's something you're enthusiastic about that you find yourself naturally telling other people about?

Key Verses

Acts 1:8

Luke 24:49

Acts 1:4

Questions

The pastor mentioned that 'prayer is a dangerous place.' What do you think he meant by this, and have you ever experienced this in your own prayer life?

How would you describe the difference between telling someone about Jesus versus witnessing that Jesus is king through your life?

The sermon states that 'the comforter doesn't come to allow people to be comfortable.' How have you experienced the Holy Spirit pushing you beyond your comfort zone?

What are some areas where you might have 'compartmentalized your spirituality under the guise of being polite'?

The pastor suggested a daily 'three open prayer': open my eyes, open my heart, open my mouth. How might this simple practice change your daily interactions?

In what ways have you witnessed supernatural love that 'has claws' - the kind that hunts people down with God's grace?

The sermon challenges the statement 'God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.' Do you agree with the pastor's critique? Why or why not?

What is one specific way you could be a witness this week in your normal routines and relationships?

Life Application

This week, practice the 'three open prayer' each morning: ask God to open your eyes to see the people in need around you, open your heart to genuinely love them, and open your mouth to share how Jesus has made a difference in your life. Then, identify one person in your life who might be receptive to an invitation to church or a conversation about faith. Make a specific plan to reach out to them before next Sunday, not with a rehearsed speech, but with an authentic sharing of what following Jesus means to you.

Key Takeaways

Being a witness isn't about following a formula but naturally sharing how Jesus has changed your life, similar to how people enthusiastically share about things they love.

The Holy Spirit empowers us for witness but often leads us into uncomfortable situations that require sacrifice and service.

Supernatural love requires us to step beyond our comfort zones to reach people who are broken and hurting.

Following Jesus isn't easy, but the difficult path is worth it because of the eternal impact it has.

Effective witness happens through spoken love (sharing your story), supernatural love (meeting needs through the Spirit's power), and sacrificial love (putting others before yourself).

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for entrusting us with the privilege of being Your witnesses. We confess that we often hesitate, fearing rejection or feeling inadequate. Fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit that we might speak with boldness and love with courage. Help us to see the people around us through Your eyes and to share naturally what You've done in our lives. May our witness not come from obligation but from the overflow of gratitude for Your grace. Use us this week to bring Your kingdom closer to those who need to experience it. In Your powerful name we pray, amen.