Week 5 - Evangelism: The Spirit's Heartbeat
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Evangelism: The Spirit's Heartbeat
Acts 1:1-8
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
To understand evangelism through the lens of Acts 1:1-8 is to realise that sharing the Gospel isn't just a "task" on a to-do list; it is the natural pulse of a life inhabited by the Holy Spirit.
In these verses, Luke bridges the gap between what Jesus began to do and what He continues to do through us.
1. The Preparation: Conviction Over Convenience (v. 1-3)
Before the "go," there was the "stay." Jesus spent forty days proving He was alive.
The Heartbeat: Effective evangelism starts with a deep, personal certainty of the Resurrection. You cannot testify to what you haven't seen or believed.
The Focus: He spoke about the Kingdom of God. Our message isn't just about "going to heaven," but about God’s reign arriving on earth.
Have you encountered Christians who focus only on ‘going to heaven’ rather than the Kingdom? What has been your reaction?
2. The Power: Waiting for the Wind (v. 4-5, 8)
Jesus strictly commands the disciples not to leave Jerusalem yet. Why? Because evangelism without the Holy Spirit is just recruitment.
The Battery: "But you will receive power..." (v. 8). The Greek word used here is dynamis, where we get the word "dynamite."
The Distinction: John baptized with water (an outward sign), but Jesus promises a baptism of the Holy Spirit (an internal fire).
Am I trying to "convince" people through my own intellect, or am I relying on the Spirit’s dynamis? What difference does it make?
3. The Pivot: Priority Over Politics (v. 6-7)
The disciples were still worried about national interests: "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" They wanted a political takeover; Jesus wanted a spiritual transformation.
The Correction: Jesus tells them that "times and seasons" belong to the Father.
The Lesson: Don't get so caught up in debating the "end times" or political outcomes that you forget the "present time" mission.
Politics and the church, what are your views on this? How can we get too caught up in one to the detriment of the other? Is it possible to maintain a balance?
4. The Plan: Concentric Circles (v. 8)
Jesus provides a geographical roadmap for the Spirit’s heartbeat:
Jerusalem: Your immediate community (family, neighbours).
Judea: those similar to you but not directly connected, same culture, hobbies likes etc
Samaria: The "uncomfortable" zones (those who are different from you or even those you dislike).
The Ends of the Earth: Global vision.
Discuss the following:
The term witness’ means someone who speaks about something they have seen or experienced firsthand, usually used in legal situations aimed at knowing facts and the truth.
Is my life a "witness" or am I just sharing opinions?
Which groups have the biggest barriers to your ‘witness’?
Who is currently in my "Jerusalem", “Judea”, “Samaria” and the rest of the World?
We are not all called to be evangelists, but we are all called to be witnesses. What is the difference?