Ask God: Today, we begin a series of lessons from the Book of Acts. Acts is rated by many scholars as one of the best writing of all time. I agree. Receiving the Holy Spirit is a mountain top experience and utilizing it is liken to a rocket adventure. We need faith and to trust in Him. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." Faith grows as you step forward. Let us begin today to do the work that God has in store for us. James said, "So faith without deeds is dead."

Good Evening Reader,

I truly hope God blessed you each and every day. I hope your week was amazing and you glorified God. We will continue to seek God's vision in these lessons. The best part is knowing that we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit inside us.

God Bless.

Elvin

Jesus Promised the Power of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1: 1-11

One of the greatest truths in the Book of Acts is that Jesus did not leave His followers alone to face life in their own strength. Before ascending back to heaven, Jesus told the disciples to wait for "the Promise of the Father," which was the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples had walked with Jesus, listened to His teaching, and witnessed His miracles. Yet, Jesus still told them they needed something more: the power of the Holy Spirit. This shows believers today that knowledge of God's Word alone is not enough. We need God's power working in our daily lives.

The Holy Spirit gives believers strength to overcome fear, wisdom to make godly decisions, and courage to stand for Christ in a world that often rejects biblical truth.

Jesus told us in John 10:10 that He had come that we might have life and to have life more abundantly. He was speaking of our life here on earth, and that we do not have to wait for His return to have an abundant life.

So often, we struggle because we try to live our Christian lives through our natural ability instead of depending on the Spirit of God. Jesus knew we would face trials, temptations, opposition, and moments of weakness; that is why He promised divine help.

The Holy Spirit also comforts us during difficult seasons of life. When we feel discouraged, confused, or overwhelmed, God's Spirit reminds us that we are never abandoned. He guides us into truth, helps us understand His Word, and gives peace in a troubled world.

Just as the disciples waited with expectation for God's promise of the Holy Spirit, we must seek God with faith and trust His Spirit to lead us, strengthen us, and empower us for everyday living. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness to obtain God's abundant life.

Receiving the Holy Spirit by Faith and Obedience

Acts 1 teaches us that receiving the work and guidance of the Holy Spirit begins with faith and obedience to God's Word. Jesus told His disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father.

They did not fully understand everything that would happen, but they trusted Jesus' words and obeyed His instructions. Their obedience positioned them to receive the power God had promised. God's gifts are far better than any we could ever create on our own.

This lesson is important for all believers today because many people want God's direction and blessings without first learning to trust and obey Him. Faith is more than believing God exists. Faith acts on what God says. Putting our faith in action puts a smile on God's face. Faith without good deeds is dead and useless (James 2:14).

Obedience demonstrates trust in God even when the outcome is not immediately visible. The disciples could have become impatient or fearful, but instead they prayed, waited together, and expected God to move. They came together in support of each other.

Today, we can apply this same principle by spending time in prayer, studying God's Word, and following His leading in our daily lives. Sometimes God asks us to wait patiently while He prepares us for the next step in our spiritual growth. We only need to wait and receive it. God is faithful.

At other times, He may prompt us to forgive someone, serve others, speak truth with love, or step forward in faith even when we feel unqualified. God is looking for the faithful, not necessarily the most talented or skilled. He will supply the skill you need to accomplish His work.

The Holy Spirit will work most effectively in your heart when you are willing to trust Him completely. As believers, we need to walk in faith and obedience. This will allow us to become more sensitive to the Spirit's guidance and more confident in God's purpose for our lives. God still honors those who listen to His voice and faithfully follow Him.

The Holy Spirit Gives Power for Witnessing

In Acts 1:8, Jesus told His disciples, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

This power was not given so the disciples could gain fame or recognition. The Holy Spirit empowered them to boldly share the message of Jesus Christ with others. And we have this same power.

Before receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples were often fearful and uncertain. Afterward, they became courageous witnesses who preached the Gospel with confidence and changed the world around them.

Peter made a dramatic change. He healed the lame man at the Temple (Acts 3:4-6), and people were healed even as his shadow fell on them (Acts 5:15). Remember, Jesus had told them they would do the same works they saw Him do.

This truth is just as important for believers today. Many Christians want to share their faith, but they feel nervous, unprepared, or afraid of rejection. The good news is that God never intended believers to witness in their own strength. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom, boldness, and the right words at the right time. He helps believers speak with love, compassion, and truth.

The same power the disciples received is available to believers today. Believe, and you shall receive.

Witnessing is not limited to standing behind a pulpit or speaking to large crowds. Every believer is called to reflect Christ in all the works we do in our daily lives. God has a special mission for you.

People often notice our attitude, kindness, patience, and faith during difficult times before they ever listen to our words. The Holy Spirit works through our ordinary conversations, when we reach out to a hurting person, when we offer encouragement to our neighbor, and when we provide guidance through our personal testimonies.

As we pray and depend on the Holy Spirit, we become more aware of opportunities to minister to others. God can offer a simple word of encouragement, a prayer, or a faithful example to touch someone's life. Our ministry is special and unique to us; just as you are special and unique to God.

The Holy Spirit still empowers believers today to shine the light of Christ in a world searching for hope.

Our world is filled with people who know, those who do not know, and those who do not know that they do not know. The first group received; the second, rejected; but the third group needs our prayers and encouragement.

Living with Hope Until Christ Returns

In Acts 1:9–11, the disciples watched Jesus ascend into heaven, and two angels appeared to remind them that He would one day return in the same way. That moment was not just a dramatic ending to Jesus' earthly ministry; it was also a powerful reminder that God's story is still unfolding. It is continuing to unfold for us today. As long as we are open and receptive, it will continue to unfold.

The followers of Jesus were not left with confusion or hopelessness. They were left with a promise and a purpose. We should pray that God show us His purpose for our lives. "Ask and ye shall receive."

This truth speaks directly to us today. Life can sometimes feel uncertain, and it is easy to become distracted by daily pressures, personal struggles, and the works of the devil.

But the promise of Christ's return is the anchor for our hearts. We are reminded that this world is not our final home, and God is still in control of history from beginning to end.

Living with hope means living with expectation. It shapes how we pray, how we make decisions, and how we treat others. When believers remember that Jesus is coming again, it encourages faithfulness in small things and perseverance in difficult seasons.

It also underscores the urgency of our mission. There are people who still need to hear the message of salvation, and God calls His people to be faithful until that work is complete.

The angels asked, in essence, why the disciples were standing still, looking into the sky. That question reminds us today that we are not called to stand still in wonder, but to move forward in obedience. We live with hope, yes, but also with purpose, knowing that Christ will return and our labor in Him is not in vain.

Go Forward in the Power of the Holy Spirit

The Book of Acts reveals how Jesus continued His work through believers by the power of the Holy Spirit after His resurrection and ascension.

Acts 1:1–11 highlights four key truths: first, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as God's gift for every believer; second, receiving Him requires faith and obedience. Third, the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to boldly witness for Christ in our daily lives, not through human strength but through divine power.

Finally, believers are also called to live with hope, remembering that Jesus will return. This promise encourages us to live with purpose and urgency in sharing the Gospel while depending fully on the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Elvin

Ask God For

Christian faith

PS. Share your newfound knowledge with you friends.

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin@AskGodFor.com and let me know what you think of the lessons.

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