Power for Witness

Read the text

Acts 1:1–11

Read the primary passage aloud twice. On the first reading, listen for the burden of the text. On the second, mark repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, causes, and conclusions.

• Luke 4:16–21
• Acts 4:23–31
• 1 Peter 4:10–14

Language desk

Words that clarify—not words that perform.

Confirm each gloss by its use in this context. A lexicon offers possibilities; the sentence, paragraph, author, and canon determine what a word is doing here.

Form the doctrine

The theological claim

The Spirit empowers the church not for spectacle but to bear faithful witness to Jesus.

Defense drill

Say it under pressure.

Explain why authentic charismatic ministry must be Christ-centered and mission-shaped.

• State the opposing claim in a form its adherent could recognize.
• Open the controlling passage and establish the immediate context.
• Make one clear argument before adding supporting texts.
• Ask a diagnostic question, listen to the answer, and return to Christ and the gospel.

Wednesday assignment

Carry the truth into the week.

Tell the gospel in three minutes, then pray for courage to tell it to one person.