Daily Worship (Feb 9)

Acts 1:8 (NIV)
"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."

Devotional Thought:
In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises the disciples that they will receive power from the Holy Spirit to become his witnesses. This power is not political or military but spiritual—enabling them to boldly proclaim the gospel. This ties directly to the theme of our sermon: Jesus is alive and at work through his Spirit-empowered followers. The spread of the Word from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth illustrates that God’s kingdom is not confined by geography or culture. This mission is rooted in the gospel—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who redeemed us from sin and reconciled us to God. In our daily lives, this means we are also called to be witnesses, sharing the transformative message of Jesus in our communities, workplaces, and homes. The Holy Spirit equips us with courage, wisdom, and love to testify to God’s grace, even in the face of opposition.

COMMA Questions:

1. Context: How does the broader story of Acts show the fulfillment of this promise?
2. Observation: What locations are mentioned, and what do they signify about the gospel's reach?
3. Meaning: What does it mean to receive “power” from the Holy Spirit?
4. Main Idea: How does this verse define the mission of Jesus’ followers?
5. Application: In what ways can you be a witness to Jesus in your daily life?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Empower me to be a faithful witness of Your grace and truth. Help me to share the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection boldly and lovingly, trusting in Your power to transform hearts. Amen.

Acts 1:11 (NIV)
"Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Devotional Thought:
The angels’ question to the disciples challenges us today: “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” After witnessing Jesus' ascension, the disciples were likely bewildered and uncertain about what to do next. But the angels redirect their focus from passive observation to active mission. This reflects our sermon’s call to action—we are not to be idle in our faith, merely reflecting on past experiences, but to actively participate in spreading the gospel. The gospel reminds us that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again, securing our salvation. Jesus will return, but until then, we are called to bear witness to His life, death, resurrection, and reign. Instead of standing still, let’s move forward with purpose, sharing God’s transformative love with the world.

COMMA Questions:

1. Context: What instructions did Jesus give before His ascension?
2. Observation: How do the angels describe Jesus' return?
3. Meaning: What does this verse imply about the disciples' mission after Jesus' ascension?
4. Main Idea: How does this verse encourage action rather than passive waiting?
5. Application: Are there areas in your life where you are “standing still” instead of acting on God’s mission?

Prayer:
Lord, help me not to stand still in my faith but to actively share the good news of Your life, death, and resurrection with those around me. Keep my heart focused on Your mission while I await Your glorious return. Amen.

Acts 12:24 (NIV)
"But the word of God continued to spread and flourish."

Devotional Thought:
Despite intense persecution and opposition, Acts 12:24 reminds us that God’s Word cannot be silenced. The early church faced imprisonment, threats, and even martyrdom, yet the gospel continued to spread and flourish. This mirrors the theme of our sermon: the unstoppable movement of the Word, driven by the Holy Spirit and faithful witnesses. The foundation of this movement is the gospel—the message that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection offer salvation to all who believe. In our lives, we may encounter obstacles, doubts, or resistance when sharing our faith, but we can trust that God is at work. The gospel’s power doesn’t depend on our strength but on God’s sovereignty. Let’s remain faithful, knowing that God will ensure His Word prevails.

COMMA Questions:

1. Context: What events in Acts 12 led up to this statement about the Word’s growth?
2. Observation: What does the phrase “spread and flourish” suggest about the nature of God’s Word?
3. Meaning: How does this verse highlight God’s sovereignty in the spread of the gospel?
4. Main Idea: What does this verse teach about the resilience of God’s Word in the face of opposition?
5. Application: How can you trust God’s power to spread His Word through your life, even when facing challenges?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You that Your Word is powerful and unstoppable. Strengthen me to be a faithful witness of the gospel, trusting that You will cause Your message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection to flourish even in difficult circumstances. Amen.