Discussion Guide | April 19th, 2026

April 20th, 2026

Time to Act | Dr. Bill Shuler Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon focuses on the power of the Holy Spirit for witnessing and evangelism, drawing from Acts 1:1-11. Dr. Shuler challenges the congregation to move beyond passive church attendance to active witnessing, emphasizing that the average churchgoer hears thousands of sermons but leads zero people to Jesus.

The message explores Jesus' ascension and His command to wait for the Holy Spirit's power before becoming witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Dr. Shuler shares powerful testimonies of how the Holy Spirit transformed the ministries of John Wesley and Billy Graham, demonstrating that spiritual empowerment comes through emptying oneself of pride and selfishness to be filled with God's Spirit. The sermon concludes with a call for repentance and to be filled with the Holy Spirit for effective witnessing.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us today. We ask that You would speak to each person here through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to set aside our preconceptions and distractions, and make us receptive to Your truth. Lord, we pray that You would use this time together to draw us closer to You and to equip us for the work You have called us to do. Open our minds to understand Your Word and our hearts to respond in obedience. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one skill or hobby that you've always wanted to learn but have been waiting for the 'right time' to start?

Main Study

Key Verses

Acts 1:4-5
Acts 1:8
Acts 1:11
Acts 1:14
Ephesians 5:18

Questions

The pastor mentioned that the average churchgoer leads zero people to Jesus despite hearing thousands of sermons. What do you think prevents Christians from sharing their faith more actively?
Jesus told His disciples to 'wait' for the Holy Spirit's power before witnessing. How do you balance waiting on God versus taking action in your spiritual life?
The disciples were told to be witnesses in Jerusalem (their hometown), Judea (the surrounding area), and to the ends of the earth. Who are the people in your 'Jerusalem' that God might be calling you to witness to?
The pastor shared stories of John Wesley and Billy Graham being filled with the Holy Spirit, which transformed their ministries. Have you experienced a moment when God's presence became more real or powerful in your life?
Dwight Moody said we must be 'emptied' before we can be filled with the Holy Spirit. What are some things that might need to be emptied from our lives to make room for God's Spirit?
The angels asked the disciples, 'Why do you stand here looking into the sky?' instead of acting. In what areas of your life might you be 'looking up' instead of moving forward in faith?
The pastor mentioned that witnessing often begins with loving people well and meeting their felt needs. What are some practical ways we can show God's love to others in our daily lives?
How can we cultivate a lifestyle of being constantly filled with the Holy Spirit rather than just having a one-time experience?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who needs to experience God's love. Commit to praying for them daily and look for practical ways to show them Christ's love through your actions and words. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you opportunities to be a witness through your lifestyle and, when appropriate, through your words.

More Sermon Study Guides

Closing

Key Takeaways

The Holy Spirit provides 'dunamis' (dynamite) power for effective witnessing, not just for personal spiritual experiences
We must be emptied of selfishness, pride, and ambition before we can be truly filled with the Holy Spirit
Witnessing begins in our 'Jerusalem' (immediate circle) and extends outward to the ends of the earth
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is both a one-time experience and an ongoing daily surrender to God's authority
Effective witnessing often starts with loving people well and meeting their felt needs, creating opportunities for deeper spiritual conversations

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit and the power You've given us to be Your witnesses. We confess that too often we've been passive in our faith, content to receive but hesitant to give. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit and give us boldness to share Your love with those around us. Help us to empty ourselves of anything that hinders Your work in and through us. May we be faithful witnesses in our Jerusalem, our Judea, and to the ends of the earth. Use us to bring others into relationship with You. We surrender our lives completely to Your will and Your way. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

More Sermon Study Guides

Posted in Life Groups, Sermon Blog