The Witness of the Holy Spirit

The new church was just barely born before persecution starts, but continues to grow in spite of it.

Partly due to the witness/testimony of:
#1.  Apostles (eye witnesses) - they had seen His death, burial, resurrection, etc.
#2.  New believers (not eye witnesses) - maybe not even in Jerusalem at the time this took place, but they heard about the events, then believed.
AND:
#3.  The Holy Spirit - Acts 5:32  (essential witness and testimony)  Holy Spirit adds His testimony to that of the Apostles, believers through:
           1)  miracles  (Pentecost, healings, shaking as the Holy Spirit is given, Ananias and Sapphira!!) - John 3:2  Nicodemus - Holy Spirit testifying as to Who Jesus is.
           2)  Personal conviction  (conversions)  Acts 2:37 - pricked in the heart - Holy Spirit convincing them that Peter is correct.
           3)  Individual transformation - disciples characterized by:  a)  Boldness (to speak the gospel even in face of persecution, warnings and threats)                                   b)  Ability (to convey message in a way to make a difference in people's lives)
                                                                                                  c) Willingness to share, concern for brother/sister -  sold property, gave to church, unusual - not expected or demanded

TEXT:  Acts 4:29-5:42 - "filled in 5:18 is same word as used when the apostles were "filled" with the Holy Spirit
Post Script:  Acts 28:31

POINT - EMPHASIS = The Importance of Allowing the Holy Spirit to Witness (testify) ....
in two ways:  1)  TO YOU
                     2)  THROUGH YOU

The Importance of Allowing the Holy Spirit to witness (testify) in YOUR life!!

#1.  TO YOU - Illustration:  Pentecost - thousands witnessed this.  - all see, hear the same.   some believed, others mocked

Why?? = mystery
But the answer includes choice!!!
Rom. 1 - "gave them up" implies "God attempted to draw them" - tried to pull them in.
2 Thess. 2:9-10 - "refused" - He let them go, according to their choice!!!!

POINT = the importance/necessity of Allowing the Holy Spirit to witness TO YOU:
   1)  initially (for salvation)
   2)  subsequently (growth, direction, correction) - 1 Cor. 2:9-10

How?  openness to the Spirit - show me,  exposure - through church, Sunday School, Bible Study, etc.  submission     response

#2.  THROUGH YOU    John 15:26-27   Acts 1:8
How?  it's a mystery - why He chose to do it this way
BUT, again, the answer includes choice!!

                Openness - contrast to "refused" - may not want to, but will
                Preparation - 2 Tim. 2:15 - special preparation, intelligent preparation
                Availability - (He decides when/how)
                Request - example:  Isaiah - "send me" - Lord, use me.  Let the Holy Spirit work thru me.
                Submission - 2 Pet. 1:21
                Response

Don't turn the Holy Spirit away when you receive His testimony!!!