The Story
Chapters 28, 29
What Do You Do After Easter?

You Need Help 

“he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
So when they met together . . . . . . He said to them: " . . . .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." Acts 1:4-8 (NIV)

Between the resurrection of Jesus and Pentecost, the Spring harvest, 50 days had elapsed. Seven weeks without any significant movement arising from the event of Jesus’ resurrection. Although the disciples had received their marching orders to spread the Good News, although hundreds had seen the physically resurrected Jesus, there was yet no church, no outreach, no “church growth”.
 
Of course Jesus anticipated this which is why he told his followers to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the empowerment they needed. It came. The Holy Spirit came upon them and immediately they were motivated, bold, articulate, and able to speak to other people in their language.  

We must operate in God’s power, not our own.  We must be in prayer frequently, as they were, in the Word regularly, as they were, together with other believers, as they were, and reliant on God, as they were. As we do this we too will be empowered from on high. It is God’s Spirit, not our efforts that draw others to Christ. Yet, without our Spirit empowered efforts the Gospel will not get out.

Prayer
 
“Lord, I need your Spirit. I need your empowerment. I commit to daily prayer, daily reading of your Word, and daily looking for ways to let others know about you. Please guide and strengthen me.  Amen”