Down to Nothing - Sarah Jakes Roberts

Main message: The sermon teaches that believers are called to be true witnesses of Jesus—people who testify from personal experience, especially in suffering. Using the thief on the cross, the pastor emphasizes that even in pain and apparent “nothing,” Jesus is still King, still present, and still able to bring glory, remembrance, and redemption.

Key points:

• “Witnesses” in Acts 1:8 are not just observers, but people who testify from real encounter with Jesus.
• The church needs more people with personal testimony, not just secondhand religion or performance.
• The enemy tries to steal testimony by exhausting, confusing, or distracting believers.
• Luke 23 shows an unexpected witness: the thief on the cross who still recognized Jesus as King in suffering.
• The thief’s request, “remember me,” points to hope beyond suffering; glory can come after pain.
• Believers should look back and notice how Jesus has already been present, protecting, carrying, and working in their lives.

Scriptures mentioned: Luke 23:39-43, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:16-17