Being the Church: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that there is no church like the one God has established. This church is not merely a building or a gathering place but a living organism empowered by the Holy Spirit. We began by examining the early church in Acts, where the Holy Spirit's presence and power were evident, leading to the transformation of lives and the addition of thousands to the faith. This historical account challenges us to move beyond a consumer mindset of "going to church" and instead embrace the call to "be the church," actively participating in God's work and meeting the needs of others.
The church God has created is marked by the power of the Holy Spirit, which manifests in unity and obedience among believers. When we are unified and obedient, God shows up in our midst, bringing His presence and power. This power is not for our own benefit but to enable us to witness the mighty deeds of God. The Holy Spirit equips us to do things we could never do on our own, transforming our lives and empowering us to share the gospel with others, even those closest to us who may be difficult to reach.
Furthermore, God's church is characterized by a proclamation that convicts. The message of the gospel, rooted in the authority of Scripture, has the power to transform lives. Peter's sermon in Acts 2 serves as a model for us, emphasizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the core message that brings salvation. This proclamation is not about us but about the truth of Jesus Christ, which is the only message that can truly change hearts and lives.
Lastly, the church God has established is one of proliferation, where biblical preaching results in transformed lives that bring glory to God. As we faithfully preach the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to convict hearts, God will add to the church, growing His kingdom. We must be open to God's work, welcoming all who seek Him, regardless of their background or past. Our role is to manage and lead with wisdom, trusting God to bring about growth and transformation.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is not a building but a living organism empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are called to "be the church," actively participating in God's work and meeting the needs of others. This requires moving beyond a consumer mindset and embracing our role in God's kingdom. [10:39]
- Unity and obedience are essential for experiencing God's presence and power. When believers come together in unity and follow God's principles, He shows up in their midst, bringing transformation and empowerment. [12:49]
- The proclamation of the gospel, rooted in Scripture, has the power to convict and transform lives. The message of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection is the core truth that brings salvation and change. [24:44]
- The Holy Spirit equips us to witness and share the gospel, even with those closest to us who may be difficult to reach. God's power enables us to overcome our imperfections and share His love and truth with others. [19:46]
- Biblical preaching results in transformed lives and the growth of God's kingdom. As we faithfully share the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to work, God will add to the church, bringing about growth and transformation. [33:18]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:10] - Introduction: Ain't No Church Like the One God Got
[10:39] - Unity and Obedience: Grounds for God's Presence
[12:49] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[17:31] - Witnessing to Loved Ones
[18:14] - Acknowledging Our Flaws
[19:46] - The Power to Overcome
[20:53] - Facing Haters with God's Power
[24:44] - Proclamation of the Gospel
[26:07] - Authority of Scripture
[26:56] - The Power of the Gospel
[28:40] - The Church's Role in the World
[29:40] - Personal Testimony and Truth
[32:00] - The Growth of God's Church
[33:18] - Transformation Through the Gospel
[34:13] - Embracing God's Work
[36:35] - Giving God the Glory
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:1-41
- Joel 2:28-32
- Psalm 16:8-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant event in Acts 2 marks the beginning of the church as a living organism empowered by the Holy Spirit? How did this event demonstrate God's presence and power? [10:39]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two key elements that create the grounds for God's presence in the church? [10:39]
3. How did Peter's sermon in Acts 2 emphasize the core message of the gospel, and what was the response of the people? [24:44]
4. What evidence was there that the Holy Spirit was present and active among the believers in Acts 2? [12:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "being the church" rather than "going to church" challenge the traditional view of church participation? What implications does this have for individual believers? [04:10]
2. In what ways does the unity and obedience of believers invite God's presence and power into their midst? How can this be applied in today's church context? [10:39]
3. How does the proclamation of the gospel, as demonstrated by Peter, serve as a model for effective evangelism today? What elements of his message are essential for transforming lives? [24:44]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in equipping believers to witness and share the gospel, especially with those who are difficult to reach? [19:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current mindset towards church. Do you see it more as a place you go to or as a community you are actively part of? How can you shift towards "being the church"? [04:10]
2. Think of a situation where unity and obedience could have brought about a different outcome. How can you foster these qualities in your small group or church community? [10:39]
3. Identify one person in your life who is difficult to reach with the gospel. What steps can you take, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to share God's love and truth with them? [19:46]
4. How can you incorporate the core message of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection into your daily conversations and interactions? What impact might this have on those around you? [24:44]
5. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. Are there areas where you need to rely more on His power and presence? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in these areas? [12:49]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced transformation through the gospel. How can you share this testimony to encourage others in their faith journey? [33:18]
7. What practical steps can you take to welcome and embrace individuals from diverse backgrounds into your church community, as the early church did? [34:13]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Living Organism
The church is not just a physical structure or a place where people gather; it is a living organism, vibrant and dynamic, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This understanding challenges the common consumer mindset of merely "going to church" and instead calls believers to "be the church." Being the church means actively participating in God's work, meeting the needs of others, and living out the faith in everyday life. The early church in Acts serves as a powerful example, where the presence and power of the Holy Spirit led to the transformation of lives and the addition of thousands to the faith. This historical account invites believers to embrace their role in God's kingdom, moving beyond passive attendance to active engagement. [10:39]
Acts 2:42-43 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you actively participate in being the church this week, rather than just attending services?
Day 2: Unity and Obedience as Grounds for God's Presence
Unity and obedience among believers are essential for experiencing God's presence and power. When believers come together in unity and follow God's principles, He shows up in their midst, bringing transformation and empowerment. This unity is not just about agreement but about a shared commitment to God's mission and a willingness to obey His commands. The early church demonstrated this unity and obedience, resulting in a powerful manifestation of God's presence. As believers today, we are called to pursue unity and obedience, trusting that God will work in and through us as we align ourselves with His will. [12:49]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."
Reflection: How can you contribute to unity within your church community, and what steps can you take to align your life more closely with God's principles?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The proclamation of the gospel, rooted in the authority of Scripture, has the power to convict and transform lives. The message of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection is the core truth that brings salvation and change. This proclamation is not about us but about the truth of Jesus Christ, which is the only message that can truly change hearts and lives. Peter's sermon in Acts 2 serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the centrality of the gospel message. As we share this message, we trust in its power to bring about transformation in the lives of those who hear it. [24:44]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the transformative message of the gospel, and how can you share it with them this week?
Day 4: Empowered by the Holy Spirit to Witness
The Holy Spirit equips believers to witness and share the gospel, even with those closest to them who may be difficult to reach. God's power enables believers to overcome their imperfections and share His love and truth with others. The early church experienced this empowerment, as the Holy Spirit gave them boldness and wisdom to proclaim the gospel. Today, believers are called to rely on the Holy Spirit's power, trusting that He will guide and equip them to be effective witnesses for Christ. This empowerment is not for personal gain but for the advancement of God's kingdom. [19:46]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your efforts to share the gospel with those around you?
Day 5: Growth and Transformation Through Biblical Preaching
Biblical preaching results in transformed lives and the growth of God's kingdom. As believers faithfully share the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to work, God will add to the church, bringing about growth and transformation. This growth is not just numerical but also spiritual, as individuals are transformed by the power of the gospel. The church is called to be open to God's work, welcoming all who seek Him, regardless of their background or past. As believers manage and lead with wisdom, they trust God to bring about growth and transformation in His church. [33:18]
Colossians 1:5-6 (ESV): "Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth."
Reflection: How can you support the growth and transformation of your church community, and what role can you play in welcoming and discipling new believers?
Quotes
Maybe the real problem is in our Western culture that too many people, sadly, even among Christendom, that we believe that as believers that we go to church rather than being the church. This is why I often say it from this pulpit that we in this local branch of Zion of HOHC, that we are not going to church, but we are learning how to be the church. [00:07:11]
It is a place where everyone is valued because of God. It is a place of our position in Jesus Christ. Watch this now. Despite the imperfections that you and I have in our lives, you can still be valued in this body called the church because of the progressive sanctification that God continues to provide for us. [00:08:32]
When you have unity and obedience, you have a group of people who comes from various different walks of life. But when they are unified. And when they follow the principles and precepts of God's word. Guess what? God shows up in the midst of them. [00:11:26]
They were filled with the Holy Spirit not for their own self-benefit did you hear me they were filled with the Holy Spirit so that they could testify so that they could witness so that they could talk about the Lord Jesus Christ the bible says the mighty things of God maybe that's what's wrong with the American church because maybe we've been trying to witness without no power. [00:14:29]
It's going to take power to tell someone about Jesus Christ knowing, watch this, that you are not perfect. If I can keep it 100, it's going to take power for you in your lonely days for you not to be a side piece or a sneaky link. [00:19:14]
But, you know, if I can be honest, as a gospel preacher, the only message we got is the death, burial and resurrection. Of Jesus Christ. Because that's the only message that matters. Everything else permeates out of your salvation, of progressiveness of your salvation as you continue to grow. [00:24:34]
And so as a result of that, what we should be doing is teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it sounds old, but it's still got power. It's the power that delivers people from sin, selfishness, and half of our problem is indulging both sin and selfishness within our heart. [00:27:17]
The gospel of Jesus Christ, and I believe the local church, is truly the hope for the world. The world would be in a better place if the church would take its powerful position. [00:28:17]
And when you trace the working of the Holy Spirit and the movement of God in the book of Acts. Every time there is a progress report because they were doing what God told them to do. And when they were doing what God told them to do, guess what God did? He added. To the church. [00:32:58]
When they are preaching the gospel, when they're not compromising, when they are yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that 3000 souls were added to that church just that day. [00:33:18]
Because when people experience transformation in their own lives. They experience transformation in their values. They experience transformation in their attitudes. Their perspective of life changes. Because they are now hooked up with the Holy One. [00:34:00]
We got to have a different attitude we can't say that God I only want you to do certain things in my life you can't have a piece of God you only want all of God what you should be asking what we should be asking for is God provide us wisdom how to manage and lead all of these people. [00:34:31]
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