Embracing the Holy Spirit for Transformative Relationships
Summary
Today, we gathered as a family of faith, celebrating the work God is doing among us and looking forward to new opportunities for outreach and connection. As we prepare for upcoming events and seasons, our hearts are drawn to the central truth that God’s greatest desire is for each of us to have an intimate, personal relationship with Him. This relationship is not just a matter of knowledge or tradition, but of deep communion, made possible only through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
We live in a world filled with anxiety, division, and uncertainty. The pressures of daily life, the noise of constant information, and the struggles within our society can leave us feeling powerless and discouraged. Yet, the promise of Scripture is that God has not left us alone. Jesus, knowing He would soon depart, assured His disciples that He would send the Comforter—the Holy Spirit—to dwell within us. This is not a distant or impersonal force, but the very presence of God, available to guide, empower, and comfort us every day.
Too often, the Holy Spirit is neglected or misunderstood in our churches. We may know facts about God, or even be active in religious life, but miss the transforming power of truly knowing Him. There are different levels of “knowing”—from simple awareness, to understanding, to relationship, and finally to deep communion. It is this deepest level that God desires for us: to know Him so intimately that our lives are marked by faith, obedience, and the fruit of the Spirit.
This kind of relationship changes everything. It breaks cycles of negativity, heals divisions, and empowers us to pray with boldness and expectation. It moves us from focusing on the sins of others to allowing God to cleanse and fill us personally. When we surrender to the Holy Spirit, we become vessels of God’s love and power, able to impact our families, our church, and our community. No matter our past, God offers us new beginnings and invites us to be part of His mission. The invitation is open: come home, trust Him, and let the Spirit lead you into the fullness of life in Christ.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit is not an “it” or a distant force, but the personal presence of God, sent by Jesus to dwell within every believer. To experience His power, we must move beyond mere knowledge or tradition and seek a real, daily relationship with Him, inviting Him to fill and guide us in all things. [44:04]
- There are different levels of “knowing” God: from simple awareness, to understanding facts, to relationship, and finally to deep communion. Only at the deepest level—where we desire to know Christ intimately and share in His resurrection power—do we experience true transformation and joy. [01:03:11]
- The challenges and anxieties of our world—political division, economic stress, and personal struggles—can only be overcome by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. When we allow Him to fill us, we are empowered to pray with faith, love others deeply, and break cycles of negativity and division in our homes and church. [01:10:14]
- True revival and spiritual awakening begin not with outward programs or focusing on the sins of others, but with personal surrender. Drawing a circle around ourselves, we must ask God to cleanse us, fill us, and use us—trusting that He desires to do greater things through us than we can imagine. [01:12:19]
- No matter your past or present struggles, God’s grace is sufficient. He offers second, third, and hundredth chances, inviting you to come home, trust Him, and be filled with His Spirit. When we unite under the banner of Jesus, surrendering our own ways, God will use us mightily for His glory and the good of others. [01:18:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[37:39] - Community Outreach and Barbecue Cook-Off
[39:13] - Blessing and Sending Forth
[40:01] - Upcoming Series and Pentecost Sunday
[41:13] - The Desire for Intimate Relationship with God
[42:36] - The Church’s Need for the Holy Spirit
[44:04] - The Enemy’s Strategy: Neglecting the Spirit
[45:41] - Anxiety, Distraction, and Hearing God’s Voice
[47:04] - Jesus: The Only Way to the Father
[49:19] - Radical Welcome at the Foot of the Cross
[51:53] - The Promise of a Dwelling Place
[52:55] - The Necessity of a Personal Relationship
[54:11] - Breaking Cycles and Lifting Others Up
[57:21] - Spiritual Warfare and the Real Enemy
[59:31] - The Four Levels of Knowing God
[01:03:11] - Deep Communion and the Power of Resurrection
[01:10:14] - Praying with Faith and Protecting Our Families
[01:12:19] - Personal Surrender and Revival
[01:18:12] - God’s Invitation to Come Home
[01:20:14] - The Call to Trust and Respond
[01:22:14] - Prayer of Salvation and Commitment
[01:24:12] - Next Steps and Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Knowing God Deeply: The Holy Spirit and Intimate Relationship”
---
### Bible Reading
John 14:1-17
*(Key verses: John 14:6, 14:16-17)*
> “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me... And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.’”
Philippians 3:10
> “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 14, what does Jesus promise to his disciples before he leaves them? ([47:04])
2. According to the sermon, what are the different levels of “knowing” God that are described? ([01:02:08])
3. What is the role of the Holy Spirit as described by Jesus in John 14? ([47:04])
4. In Philippians 3:10, what does Paul say he wants to know, and why is that significant? ([01:03:11])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that many people know facts about God or are active in church, but still miss the transforming power of truly knowing Him. What does it mean to move from knowledge or tradition to deep communion with God? ([01:02:08])
2. Why do you think Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Comforter” or “Helper”? How does this change the way we think about God’s presence in our daily lives? ([47:04])
3. The pastor mentioned that cycles of negativity and division can be broken by the Holy Spirit. What does it look like for the Holy Spirit to break these cycles in a family or church? ([54:11])
4. The sermon talks about drawing a circle around ourselves and asking God to cleanse and fill us, rather than focusing on the sins of others. Why is personal surrender so important for revival? ([01:12:19])
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “Too often, the Holy Spirit is neglected or misunderstood in our churches.” In your own experience, have you ever ignored or misunderstood the Holy Spirit? What would it look like to invite Him to fill and guide you this week? ([44:04])
2. Think about the four levels of “knowing” God described in the sermon (awareness, understanding, relationship, deep communion). Which level best describes where you are right now? What is one step you could take to move deeper? ([01:02:08])
3. The world is full of anxiety, division, and uncertainty. Is there a specific area of your life where you feel powerless or discouraged? How might surrendering that area to the Holy Spirit change things? ([45:41])
4. The pastor shared about praying boldly and with expectation. When was the last time you prayed with boldness? Is there something you need to start praying for with more faith? ([01:10:14])
5. The sermon challenged us to stop focusing on the sins of others and instead ask God to cleanse and fill us personally. Is there a habit or attitude in your own life that you need to surrender to God today? ([01:12:19])
6. The pastor said, “No matter your past or present struggles, God’s grace is sufficient. He offers second, third, and hundredth chances.” Is there something in your past that you need to let go of and trust God’s grace for a new beginning? ([01:18:12])
7. The invitation is open: “Come home, trust Him, and let the Spirit lead you into the fullness of life in Christ.” What would it look like for you to “come home” to God this week? Is there a specific area where you need to trust Him more? ([01:20:14])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill each person, to move from knowledge to deep communion, and to empower the group to love, pray, and serve with boldness and unity.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Is the Only Way to the Father
True relationship with God is only possible through Jesus Christ.
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
John 14:1-6 (KJV)
Reflection: Is there any area of your life where you are trying to approach God apart from Jesus? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
[47:04]
Day 2: The Holy Spirit—Our Comforter and Power
The Holy Spirit is a personal presence who empowers, comforts, and guides believers.
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
John 14:16-18 (KJV)
Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally invited the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you? How can you make space today to listen for His voice?
[44:04]
Day 3: God Desires All to Be Saved
God’s heart is for every person to come to know Him through Jesus.
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
1 Timothy 2:3-6 (KJV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus’ love and salvation? Will you pray for them by name and look for an opportunity to share with them this week?
[54:11]
Day 4: Knowing Jesus Means Deep Relationship, Not Just Head Knowledge
True knowledge of Jesus is a living, growing relationship, not just facts or church attendance.
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
John 17:3 (KJV)
Reflection: In what ways have you settled for knowing about Jesus instead of truly knowing Him? What is one step you can take today to deepen your relationship with Him?
[01:03:11]
Day 5: Praying in Faith and Obedience Releases God’s Power
Praying with faith and obedience, in the name of Jesus, invites the Holy Spirit’s power into our lives and families.
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments."
John 14:13-15 (KJV)
Reflection: What is one specific need or person you can pray for today, boldly and in faith, trusting God to move as you pray in Jesus’ name?
[01:12:19]
Quotes
But what stops us is the sin. We're so worried about the sin that everybody else has. We're so worried about the big sins. We're so worried about abortion. And I'm not saying we shouldn't be worried about it. But we want to teach and preach a whole month on that. But we don't want to teach about hell. We don't want to preach about hell. We don't want to preach about you not using your tongue and talking about your brother or sister in Christ. We don't want to talk about the gossip on the telephones. We don't want to talk about texting hateful things to people, saying hateful things in the hallway. And we don't want to talk about that sin. But yet we want to talk about all the big sins. And hey, it's the little sins that keep us from really living with the Holy Spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [01:11:28] (50 seconds)
Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sin in full from the utterance, from the cross. He said, It is finished. Amen? And that means the whole redemption process for you and I have been done and all we've got to do is trust him. He says, Call on me. And today, for whosoever, over in Romans 10, 10, 13, it says, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Put your name there and call on him today. [01:21:22] (31 seconds)
Because I'm going to tell you the devil wants you to think that the Holy Spirit doesn't matter because if you're saved today and he can keep you from being filled with the Spirit, he can keep you to where you'll never glorify God. [00:44:12] (19 seconds)
But the problem we have today in America that, Angelo, we've seen in South Africa, but now we're seeing here is a manifestation of satanic spirits to where they have a stronghold. See, we want to put faces on all of this stuff. And I'm going to tell you, we're not fighting flesh and blood. The Bible says we're fighting principalities and spirits and dominions. We're not fighting one another. [00:56:53] (39 seconds)
Because this is a church named Calvary, and at Calvary, everybody's welcome at the foot of the cross. Without exception. You can clap for that. We ought to be clapping. There ought to be more shouting than that. [00:49:38] (15 seconds)
You're a child of the Most High God. Do you believe that today? Hey, and let me tell you another thing. He's made you joint heirs with Jesus Christ. People say, you can't do that, Bubba. I say, hmm, that ain't what my Bible says. Amen? If he told Jesus he could, guess what? I'm praying in the name of Jesus. I'm praying, hey, Lord, use me like you did your son, and all I know is God's going to use us. [01:19:08] (27 seconds)
You cannot, you cannot have a relationship with the Father without Jesus Christ. You cannot allow your spirit and listen to the voice of your spirit, the fleshly side of your spirit, and think that you're in right relationship with God. [00:48:12] (25 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 18, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?