Embracing the Spirit: Unity and Communion in Faith
Summary
Today’s focus is on the profound truths found in the lines of the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints.” These words, though brief, are packed with meaning and invite us to reflect on the living presence of God among us, the unity of the global church, and the deep fellowship we share with believers across time and space.
The Holy Spirit is not an afterthought or a lesser part of the Trinity. From the very beginning, the Spirit hovered over the waters of creation, spoke through the prophets, and now dwells within us, awakening us to God’s grace and shaping us into the likeness of Christ. The Spirit is the very breath that animates our faith, making God present and active in our lives. Without the Spirit, our faith becomes a mere set of beliefs or rituals; with the Spirit, we are drawn into a living relationship with God, able to cry out “Abba, Father” as beloved children.
The phrase “the holy catholic Church” can be confusing, but it simply means the universal church—the one body of Christ that transcends denominations, cultures, and centuries. We are not alone in our faith; we are part of a vast, diverse family of believers. Our particular congregation is just one expression of this greater reality. The early church, even before it had creeds or buildings, was marked by radical love and unity, especially in times of crisis. Their actions, empowered by the Spirit, changed the world and set an example for us to follow.
The “communion of saints” reminds us that our fellowship is not limited to those present in the room or even to those living today. We are united with all who have gone before us and all who will come after, sharing in the worship and mission of God’s people throughout history. Every act of worship, every shared meal, every moment of kindness is a participation in this great communion.
Ultimately, these beliefs call us to surrender more of ourselves to God, to be open to the Spirit’s work, and to live out our faith in love and service. We are set apart not because we are perfect, but because we are called to be instruments of God’s grace in the world.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit is the living presence of God, not a distant or abstract force. The Spirit awakens us to God’s love, assures us of forgiveness, and shapes us into Christ’s likeness. Our relationship with God is made real and intimate through the Spirit, who enables us to call God “Abba, Father.” [41:14]
- The unity of the church is rooted in the Spirit, not in uniformity of practice or belief. The “holy catholic Church” is the universal body of Christ, embracing all who confess the faith, regardless of denomination or tradition. True unity is found in our shared love for God and neighbor, not in having all the answers or the “right” way of worship. [54:09]
- Generosity and kindness are contagious and are tangible expressions of the Spirit’s work among us. When we give, serve, and love, we participate in God’s mission and inspire others to do the same. Our acts of generosity ripple outward, creating a culture of gratitude and thanksgiving to God. [28:52]
- The communion of saints is a living fellowship that transcends time and space. We are joined not only with those in our congregation but with believers of every age, including those who have gone before us. This great cloud of witnesses encourages us, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey of faith. [59:48]
- Holiness is not about personal perfection but about being set apart for God’s purposes. The Spirit’s work in us is demonstrated by how we love, serve, and make a difference in the world. Social holiness—faith expressed in action—was the mark of the early church and remains our calling today. [47:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[15:52] - Call to Worship and Affirmation of Faith
[28:52] - The Contagious Power of Generosity
[41:14] - Adoption as Children: The Spirit’s Work
[42:59] - The Holy Spirit in the Creeds
[45:32] - The Spirit from Creation to Today
[47:49] - Understanding the Trinity and Grace
[54:09] - The Meaning of the Holy Catholic Church
[58:46] - The Spirit Makes the Church Alive
[59:48] - The Communion of Saints Explained
[01:01:18] - Belonging to Each Other Across Generations
[01:02:34] - What These Beliefs Mean for Us
[01:07:43] - Closing and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “I Believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints”
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### Bible Reading
Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV)
> But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
> In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV)
> You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Galatians 4:4-7, what does Paul say is the result of God sending the Spirit of his Son into our hearts?
2. According to Genesis 1:2, what was the Spirit of God doing at the very beginning of creation?
3. In 2 Corinthians 9:11, what is the connection between generosity and thanksgiving to God?
4. The sermon described the early church as being marked by radical love and unity, especially in times of crisis. What specific actions did the early Christians take that set them apart? ([54:09])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for us to be able to call God “Abba, Father” because of the Holy Spirit? How does this change our relationship with God? ([41:14])
2. The sermon said, “Without the Spirit, the church is just a religious club. With the Spirit, we become the body of Christ.” What is the difference between a church that is alive with the Spirit and one that is not? ([58:46])
3. The phrase “holy catholic Church” was explained as the universal church, not just one denomination. Why is it important to remember that we are part of a global and historical family of believers? ([54:09])
4. The “communion of saints” includes believers from all times and places. How might this truth encourage someone who feels alone in their faith? ([59:48])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said the Holy Spirit “awakens us to God’s love, assures us of forgiveness, and shapes us into Christ’s likeness.” Is there an area of your life where you need to invite the Spirit to work more deeply? What would it look like to surrender that area? ([41:14])
2. When you hear “the holy catholic Church,” do you tend to think of your own congregation or the wider body of Christ? How might your attitude or actions change if you remembered you are part of a much bigger family? ([54:09])
3. The early church was known for its radical love and unity, especially during times of crisis. Can you think of a recent situation—either in our church or community—where you saw or could have shown this kind of love? What held you back, or what helped you act? ([54:09])
4. The sermon described generosity and kindness as “contagious.” Share a time when someone’s generosity inspired you to be generous. How can you be intentional about starting a ripple of kindness this week? ([28:52])
5. The “communion of saints” means we are connected to believers who have gone before us and those who will come after. Is there a person from your past—maybe a family member, teacher, or friend—whose faith still encourages you today? How can you honor their legacy in your own walk with God? ([59:48])
6. Holiness was described not as personal perfection, but as being set apart for God’s purposes. What is one practical way you can live out “social holiness” this week—serving or loving others in a way that points to Jesus? ([47:49])
7. The sermon ended with a prayer of surrender: “I am no longer my own but thine.” What is one area of your life where you sense God asking you to yield more fully to Him? What step can you take this week to say “yes” to God in that area? ([01:02:34])
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Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Makes Us Children and Heirs of God
Through the Holy Spirit, believers are adopted into God's family, experiencing an intimate relationship with God as "Abba, Father," and are no longer slaves but beloved children and heirs. [41:14]
Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV)
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."
Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to see yourself as God’s beloved child, and how might you invite the Holy Spirit to help you experience God’s fatherly love more deeply today?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit Brings Life and Unity to the Church
The Holy Spirit is the source of life for the church, uniting believers across nations, races, and generations into one body in Christ. [15:52]
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV)
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community who is different from you in background or perspective? How can you reach out to them this week as a step toward deeper unity in Christ?
Day 3: Generosity as a Response to God’s Generosity
God enriches us so that we can be generous to others, and our generosity becomes an act of worship and thanksgiving to God. [28:52]
2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV)
"You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show generosity—whether with your time, resources, or encouragement—to someone today as a tangible act of gratitude to God.
Day 4: The Church Is Holy and Universal, Set Apart for God’s Purposes
The church is not perfect, but it is holy because it is set apart for God’s purposes and united with all believers across time and place. [54:09]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How does knowing you are part of a global and historic church shape the way you pray for and interact with Christians from other traditions or cultures?
Day 5: The Communion of Saints—Belonging to One Another Across Time
Belief in the communion of saints means we are joined in fellowship not only with believers around us but also with those who have gone before, forming a holy community that transcends time and even death. [59:48]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: Who is a “saint” from your past—whether a family member, mentor, or historical Christian—whose example encourages you? How can you honor their legacy by living out your faith today?
Quotes
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