Embracing the Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not just a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He is a person equal in every way with God the Father and God the Son. He is considered to be the third member of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is powerful and plays a crucial role in our lives, providing us with strength, guidance, and wisdom.

Acts 1:8 - "But 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."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt powerless. How could you have invited the Holy Spirit into that situation to provide you with power and guidance?

Day 2: The Desire for More of God

Our desire for more of God should be a driving force in our lives. This desire should lead us to seek Him in prayer, in His Word, and in fellowship with other believers.

Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."

Reflection: What are some tangible ways you can demonstrate your desire for more of God in your daily life? For example, could you set aside a specific time each day for prayer and Bible study?

Day 3: The Fear of Grieving the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a person and, like any person, can be grieved by our actions. When we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit. But when we repent and turn from our sin, we bring joy to the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30 - "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Reflection: Can you identify any attitudes or actions in your life that might be grieving the Holy Spirit? How can you change these behaviors to better honor and respect the Holy Spirit?

Day 4: The Restoration of the Church

The church is not a building, but a body of believers with a specific nature and purpose. These biblical roles or ministries of the church are foundational to it being the church.

Ephesians 4:12 - "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the restoration of the church in your local community? Are there specific gifts or talents you can offer to support this spiritual awakening?

Day 5: The New Birth Experience

The new birth experience is a spiritual transformation that occurs when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This transformation is brought about by the Holy Spirit, who indwells the believer and begins the process of making them more like Christ.

John 3:3 - "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'"

Reflection: Reflect on your own new birth experience. How has this powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit shaped your faith journey? If you haven't had this experience yet, what steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit into your life in a more profound way?

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, I shared my personal experiences with the Holy Spirit, starting from my first encounter at a small Methodist church in Concordia, Missouri. I was only 14 years old and didn't even know there was such a thing as the Holy Spirit. But during the last song of the service, I felt a powerful presence that made me tremble. I emphasized that I can only share what I've personally experienced, and my experiences with the Holy Spirit have been profound and life-changing.

I also spoke about the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the need to cooperate with it. I stressed that the Holy Spirit is not just a concept or a doctrine, but a living presence that can guide and empower us. I warned against grieving the Holy Spirit and shared my fear of losing this anointing. I also talked about the cost of following the Holy Spirit, stating that it doesn't come cheap and requires a willingness to surrender everything.

Key Takeaways

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Sermon Clips

1. "You don't know young people, you don't know in this ministry. You only see the glamour in this ministry. Yesterday the thousands in this arena only saw the miracles and they saw the glory but very few of them could see the price that was paid before those miracles took place." - 31:40

2. "What do you want most in life? That has to come first. Face facts, face yourself, look yourself directly in the face. Maybe you don't desire what I've been talking about, maybe that isn't your desirable. Maybe it isn't. There are other things in life that you want more, that you feel are more desirable." - 34:30

3. "I believe that this is the very last youth generation before the great tribulation. I believe that. I've got to believe it, knowing the word of prophecy as I do. This is the last youth generation before the great tribulation sitting here in this assembly this Monday morning. Face it, face facts, face God, face reality, face truths." - 22:52

4. "I have no talent. I was born without anything. I have no talent, nothing. That's the reason probably it was easy for me to say take nothing and use it. For some of you, it may be a little hot, a little hard to die on that cross. That cross is there, without exception, you're faced with the cross. You're across. What are you gonna do about it?" - 36:46

5. "I saw myself as I really was, a sinner in the sight of God, and I did something. I laid that hymnal down and I did the only thing that I knew what to do. I'd seen them taking church members and I stepped forward and sat down in the first pew right in the corner and wept. This was my conversion. This was my first contact with the Holy Spirit." - 05:07

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