Empowered by Prayer and the Holy Spirit

Summary

In today's gathering at Crossroads Assembly, we focused on the power and necessity of prayer and the Holy Spirit in our lives. We began by inviting those in need of prayer to come forward, emphasizing the importance of praying in faith and the healing power of God. We prayed for various needs, including health issues and employment, trusting in God's ability to intervene and provide. This act of communal prayer set the tone for our service, reminding us of the strength found in unity and faith.

We also discussed our upcoming initiative, "Farming Our Community," where we plan to engage with our neighbors, offering prayer and building relationships. This initiative aims to touch lives consistently over the next year, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth. We hope to invite our neighbors to church events, creating opportunities for them to experience the love and fellowship of our congregation.

The sermon highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit as a convicting and convincing force in our lives. Jesus' departure was necessary for the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within us, guiding us in truth and righteousness. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that reflects Christ, enabling us to endure persecution and spread the gospel with boldness. We are reminded that what fills our hearts controls our lives, and being filled with the Holy Spirit leads to a life of purpose and peace.

We also touched on the importance of voting with a biblical perspective, encouraging everyone to participate in the electoral process as a stewardship responsibility. The sermon concluded with a call to action for the church to step outside its walls and make a tangible impact in the community, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us in this mission.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Communal Prayer: Gathering together in prayer strengthens our faith and unites us as a community. When we pray in faith, we invite God's healing and intervention in our lives, trusting in His power to meet our needs. [02:54]

- Engaging with Our Community: "Farming Our Community" is an initiative to build relationships with our neighbors through consistent engagement and prayer. By reaching out, we create opportunities for spiritual growth and invite others to experience the love of Christ. [07:38]

- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is essential for living a life that reflects Christ. It convicts and convinces us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, guiding us in truth and empowering us to spread the gospel with boldness. [01:09:09]

- Voting with a Biblical Perspective: As Christians, we have a responsibility to vote in alignment with biblical values. Our participation in the electoral process is a form of stewardship, influencing the society we live in for the better. [09:45]

- Living a Spirit-Led Life: Being filled with the Holy Spirit transforms us, enabling us to endure challenges and live a life of purpose. What fills our hearts controls our lives, and being Spirit-filled leads to peace and fulfillment. [01:27:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:33] - Invitation for Prayer
- [02:54] - Prayers for Healing and Employment
- [05:19] - Upcoming Community Initiative
- [07:38] - Building Relationships with Neighbors
- [09:45] - Importance of Voting Biblically
- [20:14] - Worship and Prayer for Healing
- [55:46] - Spirit of the Lord's Presence
- [01:01:50] - Understanding the Holy Spirit's Role
- [01:05:33] - The Disciples' Sorrow and Transformation
- [01:07:18] - The Day of Pentecost
- [01:09:09] - The Convicting Holy Spirit
- [01:14:15] - The Holy Spirit's Work in Conviction
- [01:17:03] - The Power of God's Word
- [01:18:33] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Evangelism
- [01:27:41] - Judgment and the Holy Spirit's Conviction
- [01:43:57] - Closing Prayer and Community Focus

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 16:5-11
2. Acts 2:1-4
3. Ephesians 5:18

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of Jesus' departure for the coming of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in John 16:7? How did this change the role of the disciples? [01:09:09]

2. In the sermon, what examples were given of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers to endure persecution and spread the gospel? [01:07:18]

3. How did the pastor describe the initiative "Farming Our Community," and what is its intended purpose? [07:38]

4. What was the pastor's perspective on voting with a biblical perspective, and how did he suggest it impacts society? [09:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Holy Spirit convict and convince individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment according to John 16:8-11? What role do believers play in this process? [01:14:15]

2. The pastor mentioned that what fills our hearts controls our lives. How does being filled with the Holy Spirit lead to a life of purpose and peace? [01:05:33]

3. In what ways does communal prayer strengthen faith and unite a community, as discussed in the sermon? [02:54]

4. How can engaging with the community through initiatives like "Farming Our Community" foster spiritual growth and relationships? [07:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more communal prayer into your routine to strengthen your faith and community bonds? [02:54]

2. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. Are there areas where you need to invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you more fully? [01:09:09]

3. How can you actively participate in the "Farming Our Community" initiative or similar outreach efforts in your area? What steps can you take to build relationships with your neighbors? [07:38]

4. Evaluate your voting habits. How can you ensure that your choices align with biblical values and contribute positively to society? [09:45]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel challenged or persecuted. How can being filled with the Holy Spirit help you endure and respond with boldness? [01:07:18]

6. Think of a person in your life who may benefit from experiencing the love and fellowship of your church community. How can you invite them to an upcoming church event or service? [07:38]

7. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that your heart is filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to a life of peace and purpose? [01:05:33]

Devotional

Day 1: The Strength of Communal Prayer
In the midst of life's challenges, gathering together in prayer can be a powerful source of strength and unity. When believers come together, they create an environment where faith is strengthened, and God's presence is invited to work in miraculous ways. Communal prayer is not just about presenting requests to God; it is about standing in solidarity with one another, trusting in God's power to heal, provide, and intervene in our lives. This act of faith and unity can lead to profound spiritual growth and a deeper sense of community. [02:54]

"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today to join in prayer, and how can you make communal prayer a regular part of your spiritual practice?

Day 2: Building Bridges with Our Neighbors
Engaging with our community is a vital aspect of living out our faith. The "Farming Our Community" initiative is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with our neighbors through consistent engagement and prayer. By reaching out, we create spaces for spiritual growth and invite others to experience the love and fellowship of Christ. This initiative is not just about inviting people to church events; it is about genuinely caring for those around us and being a tangible expression of God's love in our community. [07:38]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to engage with a neighbor or someone in your community, showing them the love of Christ?

Day 3: The Guiding Presence of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of a believer, acting as a convicting and convincing force that guides us in truth and righteousness. Jesus' departure was necessary for the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within us, empowering us to live a life that reflects Christ. The Holy Spirit enables us to endure persecution, spread the gospel with boldness, and live a life of purpose and peace. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to control our hearts and lives, leading us to a deeper relationship with God. [01:09:09]

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you today?

Day 4: Voting as an Act of Stewardship
As Christians, participating in the electoral process is a form of stewardship, where we have the opportunity to influence society in alignment with biblical values. Voting with a biblical perspective means considering how our choices reflect God's principles and contribute to the common good. It is a responsibility that requires prayerful consideration and discernment, recognizing that our actions can have a significant impact on the world around us. [09:45]

"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself to vote in a way that aligns with your faith and values, and what steps can you take to become more informed about the issues at hand?

Day 5: Living a Spirit-Led Life
A life filled with the Holy Spirit is marked by peace, purpose, and the ability to endure challenges. What fills our hearts ultimately controls our lives, and being Spirit-filled means allowing God's presence to transform us from the inside out. This transformation empowers us to live boldly for Christ, spreading His love and truth to those around us. A Spirit-led life is not without difficulties, but it is one that is anchored in the assurance of God's guidance and strength. [01:27:41]

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." (Ephesians 5:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender control to the Holy Spirit, and how can you begin to do that today?

Quotes

1. "Coming up November the 10th, we will be farming our community. Amen. If you don't know what that is, show up on November the 10th after the morning service. I haven't decided exactly what time. I'm thinking, what do you think, 3 or 4? 3 or 4? Something like that. We'll announce it, but it's got to be early enough to give you time. We're going to be farming our neighborhoods. And what that means is we're going to pick some neighborhoods right up here off North Drive and have couples or groups, whatever. We'll pair each other or triple each other up. And we'll go knock those doors and just introduce ourselves as we are their neighbors. And we are wanting to pray for our neighbors. And we attend this church. Do they have any prayer requests?" [00:06:07] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "As we do this and we have church events, we invite our neighbors. Hey, you know, we would love to invite you. We're having a ladies' event coming up. We're having a men's event coming up. We're having an all-church event coming up. We have a great children's church that your kids would love to be in. We're having this, you know, whatever the church, the children would enjoy. And hopefully we will be able to build relationships with these people as we continue to go back. And it's my plan right now. It's my plan maybe to do that for the next year. That would mean like that we have touched them at least. If we were to do it every six weeks, we would touch them, I guess, about six times. Or no, it would be nine times. And if we were to do it every month, we'd touch them 12 times over the next year. Amen. And I think that would be great." [00:07:41] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Wendy's like you haven't even mentioned it and I'm like with our people I'm pretty sure they're gonna vote the right way I mean you know if I had a church of 300 I would probably say something because you know there are some people in there that don't know head from tails and they're just kind of there and at least we could direct them but I will say that you know for us Christians when we vote we vote biblically right we vote and what do you mean by biblically well let's see I'm not going I'm not endorsing a party so if any of you Democrats or or haters out there are watching this this right now I'm not endorsing one party or the other I'm just saying do not vote for the party that believes in killing unborn children do not vote for the party that believes in chopping hearts off of adolescent children okay I mean that's just like vote for the party that is not insane okay that's the kindest way I can put it because I truly they're crazy they're crazy if you think killing an unborn child or a living child is if you think hey I wanted to have an abortion this baby came out alive let's just leave the crying child on a table until it dies and then we'll throw it away if you think that's acceptable and that's okay and that's normal you're insane you're borderline psychopath in my opinion that's just my opinion but I will tell you the bible calls it murder so I wouldn't vote for murderers to be my representative and represent my position so you've been admonished go vote the right way and I would encourage you to vote even if you're watching and you're in California and you're in New York or you're in a in oh almost said the word if you're in a certain state that votes for the insane people and you say my vote doesn't matter yes it does you know why because the media and the public and those that oppose godliness they always say oh but so and so got the popular vote do you understand what the popular vote and the electoral college is the electoral college is that if you're in a state like California and I don't know the exact number let's say California gets seven votes and because Nebraska is very low population they get two votes because they're a lot smaller well you may have a gazillion people in California and and they vote seven and then you may have Nebraska Iowa and a couple of other states that come out of the state that we will do that for you so if you come from the north of the state you may get the same result expectations and add you may have the same kind of voting so and make sure you cafetarian those groups that are on both sides of the state likegammonа and they make up eight electoral college votes but because the population they don't И not even close to California but the person that wins got more of these under states than then and so you can have more number of individuals that vote for one party and the other parties still wins because they got more of the states and they did get more than the state when it doesn't matter any they collected more electoral votes but what happens let me educate you on this because when you hear that you you know you may think well that does sound fair okay there are some people in some of these states that just don't go vote if you knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that your candidate was going to lose you know because you're in a state where 99 of the people vote one way you might not waste your time and go vote because you would say why waste my time i know how this is going to go i'm going to get blown out of the water okay i'm telling you go vote anyways why because one party loves to tout oh the popular vote the popular vote well if people in those you know as as i heard one commentator say tell us the rules before we play the game because if you want to count popular vote we'll start promoting ourselves in places like california and new york and some of these states and dc and virginia why so we can get more people that are saying to actually vote because we know the rules we know oh we're not going by by electoral now we're going by by popular vote so now some of these people that sit at home can get out and vote but they should do it anyways because you have a voz I believe God entrusts us with a vote Now I know, I know there are some people If I was to post this on Facebook And there may be some people watching And they say, only God can save this country Only God can, I agree And I don't think electing one party is going to save the country But it is going to give me a better country to grow up To raise my children in It is going to give me a better country to walk in society in It is going to give me a country that is more free To express my religious freedom in I don't think it's going to save No candidate is going to save the world I'm not voting for a savior If I was voting for a savior, it would be Jesus all the way I'm voting for a government That I want to represent me Therefore, I vote for God I'm not voting for the platform I'm not telling you I'm voting for a candidate I don't think the man is perfect I don't believe he's saved I know a lot of people would disagree I think he's a decent man He's got a very bad history If you look at his history I mean, some of the things he said, very disgraceful His speech, he speaks with a filthy mouth He's got bad language That man's got my vote a thousand percent Right? Amen Because I don't think he's going to save the country Because I'm voting for a government Where the Bible says You need to pray for your government So that you can live a quiet and peaceable life So that if you want to protest against abortion They don't come and arrest you So that if you don't want to call somebody By the wrong pronoun Instead of using proper grammar And you don't call them by the wrong pronoun They don't come and arrest you That's what I'm voting for I'm voting for common decency In the public opinion In the public and government arena And I'm preaching Jesus To get people saved Two separate things Amen Amen Okay, I've spent already way too much time Talking about that Amen Who came to worship the Lord this morning Amen And in all honesty, no matter which way it goes If it doesn't go the way I want I'm going to be very sad That it went that way I'm going to be very shocked That we do live now in a country That has just gone totally wacko But I'm trusting Jesus Amen Just like the apostles in the first century That they were arrested for their faith They were persecuted for their faith We will be too And we're already seeing it Yes, now I used to say, not in this country We're seeing it in other countries No, now we're seeing it in this country Where they are now throwing Where was it? Somebody A grandmother, like 70 -something years old Just got arrested, put in prison For like three or five years For supposedly obstructing No, no, no It was unlawful assembly For being out in front of an abortion clinic I will guarantee you A 74 -year -old Was not buckling up And blocking people from entering The clinic But it's called lawlessness It's warfare, right?" [00:10:06] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "It's warfare using the judicial system Because you have You have people that get appointed Liberal judges that get appointed To those positions And let me tell you I'll say one more thing And I've got to quit All politics is local Maybe in four years I'll preach an election sermon Did you know about a hundred years ago That pulpits all across America They would preach election sermons You can buy books Of old sermons By these great ministers of old They were election sermons So maybe I will But let me tell you All politics is local Where do you think These local politicians go After they're elected To local political positions They have aspirations to go And move to higher and higher And higher positions And pretty soon you have them Federalists Representatives In federal government Representing you If you don't vote Hmm What can I say nice You should You need to You've got a duty I believe God has given you a stewardship You say well Okay I'm sorry I am going to go a little bit more You say well there are There are plenty of people In the world That don't have the right to vote Exactly God isn't holding them responsible For their government Because they have no choice In the matter But when you have a choice I believe You have a God given duty To elect the best possible Representative that you can Amen Okay Amen I will do this one more time" [00:20:04] (111 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Something happened after he left. Soon and very soon, they were filled with the Holy Ghost. We read about it on the day of Pentecost. They were controlled by the Holy Ghost. And you see a church that is transformed. And controlled by the Holy Spirit. Why? Because they are filled to full. They are overflowing with the Holy Ghost. On that day, we're going to see Peter preach a gospel message. Chicken Peter, right? He's going to preach a message. So bold. Proclaiming Christ and 3,000 people are going to get saved that day. The church. The church is going to be filled with the Spirit. And you know what? It's going to enable them to endure the persecution. They're going to get flogged for the cause of Christ. And the Bible in Acts 5 says, They rejoiced that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And let me tell you, that is what happens when we live a life in the Spirit of God. That's what Brother Clendenin talked about Wednesday night. Living a life in the Spirit of God. I didn't give you the title of my message yet. The title of my message is the convicting, convincing Holy Spirit." [01:07:29] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "How we need the convicting and the convincing Holy Spirit in our life. Because that's what happens when we live in the Spirit. We are guided by the Spirit. And so my question for you today is, What fills your heart today? If you're filled with fear, Fear is going to control your life. If you're filled with doubt, Doubt is going to control your life. If you're filled with distress or sadness, That's going to control your life. But let me tell you, If you're filled with the Spirit of God, God is going to control your life." [01:08:47] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The comforter will not come unto you But if I depart I will send him unto you What is he saying? He's saying you absolutely do not understand this right now But it is absolutely in your best interest that I go away Think about that Jesus is saying my absence is better than my presence Why? Because I am sending the Holy Spirit to you They're filled with sadness and fear and distress of mind Because they cannot see how this is good for them They cannot see how this is advantageous to them They cannot see how this is the best path forward Have you ever been there?" [01:09:40] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "God has spoken something to you You feel the Spirit is leading or guiding you And you say how can this be best for me? I do not see it How can this be good? How is this going to be advantageous to me? I do not understand it But what they didn't understand was it was the only way It was the only way It was the only way to accomplish the work of redemption And the coming of His Spirit It was the only way It would be the only way the disciples would realize the promise of John 14, 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you He that believes on me The works that I do Shall He do also Shall we do also And greater works than these shall we do Because He goes unto the Father See it was This was the plan of God This was the plan of God for creation This was the plan of God for redemption This was the plan of God for you and I This was the plan of God for the church of the living God Because we need the convicting and convincing Holy Spirit of God The Holy Spirit was going to do And is doing more By His omnipresence Than Jesus could have living 2,000 years In His singular Earthly Physical presence Because He can't be everywhere at once The Holy Ghost is inside every one of us That are believers I believe we all are The Holy Spirit Can be in every church across this nation And in us at the same time Jesus would just have to visit one at a time He couldn't be there like this So He says you do not understand How important, how imperative it is And He says And now He gives the reason why Verse 8 Because when the Holy Spirit comes He's going to reprove the world of sin He's going to reprove the world of sin He's going to reprove the world of righteousness He's going to reprove the world of judgment Of sin because they believe not on me Of righteousness because I go to the Father You see me no more Of judgment because the Prince of this world is judged Jesus is saying the Holy Spirit is necessary For men to understand the truth concerning sin The truth concerning righteousness The truth concerning judgment What does it mean to reprove?" [01:10:24] (157 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "It can mean like a rebuke But it means to convict To convict And to convince The Holy Spirit is a convincer Of sin It convicts the world And convinces the world Of sin How does the Holy Spirit do this? I want you to pay close attention To this right here As Brother Clendenin would say It is imperative that we understand this we need the holy spirit to to to live in our life because it is through the believer that the holy spirit convicts and convinces not not not singularly through the believer but i would say mainly through the believer what does he say verse seven nevertheless i tell you the truth it is expedient for for you that i go away because if i do not go the comforter will not come but if i depart i will what send him on to you" [01:13:02] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I'm going to send him on to you he tells in another place he will be with you and he will be in you he will be in you and guess what he's going to do in you and through you he will repent the world of sin through the individual life of the believer he's going to convict that's what the holy spirit is doing today you look over in acts chapter 7 and we see it for the past 2,000 years but but using a biblical illustration stephen is there preaching a sermon and he begins with abraham he moves to jacob joseph moses david solomon and he comes to christ and he says you stiff -necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears you do always resist the holy ghost as your fathers did so do you which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted he's like you're doing the same thing you have if you look back at your history we all know that our full" [01:13:55] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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