Empowered by the Holy Spirit: A Contemporary Reality
Summary
In my sermon, I discussed the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, drawing from biblical passages and personal experiences. I emphasized that the same Holy Spirit that was present during the creation of the world, the Protestant Reformation, the Great Awakenings, and the Holiness Revival is the same Holy Spirit present in our lives today. I also highlighted the importance of the Holy Spirit in the church planting movement, noting that the Methodist denomination planted one new church per day for 50 years from 1870 to 1920. I stressed that the Holy Spirit is not a relic of the past but a contemporary reality. I concluded by sharing my personal experience of coming to faith and the transformative power of accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit that was present during significant historical religious events is the same Holy Spirit present in our lives today. [ 25:59]
- The Methodist denomination experienced a significant church planting movement from 1870 to 1920, planting one new church per day for 50 years. [ 40:40]
- The Holy Spirit is not a relic of the past but a contemporary reality. [ 51:12]
- Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior can lead to a transformative change in your life. [ 59:58]
- The Holy Spirit is instrumental in the church planting movement, and we should strive to reproduce churches that reflect our relationship with God. [ 53:09]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:15-21 [25:59]
2. Genesis 1:1-2 [27:21]
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the time mentioned in Acts 2:15?
2. How does the prophecy of Joel mentioned in Acts 2:17-21 relate to the events happening at that time?
3. What does Genesis 1:1-2 tell us about the state of the earth before creation?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pouring out of the Spirit in Acts 2:17-21 relate to the concept of prophecy?
2. What does the 'brooding' of the Spirit over the waters in Genesis 1:2 suggest about the nature and role of the Holy Spirit in creation?
Application Questions:
1. How can you personally respond to the promise in Acts 2:21 that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved"?
2. In what ways can you seek to align your life more closely with the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the creation account in Genesis 1:1-2?
3. Reflecting on the gap between what we say we believe and how we live, what is one specific area in your life where you need to seek forgiveness and make a change?
4. Can you think of a specific situation where you've seen an authentic change in someone's life due to the work of the Holy Spirit? How did that impact your faith?
5. How can you actively participate in God's mission, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, in your community or church?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Holy Spirit's Power
The Holy Spirit is not a relic of the past, but a living, active force in our lives today. We must not treat the Holy Spirit as a museum piece, but rather, invite Him to fill us anew, empower our mission, and change our world. We must not be content with a form of religion without the power. [43:55]
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: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower your mission today?
Day 2: Seek a Fresh Touch from God
In the trials and challenges of life, it's easy for God's presence to ease away from us. We must recognize our need for a fresh touch from God, not out of casual desire, but out of a deep need. Like the finest tractor on the best farm, we too need fresh oil from time to time. [01:07:56]
Psalm 51:10 - "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need a fresh touch from God?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is not just a ritual, but a powerful tool for transformation. When we pray, we invite God's power into our lives and situations. We must not underestimate the power of prayer, but rather, use it as a means to connect with God and invite His power into our lives. [01:11:55]
James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer more effectively into your daily life?
Day 4: The Importance of Faith
Faith is not just a belief, but a commitment to trust in God. It is the first step towards a relationship with God and a life transformed by His power. We must not take our faith for granted, but rather, nurture it and allow it to grow. [01:12:43]
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Reflection: How can you nurture your faith and trust in God more deeply?
Day 5: The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not just a concept, but a living, active presence in our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us, guides us, and helps us to live out our faith in practical ways. We must not ignore the Holy Spirit, but rather, invite Him to fill us and guide us each day. [01:13:17]
Romans 8:26 - "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "We have this epidemic of young people now emerging in our culture who no longer trust people, trust the institutions, trust the church. The problem primarily is the hypocrisy that young people see in us, the unresolved gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live our lives." - 57:05
2. "The great witness of the Holy Spirit is above all else a changed heart and a changed life. Look your spouse in the eyes and say 'I'm sorry for saying one thing and living another. I'm sorry for the wounds I've caused. I'm sorry for my sin. Please forgive me.'" - 58:03
3. "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my spirit in those days and they will prophesy." - 25:59
4. "Fill me, Holy Spirit. Empower my life, restore my life, heal me. I have lots of hurts, habits, hang-ups. Heal me today with your Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord." - 01:11:55
5. "The one great truth of Pentecostal Doctrine is that the Holy Spirit hasn't gone anywhere. Jesus is the baptizer in the Holy Spirit. We've also heard from Jesus himself right after the resurrection and before the Ascension into heaven, 'Don't leave the area, stay in Jerusalem until you receive the promise of the Father, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.'" - 40:04
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