Empowered by the Holy Spirit: A Personal Journey
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Connect Church! It's wonderful to be back and continue our series on the Holy Spirit. Over the past six weeks, my family and I took a sabbatical, traveling through Europe, which was both challenging and memorable. I want to extend my gratitude to our incredible team who kept everything running smoothly in my absence.
Today, we delve deeper into understanding the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that He is not just a manifestation of power but a person with whom we can have a relationship. Jesus promised that it was to our advantage that He goes away so that the Holy Spirit could come and be with us always. This promise is crucial for our spiritual lives, as the Holy Spirit empowers us to worship, serve, and be like Jesus.
We discussed the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is distinct from water baptism and the initial repentance that brings us into the body of Christ. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience that empowers believers for ministry and daily living. It's not just about speaking in tongues but about being filled with the Spirit to live a life that reflects Jesus.
I shared my personal journey of seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that it's a promise for all believers. This experience is transformative, providing us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to navigate life's challenges and fulfill our mission as followers of Christ.
We also explored the difference between being baptized in the Holy Spirit and being continually filled with the Spirit. The former is a one-time event, while the latter is an ongoing process that requires us to seek God's presence regularly. By doing so, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and empower us in our daily lives.
As we move forward, I encourage everyone to participate in our upcoming days of prayer and fasting, seeking a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. Let's open our hearts, repent for any neglect, and welcome the Holy Spirit into every aspect of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit as a Person: The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or power but a person with whom we can have a relationship. He has a will, mind, and emotions, and He desires to guide and empower us in our daily lives. Recognizing Him as a person changes how we interact with Him, making our faith more intimate and personal. [07:35]
2. The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised that it was to our advantage that He goes away so that the Holy Spirit could come. This promise is essential for our spiritual growth and empowerment. The Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live a life that reflects Jesus. [06:02]
3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: This is a distinct experience from water baptism and repentance. It empowers believers for ministry and daily living. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not just about speaking in tongues but about being filled with the Spirit to live a life that reflects Jesus. [19:55]
4. Ongoing Filling of the Holy Spirit: Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process that requires us to seek God's presence regularly. By doing so, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and empower us in our daily lives. This continual filling is essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry. [37:40]
5. Practical Steps to Engage with the Holy Spirit: To experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we need to repent for any neglect, schedule time for prayer, and actively seek His presence. Engaging in worship, prayer, and fasting are practical ways to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives and experience His transformative power. [41:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:44] - Sabbatical Recap
[03:03] - Gratitude for the Team
[04:32] - The World’s Opposition
[06:02] - Importance of the Holy Spirit
[07:35] - Jesus’ Promise of the Holy Spirit
[09:22] - Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[10:40] - Personal Story of Water Baptism
[14:05] - Trusting God for the Holy Spirit
[15:49] - Baptism of Repentance
[17:43] - Water Baptism
[19:55] - Baptism in the Holy Spirit
[23:24] - Holy Spirit at Conversion vs. Baptism
[25:08] - Paul’s Teaching on the Holy Spirit
[28:41] - Personal Experience with the Holy Spirit
[33:19] - Power of the Holy Spirit in Ministry
[35:03] - Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
[37:40] - Difference Between Baptism and Filling
[39:19] - Worship and the Holy Spirit
[41:45] - Practical Steps to Engage with the Holy Spirit
[43:16] - Prayer and Repentance
[46:10] - Invitation for Prayer
[50:27] - Continuing Jesus’ Mission
[51:33] - Call to Salvation
[52:45] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding the Holy Spirit
#### Bible Reading
1. John 16:7 (ESV) - "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."
2. Acts 2:38-39 (ESV) - "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'"
3. Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) - "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 16:7, why did Jesus say it was to our advantage that He goes away? How does this relate to the coming of the Holy Spirit? ([07:35])
2. In Acts 2:38-39, what are the steps Peter outlines for receiving the Holy Spirit? How does this promise extend to future generations? ([22:13])
3. What does Ephesians 5:18 compare being filled with the Holy Spirit to, and what does this imply about the nature of being filled with the Spirit? ([35:03])
4. How does the pastor describe his personal experience with the baptism of the Holy Spirit? What steps did he take to seek this experience? ([31:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as a "Helper" in John 16:7? How does this title shape our understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives? ([07:35])
2. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38-39 demonstrate God's inclusivity and desire for all people to receive His Spirit? ([22:13])
3. What does the comparison in Ephesians 5:18 between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit suggest about the control and influence the Holy Spirit should have in a believer's life? ([35:03])
4. Reflecting on the pastor's personal journey, what can we learn about the importance of persistence and faith in seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit? ([31:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus said it was to our advantage that He goes away so the Holy Spirit could come. How does this promise impact your daily walk with Christ? Have you experienced the Holy Spirit as a Helper in your life? ([07:35])
2. Peter's call to repent and be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit is clear. Have you taken these steps in your own faith journey? If not, what is holding you back? ([22:13])
3. Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to be filled with the Spirit rather than being drunk with wine. Are there areas in your life where you need to relinquish control to the Holy Spirit? How can you start doing that this week? ([35:03])
4. The pastor shared his experience of seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit through prayer and fasting. Have you ever dedicated time to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? What practical steps can you take to do this? ([31:02])
5. The sermon emphasized the ongoing filling of the Holy Spirit. How can you make seeking God's presence a regular part of your life? What changes can you make to ensure you are continually filled with the Spirit? ([37:40])
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of repentance for neglecting the Holy Spirit. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and invite the Holy Spirit back in? How will you do this? ([41:12])
7. The upcoming days of prayer and fasting were highlighted as a way to engage with the Holy Spirit. Are you willing to participate in this? How can you prepare yourself spiritually and practically for this time? ([09:22])
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit as a Person
The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or power but a person with whom we can have a relationship. He has a will, mind, and emotions, and He desires to guide and empower us in our daily lives. Recognizing Him as a person changes how we interact with Him, making our faith more intimate and personal. Understanding the Holy Spirit as a person means acknowledging His presence in our lives and seeking to build a relationship with Him, just as we would with any other person. This relationship is foundational to experiencing the fullness of the Christian life.
The Holy Spirit's personal nature means He can be grieved, He can comfort, and He can guide us in specific ways. When we see Him as a person, we are more likely to seek His guidance, listen to His promptings, and rely on His strength. This understanding transforms our prayer life, our worship, and our daily walk with God. It moves us from a transactional faith to a relational one, where we are constantly aware of and responsive to the Holy Spirit's presence and leading. [07:35]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you acknowledge the Holy Spirit as a person in your daily life today? What specific steps can you take to build a more intimate relationship with Him?
Day 2: The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised that it was to our advantage that He goes away so that the Holy Spirit could come. This promise is essential for our spiritual growth and empowerment. The Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live a life that reflects Jesus. This promise is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that impacts our daily lives. The Holy Spirit's presence means we are never alone, and we have access to divine wisdom, strength, and comfort at all times.
The promise of the Holy Spirit is a game-changer for believers. It means that we have a constant companion who is committed to our growth and transformation. The Holy Spirit helps us understand God's Word, convicts us of sin, and empowers us to live out our faith in practical ways. Embracing this promise means living with an awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence and relying on His power rather than our own. [06:02]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance? How can you remind yourself of His constant presence throughout your day?
Day 3: Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience from water baptism and repentance. It empowers believers for ministry and daily living. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not just about speaking in tongues but about being filled with the Spirit to live a life that reflects Jesus. This experience is transformative, providing us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to navigate life's challenges and fulfill our mission as followers of Christ.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts and boldness to serve God effectively. It is an invitation to a deeper level of intimacy with God and a greater measure of His power in our lives. This experience is available to all believers and is essential for living a victorious Christian life. Seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit is about desiring more of God and being willing to surrender to His will and purposes. [19:55]
Acts 2:4 (ESV): "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Reflection: Have you experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit? If not, are you open to seeking this experience? If you have, how has it impacted your life and ministry?
Day 4: Ongoing Filling of the Holy Spirit
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process that requires us to seek God's presence regularly. By doing so, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and empower us in our daily lives. This continual filling is essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry. It is not a one-time event but a daily practice of surrendering to God and inviting the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.
The ongoing filling of the Holy Spirit keeps our faith vibrant and our relationship with God dynamic. It helps us stay sensitive to His leading and responsive to His promptings. This continual filling is achieved through regular prayer, worship, and time in God's Word. It is about maintaining a posture of dependence on the Holy Spirit and being open to His work in our lives. [37:40]
Ephesians 5:18-19 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you are continually filled with the Holy Spirit? How can you create space for the Holy Spirit to work in your life?
Day 5: Practical Steps to Engage with the Holy Spirit
To experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we need to repent for any neglect, schedule time for prayer, and actively seek His presence. Engaging in worship, prayer, and fasting are practical ways to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives and experience His transformative power. These practices help us cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and make us more receptive to His guidance and empowerment.
Taking practical steps to engage with the Holy Spirit involves being intentional about our spiritual growth. It means setting aside time to be with God, repenting of any sin or neglect, and actively seeking His presence. These steps are not about earning God's favor but about positioning ourselves to receive more of His Spirit. As we engage in these practices, we open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, leading to greater transformation and effectiveness in our walk with Christ. [41:45]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to engage more deeply with the Holy Spirit? How can you incorporate prayer, worship, and fasting into your routine to invite His presence into your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have to understand that this world is ruled by the spirit of antichrist and but whenever we see the just ugly you know disposition of it then we're like oh that's bad that's disgusting but we have to understand we have a mission in this world and jesus said it will not be always loved we just have to be grateful that during the opening ceremony christians were not the torches for entertainment but we just didn't like the entertainment but we have to know that our fight is not against blood and flesh it's against the spiritual principalities and powers of this world so we fight in the spirit when they go against us what do we pray more and we win people for the kingdom of god because we will not be able to change their mind but we have a mission let's get busy let's put all the energy" [04:32] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we talk about baptism, so what does the word baptism mean? It means to immerse, to put underwater, to dip, to dunk. It's something when you are underwater, you are not in control. I don't like to be underwater. I get swimmer's ear. I don't see anything. I don't like to be underwater. And I have a story that I like to share whenever I'm talking about water baptism. It's just always seared in my mind. When I was about 17 or 18 years old, I was part of a local church in Ukraine. And there was another place, another church about 200 miles or so away. And I'm young, I'm willing. And they said, would you go with the other pastors and baptize people there? I'm like, sure, why not? I'll go. So we get there. And there is a group of new believers. Who will be baptized. The gospel is being preached." [11:18] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you are a child of God. It's yours. Because Jesus. Promised. And so. And then. Two days. Before my 13th birthday. We come. To pray. And I think. A couple of people showed up. From the church. One of the sisters. She was. My Sunday school teacher. Earlier. And another. Another brother. And they prayed. With us. And. I remember this. When we started. That night. Praying. And we didn't have music. I don't know. Why we didn't have music. Back then. And. We. Started praying. At 7 o'clock. 7 p.m. And. We finished. Our prayer. 6 a.m. Next day. And. Scripture. Talks about. Being in a trance. Like Peter. Went into trance. That was. That experience. For me. I don't know. How time passed. I don't know. What happened. I just know. That my life. Was never. The same. From that experience." [32:11] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you decide. To drink. You agree. To give up. Control. And how many of you know. Somebody who changes. Once they're drunk. Yeah. We've all seen people. Like. Maybe you've that person. And I'm not here. To judge you. I'm just telling you. That. You give up control. Of your faculty. Of your speech. Your behavior. Apostle Paul compares that. To getting drunk. He says. I want you to give up control. But for very different reason. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. So you'd be more like Jesus. You talk more like Jesus. Because it's his spirit. Your demeanor. Your attitude towards your spouse. You'd be able to love like Jesus. You'd be able to be patient like Jesus." [35:18] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we worship God. When we filled with the Holy Spirit. We can tangibly experience His presence physically. You need to seek that. That's what changes you. That's what transforms you. And the surest way. Start praising Him. And tell these words. Holy Spirit help me to praise the name of Jesus. He is the one who enables you to call Jesus Lord. To walk with Him. To serve Him with all of your heart. Don't miss out on being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is when I say we have time of worship. Don't miss out on it. That's the surest and shortest way into God's presence. To be filled with the Holy Spirit." [39:51] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When we hear the the name the holy spirit people automatically think about manifestation of the holy spirit's power not a person and last message from pastor moses i want you to listen to it would be great foundation for this series uh pastor moses talked about how the holy spirit is a person and he has all the qualities of a person he has will mind and will and will and will and will and will and will and will and will and will and ability to live breathing life and truth and can do this with the holy spirit but it will go i was tasted by the spirit in a way it's only a tapestry man was let go lead my life instead of using him for my purposes let's learn how to be used by him for god's purposes it's what we need to do when we talk to the holy spirit and in this service i want us to address holy spirit as a person holy spirit we welcome you just like you are here and you are real the holy spirit is here let's hear from him today let's open our hearts and listen to what he wants to tell us through the word of through his word today i want to just specifically talk about baptism of the holy spirit today i want to teach on it and then when uh first wednesday of" [09:22] (99 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So here is what some would say. Okay. If through repentance they were added. Then this means the moment you repent and receive Jesus. You receive the Holy Spirit. 100% true. But I want to walk you through today the teaching portion of it. That in the scripture we see filling with the Holy Spirit. Or receiving the Holy Spirit at the conversion. And the baptism on the Holy Spirit are different. I want to compare this again. This is not theology. Just an illustration. That if we are here. We are all Americans. Right? Most of you. Right? Any illegals? No. Don't raise your hand. We are not going to report you. So we are Americans. Right? And we are comfortable here. But it's another thing to go to the Olympics. Right? And be an American. Hold an American flag. Are you following me? Now it's another thing to be an athlete representing America. Every Christian receives the Holy Spirit. Because it's only by the Holy Spirit you can know Jesus. It's only by the Holy Spirit you can convert and receive Jesus as Savior. But it's another thing to go and represent Christ in this world. You need power of the Holy Spirit. You need His presence. You need baptism in the Holy Spirit. And that's why God offers this next experience." [24:28] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Holy Spirit is a person. And he wants to have a fellowship with us daily. If you neglect it. If you grieve him. Reject him. Don't be surprised you don't see his power. And his presence in your life. He will not intrude on your life. So here's my experience. When I was 12 years old. And again. I grew up in a Pentecostal church. When it was just assumed. And only when I grew up older. I realized then. When we talk. Especially nonbelievers. When freedom came to our country. That I lived in. And we started preaching gospel. That it wasn't a normal thing. People ask us. You do what? You speak in tongues? Wow. Tell us about that. So I realized that it's not normal." [29:07] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you are a child of God. It's yours. Because God promised. Jesus said. I will pray to the Father. And he will send it to you. If you are a child of God. It's yours. Because you will be filled with the Spirit of the Father. You are part of the family. It's our culture. You know like culture is in the air. The Spirit of God among those who worship same God. You could feel it. You don't maybe understand their language. Like we were a group. People from so many nations. Filled with the same Spirit. And worship same God. That's what we're talking about. That's the promise for everyone. The filling of the Holy Spirit is ongoing process. It's ongoing. And it is ours. Because we pray and seek to do God's will. We come into God's presence with praise. The surest way to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Start praising God." [38:10] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we worship God. When we filled with the Holy Spirit. We can tangibly experience His presence physically. You need to seek that. That's what changes you. That's what transforms you. And the surest way. Start praising Him. And tell these words. Holy Spirit help me to praise the name of Jesus. He is the one who enables you to call Jesus Lord. To walk with Him. To serve Him with all of your heart. Don't miss out on being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is when I say we have time of worship. Don't miss out on it. That's the surest and shortest way into God's presence. To be filled with the Holy Spirit." [39:51] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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