Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Bold Faith and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the presence of God and to delve into the role and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We began by acknowledging Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith, the one who leads and guides us. Our focus was on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which grants us access to God and empowers us to be witnesses to the world. Through Jesus' sacrifice, the veil was torn, giving us direct access to God's presence.
We explored Hebrews 10:19-25, which emphasizes the importance of meeting together as a community of believers. The early church set an example by gathering regularly to grow in faith and support one another. This sense of community is vital for our spiritual growth and accountability. We were reminded that God created us for relationships, and we are stronger together than apart.
Acts 5:12-16 illustrated the boldness of the early Christians, who were unashamed of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. Despite facing persecution, they continued to perform miracles and preach the gospel, drawing people to the power of God. This boldness is something we should emulate, as it demonstrates our faith and trust in God's power.
We also discussed the importance of spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues and healing, which are still relevant today. The power of God is evident in our lives through these gifts, and we should not be ashamed to use them. Personal testimonies of healing and transformation were shared, highlighting the miraculous work of God in our community.
Finally, we were encouraged to be bold in our faith, to pray for others, and to invite people to experience the power of God. The early church grew because of their boldness and the evident power of God in their lives. We are called to do the same, to love God and others, and to serve God and others.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit: Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to God and His presence. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses and transforms our lives, enabling us to live boldly for Christ. This transformation is not just for Sundays but for every day of our lives. [19:47]
2. The Importance of Community: God created us for relationships, and we are stronger together than apart. Meeting regularly with other believers provides strength, support, and accountability. The early church set an example by gathering frequently, and we should prioritize community in our lives. [24:05]
3. Boldness in Faith: The early Christians were unashamed of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit, even in the face of persecution. Their boldness drew people to God. We are called to be bold in our faith, to pray for others, and to share the gospel without fear. [28:58]
4. The Relevance of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and healing are still relevant today. These gifts demonstrate the power of God in our lives and should not be neglected or forbidden. Personal testimonies of healing and transformation affirm the miraculous work of God. [34:01]
5. The Call to Serve and Love: We are called to love God and others, and to serve God and others. This involves being active in our faith, praying for others, and inviting people to experience the power of God. The early church grew because of their commitment to these principles, and we are called to do the same. [36:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:59] - Opening Prayer
[18:34] - Introduction and Series Overview
[19:06] - Hebrews 10:19-25: Access to God
[19:47] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[20:21] - Living a Life of Encounter
[21:08] - Acts 5:12-16: The Early Church
[21:52] - The Importance of Meeting Together
[22:26] - Joy in Gathering
[23:28] - Making Church a Priority
[24:05] - Encouraging One Another
[24:37] - Created for Community
[25:14] - The Need for Relationships
[25:50] - Growing in Faith Together
[26:29] - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: Strength in Unity
[26:57] - Proverbs 27:17: Sharpening Each Other
[27:42] - Importance of Connection Groups
[28:58] - Boldness of the Early Christians
[30:26] - Drawn to the Power of God
[31:52] - Persecution and Faith
[33:13] - Personal Testimonies of Healing
[34:01] - The Relevance of Spiritual Gifts
[36:00] - Miracles and Growth
[36:53] - The Power of God in Our Church
[37:56] - The Need for God's Power
[38:52] - Personal Testimonies of Transformation
[39:22] - Psalm 103:1-5: Praise and Healing
[40:07] - The Early Church's Boldness
[40:47] - Acts 5:12-16: Miracles and Healing
[41:23] - The Power of Faith
[42:33] - Acts 5:18-26: Miraculous Release
[43:08] - Obeying God Over Man
[44:05] - The Apostles' Boldness
[45:00] - The Tragedy of Unbelief
[46:00] - Transformation Through Christ
[46:54] - The Church's Mission
[47:23] - Lives Changed by God
[48:17] - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: Transformation
[49:27] - Testimonies of Changed Lives
[50:04] - The Power of Testimony
[51:22] - Romans 10:13: Salvation for All
[52:44] - Invitation to Salvation
[54:15] - Prayer of Salvation
[55:30] - Celebration of New Believers
[56:05] - The Power of Community
[57:01] - Anointing and Healing
[59:22] - The Power of the Altar
[01:00:00] - Invitation to the Altar
[01:01:34] - Closing Prayer and Worship
[01:09:49] - Special Prayer for Healing
[01:11:26] - Testimonies of God's Work
[01:13:43] - Challenge to Pray Boldly
[01:14:19] - Final Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:19-25: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
2. Acts 5:12-16: "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 10:19-25 say about our access to God and the role of Jesus in this access?
2. According to Acts 5:12-16, what were some of the actions and characteristics of the early church that demonstrated their faith and boldness?
3. How did the early Christians in Acts 5:12-16 respond to persecution and challenges? [28:58]
4. What are some examples of spiritual gifts mentioned in the sermon, and how are they relevant today? [34:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the tearing of the veil in the temple symbolize our direct access to God through Jesus' sacrifice? [19:47]
2. In what ways does meeting together as a community of believers strengthen and support our faith, according to Hebrews 10:24-25? [24:05]
3. Why is boldness in faith important, and how did the early Christians demonstrate this boldness in Acts 5:12-16? [28:58]
4. How do personal testimonies of healing and transformation serve as evidence of the power of God in our lives? [33:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in your life. How did it change you, and how can you seek more of these encounters daily? [19:47]
2. How can you prioritize meeting with your church community more regularly? What steps can you take to ensure you are actively participating in and contributing to your church's community life? [24:05]
3. Think of a situation where you felt hesitant to share your faith. What can you learn from the boldness of the early Christians, and how can you apply that to your own life? [28:58]
4. Identify a spiritual gift you believe you have or would like to develop. How can you use this gift to serve others and demonstrate the power of God in your community? [34:01]
5. Consider someone in your life who needs prayer or support. How can you be bold in offering to pray for them and share the gospel with them this week? [13:43]
6. Reflect on the importance of personal testimonies. How can you share your own story of transformation to encourage others in their faith journey? [33:13]
7. What specific actions can you take to love and serve others in your church and community, following the example of the early church? [36:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit's Transformative Power
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual lives, transforming us from within and empowering us to live boldly for Christ. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to God, and the Holy Spirit enables us to be witnesses to the world. This transformation is not limited to Sundays but is meant to be a daily experience, guiding us in our actions, thoughts, and interactions with others. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a testament to God's love and power, helping us to grow in faith and live out our calling as Christians. [19:47]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform a specific area of your life today? What steps can you take to be more open to His guidance and power?
Day 2: The Strength of Community
God designed us for relationships, and being part of a community of believers is essential for our spiritual growth. Meeting regularly with other Christians provides strength, support, and accountability. The early church set an example by gathering frequently, and we should prioritize community in our lives. This sense of togetherness helps us to grow in faith, encourages us in our walk with God, and allows us to support one another in times of need. [24:05]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Reflection: What steps can you take to strengthen your connection with your church community? How can you be a source of support and encouragement to others this week?
Day 3: Boldness in Faith
The early Christians were unashamed of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit, even in the face of persecution. Their boldness drew people to God and demonstrated their unwavering faith. We are called to emulate this boldness, to pray for others, and to share the gospel without fear. Being bold in our faith means trusting in God's power and stepping out in confidence, knowing that He is with us. [28:58]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more bold in your faith? How can you take a step of faith today to share the gospel or pray for someone in need?
Day 4: The Relevance of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and healing are still relevant today and demonstrate the power of God in our lives. These gifts should not be neglected or forbidden, as they are a testament to God's miraculous work. Personal testimonies of healing and transformation affirm the ongoing presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our community. Embracing and using these gifts can strengthen our faith and the faith of those around us. [34:01]
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (ESV): "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
Reflection: What spiritual gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others and glorify Him? Are there any gifts you have been hesitant to embrace or use?
Day 5: The Call to Serve and Love
We are called to love God and others, and to serve God and others. This involves being active in our faith, praying for others, and inviting people to experience the power of God. The early church grew because of their commitment to these principles, and we are called to do the same. Serving and loving others is a tangible expression of our faith and a way to demonstrate God's love to the world. [36:53]
Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: How can you actively serve and love someone in your community this week? What practical steps can you take to show God's love to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for our sins, we now have access to have a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to be witnesses to the world around us. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn in two, and now we have access to God and to his presence. How many are thankful for the power of the Holy Spirit in this place?" [19:47] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We want you to experience the presence of God every day of the week, even at your house, at your workplace, at your home. You can have a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit if you're just open and obedient, to reach out to him and ask him for an encounter. We want that for you." [20:21] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Whether you like it or not, we need each other. We need each other. We were created by God for community and relationship. We were made by God to be a social people and we need relationship. And whether we get married or not, there is a need for strong relationships in our life. So in the family of God, we have connections with one another." [25:14] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "People are drawn to the power of God. Give Him praise. It didn't matter what the consequences were, but it didn't matter that things were happening to them. They wanted an experience, an encounter with a true and living God. And guess what? The same is true for us today. We come to the house of God to encounter God." [30:26] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Man, how many is thankful that God's still... Nate, I'm so thankful that all it takes is to say, one phone call, one message to God, right? For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. My God, let's give him praise in this house." [51:22] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We see this even at the very beginning. If we look back in the garden in Genesis 2, verse 18, it says the Lord God said it's not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. God's words in this moment is so moving to me as he literally finishes up creation. He is looking over all the beauty and the splendor and the magnificent things he created and all the things he's spoken to us about. He's speaking about the existence. And after each one of them he said, man, this is good. But then he sees Adam alone and he looks and he sees his prized creation and he looks at Adam and he sees something is missing in Adam's life and he says it's not good for man to be alone." [24:37] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The apostles knew that, so that's exactly what they did. They met regularly. Together at the house of the God, the only house that they knew at the time, which was the temple, the next thing we see about the early church Christians is that they had a boldness about them. They had a boldness about them. They were not ashamed of the gospel or the power of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts at work in them and among them." [28:58] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "People ask me all the time, I've spent a lot of time over the past three weeks watching, with pastors. I spent, camp meeting was here at the church, and then I spent two weeks at youth camp. I spent all of middle school week at camp, and then I went back on Sunday again, and I spent all of kids camp with kids. And so I've talked to numerous pastors, and throughout just my life, I've talked to people and they say, man, how has Lifeline grown so big? How did it happen? And I have to tell them this, is we have had a leadership and have a leadership that is, is obedient to the Holy Spirit, and we still believe and operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the reason our church has grown exponentially is because the power of God draws people into this place. It's not me, it's not JB, it's not the worship team, it is the power of God, and people want an encounter with God, and that's what grew this place." [36:53] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Here's the thing. I've heard it says the church exists to make bad men good. And men will always come to a church where lives are changed. I've got good news for you today. Right now you're in a church where lives have been changed. Where bad men and women are transformed by the power and the presence of God. God's life changes everything. Behold, I make all things new. This church is full of former addicts and liars and cheaters and adulterers. Adulterers and sinners." [47:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What grew this church? Tell her what grew Lifeline. These people had a life-changing encounter with God where people got saved each and every week. It's not, I don't just randomly have people planted out in the crowd and say, raise your hand. I don't randomly do that. I don't randomly just plant. No, people come to the house of God to meet with God, and when they hear the message of God, their hearts are changed and transformed, and they say, I have something wrong in my life. I need an encounter. I need an encounter with God." [58:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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