Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Transforming Lives
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, New Covenant United Methodist Church! Today, we continue our sermon series, "Jesus and the Lay of the Land," focusing on the Holy Spirit. We began by highlighting our Christmas Shoebox Ministry and our global mission efforts, including supporting orphans in Zimbabwe through the Zoe International Program. We also updated you on our renovation project, which has received significant support.
Today's message centers on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. We explored various biblical references to the Holy Spirit, starting from Genesis, where the Spirit of God brought order out of chaos, to the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit empowered the early church at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is likened to a tractor in farming—essential for productivity and growth. Just as a tractor revolutionizes farming, the Holy Spirit revolutionizes our spiritual lives, providing power, guidance, and comfort.
We also delved into personal stories and experiences, including the recent passing of my mother. Through this difficult time, I felt the Holy Spirit's presence in the form of compassionate friends and a caring hospice nurse. These experiences reminded me of the Holy Spirit's role in bringing comfort and order in times of chaos.
We reflected on the metaphor of Jesus as the "bread of life," emphasizing the abundance of God's love and provision. This abundance is not just about physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of Christ, not just in words but in the way we live our lives.
As we go about our week, let's be mindful of how the Holy Spirit is revealing God's truths to us, whether in big moments or small, everyday occurrences. Recognize these moments as divine interventions aimed at drawing us closer to God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit Brings Order Out of Chaos: From the very beginning, the Spirit of God brought order to the formless void. This same Spirit works in our lives today, bringing order to our personal chaos. When life feels overwhelming, remember that the Holy Spirit is there to guide and bring peace. [58:44]
2. The Holy Spirit is for Everyone: Initially, the Holy Spirit was believed to be for the spiritual elite, but the prophet Joel foretold that the Spirit would be poured out on all people. This inclusivity was realized at Pentecost, empowering ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The Holy Spirit is available to each of us, offering guidance and strength. [59:59]
3. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Be Witnesses: The Holy Spirit gives us the courage and boldness to be witnesses of Christ. This empowerment is not just for preaching but for living a life that reflects Christ's love and teachings. Our daily actions and decisions should testify to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. [01:03:22]
4. Recognize the Holy Spirit in Everyday Life: The Holy Spirit often reveals God's truths in subtle, everyday moments. Whether through a comforting friend or a timely scripture, these are divine interventions meant to draw us closer to God. Be attentive to these moments and let them strengthen your faith. [01:06:20]
5. The Abundance of God's Love: Jesus as the "bread of life" symbolizes the abundance of God's love and provision. This abundance is not just about physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment. The Holy Spirit helps us experience this abundance, especially in times of need, reminding us of God's unwavering love and support. [01:14:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:31] - Ministry Highlights
[37:16] - Operation Christmas Child
[38:01] - Global Missions
[38:29] - Renovation Project Update
[39:12] - Prayer and Offering
[45:19] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit
[45:54] - Personal Note: Mother's Passing
[46:22] - Conversation at McDonald's
[47:17] - Scripture Readings
[48:40] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[49:13] - Kansas vs. Florida
[49:49] - Bread in the Bible
[50:37] - Bringing in the Sheaves
[52:11] - Family Farm and Tractors
[55:54] - John Deere and the Holy Spirit
[57:19] - The Spirit in the Bible
[58:44] - Order Out of Chaos
[59:59] - The Spirit for Everyone
[01:03:22] - Empowered to Witness
[01:06:20] - Recognizing the Spirit
[01:14:13] - The Abundance of God's Love
[01:17:03] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:8 - "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 ends of the earth."
2. Romans 8:11 - "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you."
3. Joel 2:28 - "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Acts 1:8 say about the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers?
2. According to Romans 8:11, what is the significance of the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers?
3. How does Joel 2:28 expand the understanding of who can receive the Holy Spirit?
4. In the sermon, how did the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit during his mother's passing? ([45:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the empowerment by the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 translate into practical actions for believers today?
2. What does Romans 8:11 suggest about the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?
3. Joel 2:28 speaks of the Spirit being poured out on all people. How does this inclusivity challenge or affirm your understanding of the Holy Spirit's work?
4. Reflecting on the pastor's personal story, how can the Holy Spirit bring comfort and order in times of personal chaos? ([45:54])
#### Application Questions
1. The Holy Spirit brings order out of chaos. Can you identify a current chaotic situation in your life where you need the Holy Spirit's guidance and peace? How can you invite the Holy Spirit into that situation? ([58:44])
2. The Holy Spirit is for everyone. How can you be more inclusive in sharing the message of the Holy Spirit with others, especially those who might feel unworthy or excluded? ([59:59])
3. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses. Think of a recent opportunity you had to witness for Christ. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently with the Holy Spirit's empowerment? ([01:03:22])
4. Recognize the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Can you recall a recent moment where you felt the Holy Spirit's presence in a subtle way? How can you become more attentive to these moments? ([01:06:20])
5. The abundance of God's love is symbolized by Jesus as the "bread of life." How can you experience and share this abundance in your daily interactions, especially in times of need? ([01:14:13])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed. How did you seek the Holy Spirit's comfort and guidance? What practical steps can you take to rely more on the Holy Spirit in future overwhelming situations? ([45:54])
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of recognizing divine interventions. How can you cultivate a habit of recognizing and acknowledging the Holy Spirit's work in your life? ([01:06:20])
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Brings Order Out of Chaos
The Holy Spirit has been active since the beginning of creation, bringing order to the formless void. This same Spirit continues to work in our lives today, guiding us through our personal chaos and bringing peace. When life feels overwhelming, it is essential to remember that the Holy Spirit is present to guide and comfort us. The Spirit's transformative power can turn our confusion and disorder into a state of peace and clarity. This divine intervention is a testament to God's unwavering support and love for us. [58:44]
Genesis 1:2 (ESV): "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation in your life that felt chaotic or overwhelming. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring order and peace into that situation today?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit is for Everyone
Initially, the Holy Spirit was believed to be reserved for the spiritual elite, but the prophet Joel foretold that the Spirit would be poured out on all people. This inclusivity was realized at Pentecost, empowering ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The Holy Spirit is available to each of us, offering guidance, strength, and the ability to live out God's will. This democratization of the Spirit means that everyone, regardless of their background or status, can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. [59:59]
Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or inadequate. How does knowing that the Holy Spirit is available to everyone, including you, change your perspective on your spiritual journey?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Be Witnesses
The Holy Spirit gives us the courage and boldness to be witnesses of Christ. This empowerment is not just for preaching but for living a life that reflects Christ's love and teachings. Our daily actions and decisions should testify to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. By embodying Christ's love in our interactions and choices, we become living testimonies of God's grace and power. This daily witness is a powerful tool for spreading the message of Christ. [01:03:22]
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: Identify one area of your life where you can better reflect Christ's love and teachings. What specific actions can you take today to be a more effective witness of the Holy Spirit's transformative power?
Day 4: Recognize the Holy Spirit in Everyday Life
The Holy Spirit often reveals God's truths in subtle, everyday moments. Whether through a comforting friend, a timely scripture, or a small act of kindness, these are divine interventions meant to draw us closer to God. Being attentive to these moments can strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God. Recognizing the Holy Spirit's presence in our daily lives helps us to remain connected to God's guidance and love, even in the most mundane circumstances. [01:06:20]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: Think about your day so far. Can you identify a moment where you felt the subtle presence of the Holy Spirit? How can you become more aware of these divine interventions in your daily life?
Day 5: The Abundance of God's Love
Jesus as the "bread of life" symbolizes the abundance of God's love and provision. This abundance is not just about physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment. The Holy Spirit helps us experience this abundance, especially in times of need, reminding us of God's unwavering love and support. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can fully embrace the richness of God's love and allow it to sustain us in all aspects of our lives. [01:14:13]
John 6:35 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the abundance of God's love in your life? How can you share this spiritual nourishment with others today?
Quotes
1. "So what's interesting about the idea of how important is a tractor, and I have this little quote for us to think about what tractors are to farming. Can you put this up? What tractors are to farming, the Holy Spirit is to the Christian spiritual life. So, I think about this and the idea of how powerful, in the midst of life, in the farming community, a tractor is. And how powerful the gift of the Holy Spirit is to us." [55:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, one of my favorite old hymns, and you might remember it. You ever heard this old hymn called Bringing in the Sheaves? Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves. We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves. We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Okay, so what's interesting about that, that goes back to the whole idea of the ancient tradition, how they would, when he was bundling all of that, that's a sheave." [54:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, I was thinking about this this last week, and the idea of, you know, bringing in the sheaves, and about harvesting, and how important it is that, you know, when they had, at the turn of the century, they didn't have tractors. But they ended up, and I thought this was interesting, is that I did my research about tractors this last week, and there's a guy by the name of John Follich who actually invented the tractor. Before they were called tractors, this is what they were called. They were called mechanical traction units." [55:08] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So, what's interesting about the idea of how important is a tractor, and I have this little quote for us to think about what tractors are to farming. Can you put this up? What tractors are to farming, the Holy Spirit is to the Christian spiritual life. So, I think about this and the idea of how powerful, in the midst of life, in the farming community, a tractor is. And how powerful the gift of the Holy Spirit is to us." [55:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So, when you think about the word spirit, you got to go back to the Bible. In the Greek, it literally, we get the word pneuma. And we get the idea of like new, or you think about the word pneumonia. It has to do with breath. And so, the word spirit is related to the idea of breath. It has to do with the word spirit. It has to do with air. It has to do with wind. Matter of fact, the idea of the power behind wind." [57:19] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So, what I love about this, folks, is that right out of the gate, the very first references we find in the very beginning of the Bible, has to do with the connection of the word pneuma, or the idea of the spirit. And what that is really all about, according to what I learned in seminary, is that the beginning of life was, there was chaos, right? And all of a sudden, God breathed in his breath of God, and brought order out of the chaos." [58:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So, what's powerful about this? When I think about it, and the idea that sometimes God reveals something to us. And maybe we don't even realize that God's trying to reveal something to us and bail it to maybe afterwards. Maybe didn't hit us right away. But then you stand back and they oh yeah, I know I now I see it gone. I see how you're revealing. So here's your homework assignment today. Ready? I want you to think about all over the next week." [01:06:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So, I was thinking about this this last week, and the idea of, you know, bringing in the sheaves, and about harvesting, and how important it is that, you know, when they had, at the turn of the century, they didn't have tractors. But they ended up, and I thought this was interesting, is that I did my research about tractors this last week, and there's a guy by the name of John Follich who actually invented the tractor. Before they were called tractors, this is what they were called. They were called mechanical traction units." [55:08] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So, what's interesting about the idea of how important is a tractor, and I have this little quote for us to think about what tractors are to farming. Can you put this up? What tractors are to farming, the Holy Spirit is to the Christian spiritual life. So, I think about this and the idea of how powerful, in the midst of life, in the farming community, a tractor is. And how powerful the gift of the Holy Spirit is to us." [55:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So, when you think about the word spirit, you got to go back to the Bible. In the Greek, it literally, we get the word pneuma. And we get the idea of like new, or you think about the word pneumonia. It has to do with breath. And so, the word spirit is related to the idea of breath. It has to do with the word spirit. It has to do with air. It has to do with wind. Matter of fact, the idea of the power behind wind." [57:19] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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