Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Unity and Service
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the power it brings. The speaker emphasized the significance of the Holy Spirit in the early church, as seen in Acts chapter 2, where the apostles performed many wonders and miraculous signs. The speaker also highlighted the importance of personal faith in Jesus Christ, which is the starting point of experiencing the Holy Spirit. The speaker further explained that the church exists to be a sign to the world of God's saving hope, and that the signs of Christ's Spirit are evident in our lives when we make a personal decision to follow Jesus.
The speaker also emphasized the importance of gathering together as a church to experience the Holy Spirit. The speaker pointed out that the church is not just a place to go, but a place where we can experience the Holy Spirit together. The speaker also highlighted the importance of the Bible, God's word given to us, and the need for us to study, read, ask questions, and learn from it. The speaker concluded by reminding us of the need to open our lives to the Holy Spirit and to allow it to renew us and make us agents of renewal in the world.
Key takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit brings power into our lives and is a sign of God's saving hope in the world. This power is evident when we make a personal decision to follow Jesus. #!!08:50!!#
- Gathering together as a church is crucial for experiencing the Holy Spirit. It is in the church that we can experience the Holy Spirit together and be refueled. #!!11:56!!#
- The Bible is God's word given to us, and it is important for us to study, read, ask questions, and learn from it. #!!13:20!!#
- We need to open our lives to the Holy Spirit and allow it to renew us and make us agents of renewal in the world. #!!19:42!!#
Study Guide
Bible Passages:
1. Acts 2:1-47
2. Zechariah 4:6
3. Matthew 25:31-46
Key Points from the sermon:
1. The Holy Spirit brings spiritual power and renewal to believers.
2. The church is a sign of God's saving hope in the world.
3. The act of giving and serving others is a reflection of God's love and work.
Observation Questions:
1. What were the signs of the Holy Spirit's presence in Acts 2?
2. How does Zechariah 4:6 describe the source of our strength and power?
3. What does Matthew 25:31-46 say about serving others?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Holy Spirit empower believers according to Acts 2?
2. What does Zechariah 4:6 mean when it says, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit"?
3. How does serving others reflect God's love and work according to Matthew 25:31-46?
Application Questions:
1. How can we open ourselves more to the Holy Spirit's power and renewal in our lives?
2. How can we be a sign of God's saving hope in our community?
3. In what practical ways can we serve others to reflect God's love and work?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us, empowering us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to understand God's word, pray effectively, and live a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
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: Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit working in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? Are there areas in your life now where you need to invite the Holy Spirit to bring renewal and spiritual power?
Day 2: The Church as a Sign of God's Saving Hope
The church is not just a building or an organization. It is a community of believers, united by their faith in Jesus Christ. The church is a sign of God's saving hope, a beacon of light in a dark world.
Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Reflection: How has your local church been a sign of God's saving hope in your life or in your community? Are there ways you can contribute to making the church a more visible sign of God's love and hope?
Day 3: The Importance of Repentance and Baptism
Repentance and baptism are key steps in our journey of faith. Through repentance, we acknowledge our sins and turn away from them. Through baptism, we publicly declare our faith in Jesus and our commitment to follow Him.
Acts 2:38 - "Peter replied, '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.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your own experience of repentance and baptism. How did these steps lead to spiritual renewal in your life? Are there areas in your life now where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness?
Day 4: The Power of Fellowship and Community
Fellowship and community are essential aspects of the Christian life. They provide us with support, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to grow in our faith and live out God's commands.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How has being part of a Christian community or fellowship impacted your faith journey? Are there ways you can deepen your involvement in your community to experience more of God's spirit at work?
Day 5: The Significance of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice for us. As we partake of the bread and wine, we remember His body broken for us and His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 - "and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: How does participating in the Lord's Supper help you remember Jesus and express gratitude for his sacrifice? Are there ways you can make this practice more meaningful in your life?
Quotes
1. "God's spirit is here when you repent and become baptized. This is my church. We encounter God's voice and teaching in God's good news. God's word for us and we have good news to work and serve in the world." - 13:58
2. "The Bible is a Christmas story because the God we worship is a giver. God invented giving. God is The Giver of good gifts and this summer we're going to be exploring each week in worship the gifts that God gives to us to unwrap and enjoy." - 00:19
3. "Mother Teresa is right, you have to experience that. You must have your lives wide open to the Holy Spirit of the living Christ and do it. So Lord help us to do that." - 18:31
4. "What is our church sign saying? That's often the question in my head when I come down to church. We are blessed with a really attractive, colorful electronic sign on our property and I'm always interested in what it's saying." - 04:45
5. "The church exists then and now to be a sign to this world of God's Saving Hope. Carl Bart the Theologian once said the church exists to set up in the world a new sign which is radically dissimilar to the world's own Manner and which contradicts it in a way which is full of promise." - 04:45
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