Empowered by the Spirit: A Call to Renewal

Summary

Today, we gathered with a sense of expectation, believing that God is more than able to do something new in our lives. We came together with open hearts, ready for change, trusting that God’s promises are sure and unchanging. No matter what we face—whether it’s sickness, fear, worry, or unbelief—we can be confident that God is present and willing to meet every need. Our faith is not in what we see, but in the unshakable word of God: He has never forsaken the righteous, and He will not start now.

We reflected on the power and necessity of the Holy Ghost, especially on this Pentecost Sunday. Jesus’ final words to His disciples before ascending into heaven were clear: wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, the outpouring of the Spirit. The disciples responded with obedience, unity, and faith, gathering in the upper room, not knowing exactly what would happen, but trusting that God would fulfill His word. Their obedience set the stage for a divine encounter, and their unity created an atmosphere where God could move powerfully.

The experience in the upper room was not just a historical event; it is a living promise for us today. The same Spirit that filled the disciples is available to all who are willing to seek, obey, and believe. We are reminded that breakthroughs often come after acts of faithful obedience, even when we don’t fully understand what God is about to do. The Holy Ghost is not just a one-time experience but a continual infilling that transforms our nature, gives us purpose, and empowers us to live holy lives.

We are not called to be lifeless or empty, but to be filled and overflowing with the Spirit. The evidence of the Holy Ghost is not just in our words or even in speaking in tongues, but in a changed life—one that leaves behind old habits, walks in holiness, and displays the fruit of the Spirit. Every believer, no matter how long they’ve walked with God, needs a fresh infilling. We must continually seek renewal, allowing God to breathe new life into us, so that we can fulfill our purpose and be a blessing to others.

Key Takeaways

- Obedience Precedes Outpouring: The disciples’ willingness to obey Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem, even without knowing the details, positioned them for a life-changing encounter with the Holy Ghost. True spiritual breakthroughs often require us to act in faith before we see the results, trusting that God’s promises are as true today as they were then. [49:51]

- Unity Creates an Atmosphere for God’s Power: The upper room was marked by more than just physical togetherness; it was a unity of purpose, prayer, and faith. When believers set aside distractions, personal opinions, and negativity, and come together in expectation, they make space for God to move in extraordinary ways. [54:04]

- The Holy Ghost Transforms Our Nature: Like a lifeless balloon that comes alive when filled, our lives are fundamentally changed when the Spirit fills us. The Holy Ghost doesn’t just give us spiritual gifts; it changes our desires, our thinking, and our purpose, enabling us to live out God’s calling in tangible ways. [01:03:14]

- Evidence of the Spirit Is Seen in a Changed Life: Speaking in tongues is a biblical sign of the Holy Ghost, but the deeper evidence is a life that turns away from sin, embraces holiness, and displays the fruit of the Spirit. True infilling leads to visible transformation—old habits are left behind, and a new nature emerges. [01:06:13]

- Continual Renewal Is Essential: No matter how long we’ve walked with God or how much we’ve given out to others, we all need to be refilled with the Holy Ghost. Spiritual vitality is not a one-time event but a daily pursuit; we must seek God’s Spirit to heal wounded hearts, overcome negativity, and empower us for service every day. [01:15:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[03:10] - Faith in God’s Promises
[07:30] - Community Announcements and Giving
[20:52] - Testimony of Service and Generosity
[25:00] - Prayers for the Community
[41:48] - Pentecost Sunday Reflections
[43:03] - Jesus’ Final Command and the Upper Room
[49:51] - The Power of Obedience
[54:04] - The Importance of Unity and Faith
[59:12] - The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost
[01:03:14] - The Balloon Illustration: Life Filled with the Spirit
[01:06:13] - Evidence of a Spirit-Filled Life
[01:10:05] - Personal Testimonies of Transformation
[01:13:08] - A New Nature and Fulfilled Purpose
[01:15:03] - The Need for Continual Renewal and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Pentecost Sunday – The Power and Promise of the Holy Ghost

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### Bible Reading

- Luke 24:44-53
Jesus’ final words to His disciples, commanding them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father.

- Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-4
The disciples’ obedience, unity, and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in the upper room.

- John 3:5-8
Jesus teaches about being born again of water and the Spirit.

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Luke 24:49, what specific instruction did Jesus give His disciples before He ascended into heaven?
*(see [43:03])*

2. According to Acts 1:14, what were the disciples doing together in the upper room while they waited for the promise?
*(see [43:03])*

3. In Acts 2:2-4, what were the visible and audible signs that accompanied the outpouring of the Holy Ghost?
*(see [59:12])*

4. The sermon used the illustration of a balloon. What did the empty balloon represent, and what changed when it was filled?
*(see [01:03:14])*

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem instead of immediately sending them out to minister? What does this say about the importance of preparation and obedience?
*(see [43:03])*

2. The disciples didn’t know exactly what would happen in the upper room, but they obeyed anyway. What does this teach us about faith and trust in God’s promises, even when we don’t have all the details?
*(see [49:51])*

3. The sermon emphasized that the Holy Ghost is not just a one-time experience but a continual infilling. How does this ongoing renewal affect a believer’s daily life and purpose?
*(see [01:15:03])*

4. According to the sermon, what is the deeper evidence of being filled with the Holy Ghost beyond speaking in tongues?
*(see [01:06:13])*

---

### Application Questions

1. The disciples’ obedience positioned them for a life-changing encounter with God. Is there an area in your life where God is asking you to obey, even though you don’t see the outcome yet? What step of obedience could you take this week?
*(see [49:51])*

2. The upper room was marked by unity and expectation. Are there distractions, personal opinions, or negativity in your life or relationships that are keeping you from experiencing unity with other believers? What is one practical way you can pursue unity this month?
*(see [54:04])*

3. The sermon compared a lifeless balloon to a life without the Spirit. In what ways do you feel “deflated” or empty right now? What would it look like for you to invite the Holy Ghost to “fill” you afresh?
*(see [01:03:14])*

4. The evidence of the Spirit is seen in a changed life—leaving behind old habits and walking in holiness. Is there a specific habit or attitude that you sense God wants to change in you? What support or accountability do you need to take a step toward change?
*(see [01:06:13])*

5. The sermon said every believer needs continual renewal, no matter how long they’ve walked with God. When was the last time you intentionally sought a fresh infilling of the Holy Ghost? What could you do this week to seek renewal?
*(see [01:15:03])*

6. The pastor shared about struggling with negativity and needing a breakthrough. Are there negative voices or thoughts that you need to overcome? What Scripture or prayer could you use to combat them?
*(see [54:04])*

7. The fruit of the Spirit is a sign of a Spirit-filled life. Which aspect of the fruit of the Spirit do you most want to see grow in your life right now? What is one action you can take to cultivate it this week?
*(see [01:06:13])*

---

Closing Prayer:
Invite the Holy Ghost to fill each person afresh, to bring unity, obedience, and transformation, and to empower everyone to live out God’s purpose this week.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Promises Are Unchanging and Faithful
God’s promises are steadfast and unchanging, no matter what circumstances you face or how long you have waited. Even when doubts, fears, or negative voices try to convince you otherwise, you can stand firm on the assurance that God will never forsake you and will provide for every need. When you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, remember that God’s word is true and His faithfulness endures through every season of life. Trust that what He has spoken over you will come to pass, and let your faith be anchored in His unbreakable promises. [07:40]

Psalm 37:25 (ESV)
"I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread."

Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word that you need to cling to today, despite your current doubts or circumstances?


Day 2: Obedience Prepares the Way for God’s Power
Obedience to God’s instructions, even when you don’t fully understand the outcome, sets the stage for a divine encounter with His Spirit. The disciples didn’t know exactly what would happen in the upper room, but they followed Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem, and their faithful obedience opened the door for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. When you choose to obey God’s voice—despite uncertainty, distractions, or opposition—you position yourself to receive His power and blessing in your life. [49:51]

Luke 24:46-49 (ESV)
"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

Reflection: Is there an area where God is calling you to obey, even if you don’t see the full picture? What step of obedience can you take today?


Day 3: Unity and Expectant Faith Invite the Holy Spirit
When God’s people gather in unity—sharing a common faith and purpose—He moves in powerful ways. The 120 believers in the upper room were not just physically together; they were united in heart, prayer, and expectation that God would fulfill His promise. This spiritual unity, combined with expectant faith, creates space for the Holy Spirit to move, bringing breakthrough, transformation, and renewed purpose. Let go of division, distractions, and negativity, and join together with others in faith, believing that God will pour out His Spirit afresh. [54:04]

Acts 1:12-14 (ESV)
"Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers."

Reflection: Who can you join with in prayer and unity this week, believing together for a move of God’s Spirit?


Day 4: The Holy Spirit Brings New Life and Purpose
The infilling of the Holy Spirit is not just a one-time event but a continual source of new life, transformation, and purpose. Just as a lifeless balloon comes alive when filled with breath, your life is given shape, direction, and power when God fills you with His Spirit. The evidence of the Holy Ghost is not only in spiritual gifts but in a changed life—old habits are left behind, and a new nature emerges, marked by holiness and a desire to serve God. Allow the Spirit to fill you afresh, bringing renewal and fulfillment of your God-given purpose. [01:03:14]

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit to bring new life and purpose today?


Day 5: Daily Renewal and Overflow of the Spirit
Every believer, no matter how long they have walked with God, needs a daily renewing and infilling of the Holy Spirit. As you pour yourself out in service, prayer, and love for others, God desires to fill your cup until it overflows, empowering you to overcome woundedness, offense, and spiritual dryness. Don’t settle for a lifeless or empty spiritual walk—seek God for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit each day, so that you can live in victory, joy, and the fullness of His purpose for your life. [01:15:03]

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,"

Reflection: What can you do today to make space for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit in your heart and life?

Quotes

There's got to be an evidence, there's got to be an evidence, there's got to be an evidence. It's more than our words saying that we have the Holy Ghost like they received in an upper room on the day of Pentecost. There has to be some kind of holiness, some kind of coming out of sin, some kind of walking away from the devices and the habits that had us bailed. [01:08:08] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

The nature of the balloon is to be lifeless. It was born lifeless, unfulfilled. The nature of the balloon is to be packaged and sold lifeless. But not its purpose. Not its purpose. Not its purpose. And when God filled the balloon or when God fills you with the Holy Ghost He changes the nature. No longer is the nature designed to be unconcerned, lifeless, but He gives you a new nature and this old balloon that was lifeless and packaged and sold for goods comes alive and there's a new nature. [01:13:08] (00:00:51 seconds) Edit Clip

God begins to cut you loose from the sins of your past, baptized in Jesus name, they're all washed away in a baptismal tank. Fulfilled purpose, fulfilled purpose. On this Pentecost Sunday I couldn't think of a greater blessing than for God to fulfill your purpose and fill you with the baptism of the Holy Ghost one more time. [01:14:06] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

Every saint of God that's filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, you're giving yourself out for others, you're praying, you're spending hours praying for your church, praying for your pastor and your pastor's wife, trying to win somebody to the Holy Ghost—you need to be refilled with the Holy Ghost, you need it till it's full and running over. Every day we need a renewing, every day we need an infilling. [01:15:37] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

Some of us need to get past a wounded spirit, some of us need to get past being offended so easily, wounded. Come on, we need to be filled with the Holy Ghost. [01:16:37] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip