Empowered by the Spirit: From Brokenness to Healing
Summary
Today, we celebrate Pentecost—a day that marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that his followers would receive power from on high. This power was not reserved for the spiritual elite or the perfect, but for ordinary, broken people—people like Peter, Paul, and even us. The Holy Spirit’s arrival was accompanied by miraculous signs, but more importantly, it was the beginning of a new way for God to work in and through his people. The Spirit is not just a force or a feeling, but the very presence of God, bringing order out of chaos, healing out of brokenness, and life out of death.
Tracing the theme of the Holy Spirit as water through Scripture, we see the Spirit hovering over the chaotic waters at creation, not removing the chaos but redeeming it and bringing forth life. In the Old Testament, water becomes a symbol of God’s provision and presence, culminating in Ezekiel’s vision of a river flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing even to the Dead Sea. This river is a promise that God’s Spirit will pursue humanity, bringing restoration to the most lifeless places.
Jesus picks up this imagery at the Feast of Tabernacles, declaring himself the source of living water and inviting all who are thirsty to come and drink. The invitation is not just to come and receive, but to become—become a conduit of the Spirit, so that rivers of living water flow from within us to a broken world. At Pentecost, this promise is fulfilled as the Spirit is poured out, and the church becomes the river, bringing healing, freedom, and life wherever it goes.
Yet, many of us feel unworthy or unqualified to be vessels of the Spirit’s power. We look at our brokenness and assume God could never use us. But the truth is, our weakness is not a disqualification—it is the very place where God’s power is made perfect. Like Paul, who boasted in his weakness so that Christ’s power could rest on him, we are invited to let the Spirit flow through our imperfections. The story of Alan, who ministers out of his own brokenness, is a living testimony that God’s Spirit brings life through cracked vessels. The invitation remains: come, be immersed in the Spirit, and become part of the current that brings healing and life to the world.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit Redeems Chaos, Not Just Removes It
From the very beginning, the Spirit of God hovered over the chaotic waters, not erasing them but transforming them into a source of life. This reveals that God’s work in our lives is not always about removing our struggles or darkness, but about redeeming them—bringing order, beauty, and purpose out of what once seemed hopeless. Our chaos can become the very place where God’s creative power is most evident. [32:33]
- God’s Spirit Pursues and Restores the Lifeless Places
Ezekiel’s vision of the river flowing from the temple into the Dead Sea is a powerful image of God’s relentless pursuit of what is dead and broken. The Spirit does not avoid the lifeless or the lost; instead, he moves toward them, bringing healing, fruitfulness, and restoration. No place or person is too far gone for the Spirit’s renewing current. [36:06]
- The Invitation is to Come and to Become
Jesus’ call is not only to receive the living water of the Spirit but to be transformed so that this water flows out of us to others. We are invited to be immersed, to swim in the Spirit, and to become part of the river that brings healing and life to the world. Our role is not passive; we are called to participate in God’s ongoing work of restoration. [45:40]
- Brokenness is Not a Barrier, but a Channel for God’s Power
Our sense of unworthiness or inadequacy does not disqualify us from being used by God. In fact, Scripture teaches that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. When we allow the Spirit to work through our brokenness, God receives the glory, and his limitless power is not confined by our limitations. [48:58]
- Faith in Jesus, Not Perfection, Qualifies Us for the Spirit’s Work
The only requirement Jesus gives for receiving and channeling the Spirit is belief in him. It is not about being good enough, holy enough, or having it all together. Anyone who is thirsty and believes is invited to come, be filled, and become a vessel of God’s healing, freedom, and life for others. [55:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Pentecost: The Promise of Power
[03:10] - Miracles in the Early Church
[07:30] - The Desire for Healing Today
[10:20] - Feeling Unworthy of the Spirit
[13:00] - The Holy Spirit as Water: Creation
[16:00] - Water as Chaos and Redemption
[18:30] - Old Testament Roots: Water and Provision
[21:00] - Ezekiel’s Vision: River of Life
[25:00] - Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles
[29:00] - Jesus’ Invitation: Living Water
[32:00] - Pentecost Fulfilled: Becoming the River
[36:00] - Revelation: The River at the End
[39:00] - The Call to Come and Become
[45:40] - Brokenness and the Power of the Spirit
[51:00] - Alan’s Story: Healing Through Brokenness
[55:00] - Responding to the Invitation
[56:54] - Prayer and Blessing
[58:38] - Announcements and Closing
[01:00:24] - Final Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Pentecost – The Spirit Who Brings Life Through Brokenness
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### Bible Reading
- Genesis 1:1-2
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
- Ezekiel 47:8-12
(Vision of the river flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing even to the Dead Sea.)
- John 7:37-39
"On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive..."
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 1:2, what is the Spirit of God doing in relation to the chaotic waters?
(See [30:56])
2. According to Ezekiel’s vision, what happens to the Dead Sea when the river from the temple flows into it?
(See [36:06])
3. In John 7:37-39, what invitation does Jesus give, and what does he say will happen to those who believe in him?
(See [41:00])
4. The sermon describes the Holy Spirit as water that doesn’t just remove chaos but redeems it. What are some examples given of this in the Bible or in people’s lives?
(See [32:33])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chooses to redeem chaos and brokenness rather than simply removing it from our lives?
(See [32:33])
2. In Ezekiel’s vision, the river brings life to the most lifeless place—the Dead Sea. What does this suggest about the places or people God’s Spirit is drawn to?
(See [36:06])
3. Jesus says that “rivers of living water will flow from within” those who believe in him. What does it mean for someone to not just receive the Spirit, but to become a conduit of the Spirit to others?
(See [41:00])
4. The sermon shares Alan’s story of God working through his brokenness. How does this challenge the idea that only “spiritual” or “put-together” people can be used by God?
(See [51:33])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says our chaos and brokenness can become the very place where God’s creative power is most evident. Is there an area of your life that feels chaotic or broken right now? How might you invite the Holy Spirit to redeem, rather than just remove, that chaos?
(See [32:33])
2. Ezekiel’s river flows into the Dead Sea, bringing life to what was dead. Who or what in your life feels “lifeless” or “too far gone”? How could you pray for or reach out to that person or situation, trusting the Spirit’s power to restore?
(See [36:06])
3. Jesus’ invitation is not just to come and receive, but to become a source of living water for others. What is one practical way you could let the Spirit flow through you to bring healing, encouragement, or hope to someone this week?
(See [41:00])
4. The sermon says brokenness is not a barrier but a channel for God’s power. What feelings of unworthiness or inadequacy do you wrestle with? How might God want to use those very places as a testimony of his grace?
(See [48:58])
5. Alan’s story shows God using someone in the middle of their healing journey to help others. Is there a struggle or past pain in your life that God might use to minister to others? What would it look like to take a small step in sharing or serving out of that place?
(See [51:33])
6. Jesus says the only requirement for receiving and channeling the Spirit is belief in him—not perfection. Are there ways you’ve disqualified yourself from being used by God? What would it look like to step out in faith this week, trusting that God’s Spirit can work through you as you are?
(See [55:21])
7. The sermon ends with a call to be immersed in the Spirit and become part of the current that brings healing and life to the world. What is one area of your daily life (work, family, neighborhood) where you want to see the Spirit flow through you more? How can the group pray for you in this?
(See [56:54])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for the Spirit to fill and flow through each person, especially in the areas of brokenness or chaos they shared. Ask God to make the group a “river” of healing and life in their community.
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Brings Order from Chaos
From the very beginning, the Spirit of God is seen hovering over the dark, chaotic waters, not removing them but redeeming them—bringing order, beauty, and life out of what was once formless and frightening. In the ancient world, water represented chaos, danger, and even death, yet God’s Spirit transforms it into a source of blessing. This is a powerful reminder that God does not always take away the chaos in our lives, but instead, He enters into it, bringing His creative order and life where there was once only fear and confusion. [32:33]
Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 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: Where in your life do you feel chaos or disorder right now? Ask God to show you how His Spirit might be bringing order and new life even in those places.
Day 2: God’s Spirit Brings Life and Healing to Dead Places
God’s promise through the vision given to Ezekiel is that His Spirit, like a river, will flow into the most lifeless, hopeless places—turning salty, dead waters into fresh, life-filled streams. Where there was once only death and barrenness, now there is abundance, healing, and fruitfulness. This vision is a promise that no matter how dead or hopeless a situation may seem, God’s Spirit can bring healing, restoration, and new beginnings, inviting us to step in and be immersed in His life-giving current. [36:06]
Ezekiel 47:8-12 (ESV)
And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. Fishermen will stand beside the sea; from Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt. And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life or someone you know that feels “dead” or hopeless? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring healing and new life there today?
Day 3: Jesus Invites All to Drink Deeply of the Spirit
At the climax of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stands and boldly invites anyone who is thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising that rivers of living water—the Holy Spirit—will flow from within those who believe. This is not just an invitation to receive, but to be transformed so that God’s life and healing flow through us to others. The only qualification is thirst and belief in Jesus; it is not about our worthiness or perfection, but about His generous gift. [38:55]
John 7:37-39 (ESV)
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Reflection: What does it look like for you to come to Jesus with your thirst today? In what practical way can you open yourself to the Spirit’s flow?
Day 4: God’s Power Works Best in Our Weakness
God does not require perfection to pour out His Spirit; in fact, He delights in using broken, imperfect people so that His power and grace are made clear. Like Paul, who pleaded for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed, we may feel unqualified or too broken for God to work through us. Yet God’s answer is that His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Our brokenness does not disqualify us—it is the very place where God’s strength can shine. [48:58]
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (ESV)
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Reflection: What weakness or brokenness in your life have you seen as a barrier to God’s work? How might God want to use that very place to display His power and grace?
Day 5: We Are Invited to Become Part of the River
The story of the Spirit as water flows from Genesis to Revelation, culminating in the vision of a river of life flowing from God’s throne, bringing healing to the nations. We are not just invited to come and receive, but to become part of this current—allowing the Spirit to flow through us, bringing healing, freedom, and life to the world around us. No matter our past or present struggles, the invitation is to be immersed, to swim in the Spirit, and to let God’s life-giving water pour out through us to others. [56:54]
Revelation 22:1-2 (ESV)
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the healing, freedom, or life of the Holy Spirit through you? What is one step you can take today to let God’s Spirit flow through you to them?
Quotes
But what's interesting to me about all of this, even though that's the way they saw the water, that's the way they were. is that when the ruach, when the breath or the spirit of God touches the water to create, he doesn't take the water away. They saw water as darkness and something to be afraid of and something that was ominous and scary and evil, but God doesn't delete water and he doesn't remove water. He redeems water. He's bringing chaos into order. [00:33:02] (33 seconds)
So now these people the disciples the church the spirit is being poured out on them and they are being they're swimming right they're being immersed they're being baptized in this water the Holy Spirit of Jesus and then that it's on they feed the hungry they heal the sick they raise the dead they cast out demons they boldly tell the world about Jesus so look what happened here they didn't just come to the river they became the river they became the river flowing east flooding broken places with healing and flooding dead places with life [00:43:21] (42 seconds)
But Jesus said, this is John 7, 37, anyone who is thirsty may come to me. In verse 38, he says, anyone who believes in me can come and drink and these rivers of living water will flow out of them. So who's it for? Who's it for? Anyone. Anyone. And what do they have to do? They have to believe. He said, anyone who believes in me can come and drink. So you don't qualify by believing in yourself. You don't qualify by being perfect. You qualify by believing in Jesus. And he's perfect enough for both of you. [00:47:42] (36 seconds)
So the truth is, this is really a beautiful picture of what God has wanted since the beginning. What God has wanted from the beginning was the coming together of this perfect God. and this creation made in his image. That's what he's always wanted. That's what he wanted in the garden. That's what's represented in Jesus, right? It's God's spirit in man's body. It's this coming together of God and man. And that's what God calls us to be. The coming together of a powerful, accepting, forgiving, perfect God and a flawed, broken human. As his spirit pours into you and then runs out of you like a river of blessing and peace and healing and freedom and life. [00:48:18] (53 seconds)
But when it's the Holy Spirit pouring into you and pouring out of you and miracles are done and healing happens and life comes, then that glorifies God. And the ability to bring healing and peace and joy and life is only limited by the unlimited power of the one who spoke everything into existence. [00:50:46] (25 seconds)
And if you've already accepted that invitation, but sometimes you still feel unqualified or you still feel unworthy to pray healing or miracles or freedom or life over people because of your own failure or brokenness or bad eyesight or bad background or addiction or shame in your life, remember, you're a container of the water of the Holy Spirit. And it's not about the perfection of the container. It's about the healing, life -giving water of God's Spirit that you contain. [00:56:00] (37 seconds)
It's an invitation to come, but it's also an invitation to become part of that current and to have his Spirit pour love and joy and freedom and healing and life into this world through you. [00:55:05] (16 seconds)
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