Empowered by the Spirit: Standing Firm in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as a Public Declaration

Baptism is a crucial step of obedience and a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. It signifies our commitment to follow Him and allows the church to celebrate the transformative work God is doing in our lives. Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a powerful testimony of our new life in Christ. It symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to a new life, mirroring Jesus' own death and resurrection. If you haven't taken this step yet, now is the time to do so. [31:48]

Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: Have you publicly declared your faith through baptism? If not, what is holding you back from taking this important step of obedience?

Day 2: Standing Firm in a Darkening Culture

As our culture increasingly challenges our values and beliefs, it's essential for us to stand firm and let our light shine even brighter. The darker the world becomes, the more our love and light should stand out, reflecting the hope and truth of Jesus Christ. We are called to be beacons of light in a world that often seems to be growing darker. This means living out our faith boldly and without compromise, even when it is difficult or unpopular. [34:36]

Ephesians 5:8-9 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)."

Reflection: In what ways can you let your light shine brighter in your community and workplace this week?

Day 3: The Power of the Holy Spirit

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an additional gift beyond salvation, meant to empower us to be effective witnesses for Christ. This gift brings a transformative power, enabling us to boldly proclaim the gospel and live out our faith with courage and strength. The Holy Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts that are essential for ministry and personal growth. Embracing this gift allows us to experience a deeper relationship with God and a greater impact in our witness to others. [42:38]

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: Have you sought the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How can you open yourself up to receive this empowering gift?

Day 4: Praying and Worshiping in the Spirit

The Holy Spirit helps us in our moments of weakness, enabling us to pray and worship in ways that go beyond our natural abilities. When words fail us, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf, praying the very will of God and bringing our deepest burdens before the Father. This divine assistance in prayer and worship allows us to connect with God on a deeper level, experiencing His presence and guidance in profound ways. [59:23]

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers and worship today, especially in areas where you feel weak or uncertain?

Day 5: Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

To receive this gift, we must come with expectation, hunger for more, be filled with faith, and be determined to press in. It's a journey that may begin at the altar but can continue in various moments of our daily lives. God's timing is perfect, and He will fill us with His Spirit at the right moment. This process requires a heart that is open and eager to receive all that God has for us, trusting in His perfect timing and provision. [01:03:27]

Luke 11:13 (ESV): "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Reflection: Are you coming to God with expectation and hunger for more of His Spirit? What steps can you take today to press in and seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church! Today, we continued our series called "Firm Foundations," focusing on the core principles that define our church. We discussed the importance of baptism, especially with Easter Sunday approaching, and how it serves as a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. We emphasized that now is not the time for the church to shrink back despite the increasing darkness in our culture. Instead, we must stand firm and let our light shine even brighter.

We delved into the significance of being a Spirit-filled church, a foundational aspect of our identity. We explored the gifts of the Spirit and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that these gifts are still available to us today. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an additional gift beyond salvation, meant to empower us to be effective witnesses for Christ. We looked at Acts 1:4-8 and Acts 2:1-4 to understand the context and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

We also discussed the practical steps to receive this gift: coming with expectation, being hungry for more, being filled with faith, and being determined to press in. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a badge of honor but a means to make us better versions of ourselves, enabling us to pray and worship in ways that go beyond our natural abilities. We concluded with an invitation for those who have not yet received this gift to begin their journey today, emphasizing that God's timing is perfect for each of us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Baptism as a Public Declaration: Baptism is a crucial step of obedience and a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. It signifies our commitment to follow Him and allows the church to celebrate the transformative work God is doing in our lives. If you haven't taken this step yet, now is the time to do so. [31:48]
2. Standing Firm in a Darkening Culture: As our culture increasingly challenges our values and beliefs, it's essential for us to stand firm and let our light shine even brighter. The darker the world becomes, the more our love and light should stand out, reflecting the hope and truth of Jesus Christ. [34:36]
3. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an additional gift beyond salvation, meant to empower us to be effective witnesses for Christ. This gift brings a transformative power, enabling us to boldly proclaim the gospel and live out our faith with courage and strength. [42:38]
4. Praying and Worshiping in the Spirit: The Holy Spirit helps us in our moments of weakness, enabling us to pray and worship in ways that go beyond our natural abilities. When words fail us, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf, praying the very will of God and bringing our deepest burdens before the Father. [59:23]
5. Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: To receive this gift, we must come with expectation, hunger for more, be filled with faith, and be determined to press in. It's a journey that may begin at the altar but can continue in various moments of our daily lives. God's timing is perfect, and He will fill us with His Spirit at the right moment. [01:03:27]
### [63:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:48] - Baptism Announcement
[33:03] - Importance of Public Declaration
[34:36] - Standing Firm in a Darkening Culture
[35:56] - Light Shines Brightest in Darkness
[37:16] - Foundations of Truth
[38:31] - Spirit-Filled Church
[40:00] - Gifts of the Spirit
[41:17] - Acts 1:4-8 Explanation
[42:38] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[44:05] - Baptism in the Holy Spirit
[45:36] - Dunamis Power
[46:58] - Day of Pentecost
[48:15] - Speaking in Tongues
[49:39] - Peter's Transformation
[50:54] - Peter's Boldness
[52:18] - Promise of the Holy Spirit
[53:42] - Gift for All Believers
[55:11] - Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for You
[56:38] - Not a Badge of Honor
[58:00] - Praying in the Spirit
[59:23] - Romans 8:26-27 Explanation
[60:53] - Personal vs. Corporate Gifts
[62:10] - How to Receive the Gift
[63:27] - Come Expecting to Receive
[65:01] - Testimony of Expectation
[67:41] - Come Hungry for More
[68:29] - Come Filled with Faith
[69:46] - Take a Step of Faith
[70:30] - Pressing In
[72:08] - God's Perfect Timing
[73:07] - Spirit-Filled Church Experience
[74:15] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
[76:43] - Online Service Conclusion

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 1:4-8 (NIV) — > On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.”

2. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
> When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

3. Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)
> In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Observation Questions

What command did Jesus give to the disciples in Acts 1:4-5 regarding the Holy Spirit? ([41:17])
Describe the events that took place on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. ([46:58])
According to Romans 8:26-27, how does the Holy Spirit assist us in our moments of weakness? ([59:23])
What transformation did Peter undergo after receiving the Holy Spirit, as described in the sermon? ([50:54])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasized waiting for the Holy Spirit before the disciples began their mission? ([42:38])
How does the description of the Holy Spirit's arrival in Acts 2:1-4 illustrate the power and presence of God? ([46:58])
In what ways does the Holy Spirit intercede for us according to Romans 8:26-27, and why is this significant for our prayer life? ([59:23])
How did the baptism of the Holy Spirit change Peter's ability to witness and preach, and what does this imply for us today? ([50:54])

Application Questions

Baptism as a Public Declaration: Have you taken the step of baptism as a public declaration of your faith? If not, what is holding you back from making this commitment? ([33:03])
Standing Firm in a Darkening Culture: In what specific ways can you stand firm in your faith and let your light shine brighter in your workplace, school, or community? ([34:36])
The Power of the Holy Spirit: How can you actively seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps will you take to come with expectation, hunger, and faith? ([01:03:27])
Praying and Worshiping in the Spirit: Have you experienced moments when you felt the Holy Spirit interceding for you in prayer? How did it change your prayer experience? ([59:23])
Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Reflect on a time when you felt a deep hunger for more of God. How can you cultivate that hunger and press in to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit? ([01:07:41])
Personal Transformation: How can the baptism of the Holy Spirit make you a better version of yourself, especially in areas where you struggle with fear or doubt? ([56:38])
Sharing Your Faith: How can the empowerment of the Holy Spirit help you to be a more effective witness for Christ in your daily interactions? ([42:38])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It's a public declaration, and you get to share your story, and the church gets to celebrate with you what God has been doing in your life. And so, I want you to get signed up today, even before you leave. Make sure you let us know that you're interested. We've got plenty of room. It's just going to be a part of the celebration of Easter Sunday morning, and we want to make sure that you're a part of it." [31:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Light shines brightest when it's the darkest. In fact, let's do something. Everybody right now, just pull your phone out. Go ahead, pull your phone out. At the risk of losing you all to social media, pull your phone out and turn your flashlight on. And in the back, if you can help me, turn on all the house lights. Turn them up to 100%." [35:56] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The darker they are, the brighter you should shine. Let your light shine. You're like a city on a hill. It cannot be hidden. So don't, don't back down. Don't give up. Let your light shine. And so that's part of what this series is about, is helping us to understand who we are. Helping us to understand the foundations of truth that we should be building, not just this church, but our lives upon." [37:16] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a badge of honor that you should wear around. I'm a Pentecostal now. So I know that you haven't received it. So you might not even believe in it, but. I have it. So I'm just at a higher place than, it's not a badge of honor, friends. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a badge of honor. In fact, it does not make me better than you. It makes me better than me." [55:11] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not to make me better than you. That I'm spirit filled and you're not. I'm a better Christian than you. I'm probably going to get to heaven before you do. My, my, my mansion is going to be closer to Jesus's than yours is. And there's none of that. It doesn't make me better than you. It makes me a better version of me because I can be like Peter." [56:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And so, we've been taking some time to go back and look at them so that we understand them. So grab your Bibles, pull them out, grab something to take some notes with. While you're doing that, let me just remind you about an announcement you just saw, and that is baptisms are coming up on Easter Sunday. Can you believe it? You should be cheering right now because baptisms are coming up on Easter Sunday, right?" [31:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And so, I just want to encourage you, church, now is not the time for us as a church to shrink back. I'm going to let that sink in, because I need you to be with me this morning. Now is not the time for the church to shrink back. Come on, are you with me? Are you with me? Just because it's getting darker and darker, and culture is pushing in on us, and trying to erode away at our values and our beliefs, this is not the time for us to go, well, you know, I don't know. I guess if you can't beat them, join them." [34:36] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We talked about having a spirit of generosity, and that's something that God has marked our church with. And just to remind you, next Sunday, next Sunday during our offering window, our giving window, we are going to be accepting and receiving those faith commitments for kingdom builders. We've been talking about it the last few weeks. The challenge is, you know, come on, let's all do something over and above the tithe to make a difference in our world." [38:31] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And today, we want to look at another one of those foundational pieces of who we are as a church. Are you ready? Come on, church, are you ready? All right, here we are. God has called us, Desert Springs Church, God has called us to be a spirit of generosity. God has called us to be a spirit of generosity. God has called us to be a spirit of a spirit-filled church. A spirit-filled church. A church that is filled with the power and the anointing of the Holy Spirit." [38:31] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And so, I just want to declare this one more time so that you understand it. This gift is from the Father, and it's for all believers. It's for all believers. Now let me just draw this distinction between what we're talking about, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, versus what we also believe in, the gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues. Because sometimes we get that all mixed up, and we kind of think it's one thing. It's actually two different things." [01:00:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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