Invited to Dive Deeper with the Holy Spirit

 

Summary

In today's message, we explore the profound invitation to go deeper with the Holy Spirit. The essence of this journey is not about adhering to a religion or subscribing to a theology but about encountering the living presence of God. Drawing from Ezekiel 47, we see a vivid picture of a river symbolizing the Holy Spirit, inviting us to step deeper into the life, healing, and blessing that God offers. This journey is about letting go of our own control and allowing God to guide us, much like a dive master in skydiving, ensuring our safe passage through life.

Jesus promised that those who believe in Him would have rivers of living water flowing from within, signifying the abundant life He offers through the Holy Spirit. This life is not limited to material possessions or worldly concerns but is rich with joy, peace, and divine power. To experience this, we must be willing to step beyond the shallow waters of our spiritual life and dive into the depths of God's presence.

The Holy Spirit is our guide, not a mere force or energy, but God Himself, the third person of the Trinity. He is here to lead us into all truth, to reveal the deep things of God, and to empower us for a life of witness and service. This empowerment is not just for the early followers of Jesus but is available to all believers today.

To go deeper, we must cultivate a deeper devotional life, spending time in prayer, worship, and the Word. This practice feeds our spirit and aligns us with God's will. Additionally, we are called to be spiritually receptive, open to the Holy Spirit's communication through prophecy, visions, and dreams. This spiritual language enriches our relationship with God and enhances our ability to hear His voice.

Finally, we are encouraged to step into deeper ministry, allowing God to use us in greater ways. This requires determination, revelation, and an invitation for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. As we invite Him to take us deeper, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Encountering God's Presence: The journey with the Holy Spirit is about encountering God's living presence, not just following religious rituals. This encounter leads to a life filled with joy, peace, and divine power, transcending material concerns. [02:46]

2. The Holy Spirit as Our Guide: Like a dive master in skydiving, the Holy Spirit guides us safely through life, ensuring we reach our destination. He is not a force but God Himself, leading us into all truth and revealing the deep things of God. [06:36]

3. Empowerment for Witness: Jesus promised that believers would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. This empowerment is for all believers, enabling us to be effective witnesses and live a life of divine purpose. [11:19]

4. Cultivating a Deeper Devotional Life: Spending time in prayer, worship, and the Word is essential for going deeper with God. This practice feeds our spirit, aligns us with God's will, and opens us to His transformative power. [19:28]

5. Spiritual Receptivity: Being open to the Holy Spirit's communication through prophecy, visions, and dreams enriches our relationship with God. This spiritual language enhances our ability to hear His voice and respond to His guidance. [24:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Opening Prayer
- [01:34] - Ezekiel's River Vision
- [02:29] - The River of God
- [03:38] - Life Beyond Material Concerns
- [04:46] - Holy Spirit as Our Guide
- [06:36] - Skydiving Analogy
- [07:37] - Understanding the Holy Spirit
- [09:05] - Christianity as Relationship
- [10:31] - Deeper Place of Power
- [12:58] - Discovering the Holy Spirit
- [14:16] - Personal Testimony
- [17:46] - Deeper Devotional Life
- [23:33] - Spiritual Receptivity
- [27:58] - Going Deeper in Ministry
- [28:31] - Invitation to Go Deeper

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Holy Spirit, Take Us Deeper"

Bible Reading:
1. Ezekiel 47:1-5
2. John 7:38-39
3. Acts 1:8

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Observation Questions:

1. In Ezekiel 47, what stages of depth does the prophet experience as he steps into the river? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about going deeper with the Holy Spirit? [01:34]

2. According to John 7:38-39, what does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him? How is this promise connected to the concept of "rivers of living water"? [03:38]

3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding believers, as illustrated by the skydiving analogy shared in the sermon? [06:36]

4. How does Acts 1:8 describe the empowerment that believers receive from the Holy Spirit? What is the purpose of this empowerment according to the sermon? [11:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the imagery of the river in Ezekiel 47 help us understand the process of spiritual growth and depth in our relationship with God? [02:29]

2. In what ways does the promise of "rivers of living water" challenge the common understanding of what it means to live an abundant life? [03:38]

3. How does the sermon’s analogy of the Holy Spirit as a dive master enhance our understanding of His role in our spiritual journey? [06:36]

4. What does it mean to be a witness empowered by the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 1:8, and how does this empowerment manifest in a believer's life? [11:19]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual life. Are you in the shallow waters, or have you ventured deeper into the river of God's presence? What steps can you take to go deeper? [02:29]

2. Jesus promised that believers would have "rivers of living water" flowing from within. How can you cultivate a life that reflects this promise, focusing on spiritual abundance rather than material concerns? [03:38]

3. The sermon encourages a deeper devotional life. What specific changes can you make to your daily routine to spend more time in prayer, worship, and the Word? [19:28]

4. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit as your guide. How can you become more receptive to His leading in your daily decisions and life choices? [06:36]

5. The sermon mentions spiritual receptivity through prophecy, visions, and dreams. Have you experienced any of these forms of communication from God? How can you become more open to them? [24:39]

6. Reflect on the idea of going deeper in ministry. Is there a specific area where you feel called to serve more fully? What steps can you take to respond to this calling? [27:58]

7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of determination and revelation in going deeper with God. What obstacles might be hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you address them with God's help? [30:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Encountering the Living Presence of God
The journey with the Holy Spirit is about encountering God's living presence, not just following religious rituals. This encounter leads to a life filled with joy, peace, and divine power, transcending material concerns. The Holy Spirit invites us to step beyond the superficial aspects of our faith and dive into a deeper relationship with God. This relationship is characterized by an abundance of spiritual blessings that go beyond what the world can offer. As we open ourselves to this divine presence, we experience a transformation that fills our lives with purpose and fulfillment. [02:46]

Ezekiel 47:9 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have been relying on religious rituals rather than seeking a genuine encounter with God's presence? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform these areas today?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit as Our Divine Guide
The Holy Spirit is not a mere force but God Himself, guiding us safely through life like a dive master in skydiving. He leads us into all truth and reveals the deep things of God, ensuring we reach our spiritual destination. This guidance is essential for navigating the complexities of life and making decisions that align with God's will. By trusting the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can let go of our own control and allow Him to direct our paths with wisdom and love. [06:36]

John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to relinquish control? How can you practice trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you in these areas today?


Day 3: Empowerment for Witness
Jesus promised that believers would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. This empowerment is for all believers, enabling us to be effective witnesses and live a life of divine purpose. The Holy Spirit equips us with the strength and courage needed to share the gospel and serve others. This empowerment is not limited to the early followers of Jesus but is available to all who believe in Him today. By embracing this power, we can fulfill our calling and make a meaningful impact in the world. [11:19]

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: How have you experienced the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your life? What steps can you take to be a more effective witness for Christ in your community?


Day 4: Cultivating a Deeper Devotional Life
Spending time in prayer, worship, and the Word is essential for going deeper with God. This practice feeds our spirit, aligns us with God's will, and opens us to His transformative power. A deeper devotional life requires intentionality and commitment, as it involves setting aside time to connect with God daily. By prioritizing these spiritual disciplines, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and minds, leading us into a more profound relationship with God. [19:28]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: What changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize prayer, worship, and the Word? How can these practices help you grow closer to God?


Day 5: Spiritual Receptivity
Being open to the Holy Spirit's communication through prophecy, visions, and dreams enriches our relationship with God. This spiritual language enhances our ability to hear His voice and respond to His guidance. By cultivating spiritual receptivity, we become more attuned to the ways God is speaking to us and leading us. This openness requires a willingness to listen and a readiness to act on what we receive from the Holy Spirit. As we embrace this spiritual language, we deepen our connection with God and grow in our faith. [24:39]

Joel 2:28 (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."

Reflection: How can you become more receptive to the Holy Spirit's communication in your life? What steps can you take to discern and act on the messages you receive from God?

Quotes


God isn't interested in us joining a religion God doesn't want us to join uh subscribe to a theology he wants us to encounter his living presence to be deeply healed and carried along in life life and when your feet leave the ground as it were when you step all the way into the things that God has for you and you lose touch with the ground that's where life becomes easy that's where you really start moving it's no longer you doing the the providing it's no longer you doing the thinking it's no longer you doing The Guiding and the making the decisions God is guiding you and he is carrying you. [00:02:44]

God wants you not only to be in that River but he wants the river to be in you and I'm telling you God has more for every single one of us he has more for us than just houses and cars and anxiety and fear and news and politics he has so much more he wants us to experience life Joy the power of God the the peace of God the blessing of God the healing of God but he needs us to step in and some of us today we've stepped in and we're up to our ankles and we didn't know that there was more but God is saying there's more. [00:03:36]

The holy spirit is the one I can't take you deeper but the Holy Spirit can I was mentioning in the first service right here on the front was Grant and Zoe I think it was their idea to take the young adults uh skydiving and uh this was about four or five years ago I think that's the best I can recall I tried to blank it out of my mind you know jumping out of a plane is a kind of a one-time experience for me I'm good one one time was good but I actually did it and the way it works is you go up in the plane but you're wrapped to a guy who's right behind you who's the Dive Master. [00:04:46]

Jesus said this about the Holy Spirit he said that if the holy spirit is a guide that holds us and takes us safely deeper John chapter 16 verse 12 there is so much more Jesus says there is so much more I want to tell you but you can't bear it now but when the Holy Spirit when the spirit of truth comes he will guide you into all truth he will not speak on his own but he will tell you what he has heard he will tell you about the future he will bring me Glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. [00:06:36]

Christianity is a little bit different than religion Christianity is a relationship with God a lot of the world religions um they want you to conform to the rituals and the places and uh the teachings of their religion but only Christianity teaches us that God comes to dwell inside of us that that not that we are God no no no no you're not God not even on your best day all right you'll always be human but as a human the holy spirit will come God the holy spirit will come and indwell you the second you open your heart to Christ. [00:09:05]

Jesus said you will receive power everybody say power okay you're not supposed to be weak you're not supposed to live you know subject to everything and always be no God wants you to be powerful he wants to put power in your life the power when when will that happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon you so he doesn't want you to be powerful in your own personality he wants you to be powerful in him when the Holy Spirit comes on you then you will be my Witnesses Jesus said in Jerusalem Judea Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world. [00:11:19]

It wasn't long after I received the baptism of the holy spirit that I learned to have daily time with God now in the Bible a lot of times it talks about the morning hours I think because that's when the devil's asleep we just need to talk to God while the devil is asleep but I there's something Jesus would seek God early in the morning uh the the prophets the great leaders in the Bible all had morning time but I know some of you are more wired for you're more like night owls you're you're night people and there it's not like magic in the morning. [00:19:28]

The most important thing is is that you are alone and quiet with the Lord that you learn that beautiful you know it starts as a discipline but pretty soon you just can't wait for it just just that time a lot of people feel you know condemned because they don't spend an hour with God they don't spend a half an hour with God you just should you should just start where you are you five minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes the longer you spend with God the more you'll enjoy it I promise you but the most important thing is to do it as often as you can on a regular basis. [00:20:00]

Prophecy visions and dreams becomes an experience that we can have through the Holy Spirit now let me just ask you how many of you here in this room speak Spanish lift up your hand you speak Spanish awesome beautiful does anybody here speak German Jim Jim Johnson is here he speaks German awesome anybody speak Italiano anybody nobody all right my man speaks Italian what language does the Holy Spirit speak he speaks them all but how does he speak prophecy vision and dreams it's the language of the Holy Spirit that's how he communicates to us. [00:24:39]

The Bible is the most important Source it's the most reliable source of Revelation so we never want to exceed or go beyond the Bible or do anything that's contradictory to the Bible but as you open the Bible God can give you prophetic words and visions and dreams and it's like the Bible is the fireplace and the Holy Spirit is the fire the Bible keeps the fire from burning the house down okay every fire needs a fireplace amen some people just want the fire and they don't want the fireplace I grew up in a church that just wanted the fireplace and there was no fire. [00:27:58]

Some of you are called to go deeper in Ministry like you're at your ankle level right now or you're at your knee level but something's telling you man there's more for you and and there is God wants to use you in amazing ways and and so it's all about just Allowing God to take us deeper now in a few few minutes we're going to close the service and uh the worship team is going to come up and here's here's what I want to challenge us to do as we as we close I'm going to open up the altar here today and as we worship with the closing song. [00:28:31]

I want to invite you if you're interested if you would like this to step out of your seat and come forward and let that be your way of saying to the Lord take me deeper I I want to go deeper now for some of you you've never stepped forward uh and it's okay if you if today is not your day you don't have to do this but I really I think for some of you it would be a powerful experience to really just say to God I just I want more so we're going to give you that opportunity for some of you um you might step forward and that might be your way of saying I want to be hungry for more. [00:28:58]

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Transcript
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