Living in the Fullness of the Spirit
Summary
### Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound difference between transactional living and the agricultural, seed-time-and-harvest approach that Jesus taught. Life in the Kingdom of Heaven is about sowing seeds, investing in relationships, and growing in community. We are encouraged to engage beyond just attending Sunday services—whether through small groups, serving teams, or social events like watch parties and campfires. This summer, our church is amplifying opportunities for connection and growth, emphasizing that community and spiritual growth are year-round commitments.
We also took time to honor Heartland Alliance Church for their faithful work and prayed for their continued mission. We then transitioned into a time of communion, reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus and the importance of repentance and renewal. Psalm 139 guided us in a prayer of introspection, asking God to search our hearts and lead us in everlasting life.
The sermon then delved into the topic of being filled with the Holy Spirit, exploring four common views within Christianity: Conversion, Sacramental, Corporate, and Pentecostal. We emphasized that what matters most is not the method but the daily practice of cultivating the Spirit's presence in our lives. We are called to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, using our spiritual gifts to further God's Kingdom.
We concluded with a powerful call to action: to acknowledge the Spirit's leading each day, to cultivate God's presence, and to step out in faith using the gifts we've been given. We prayed for those with chronic illnesses and couples struggling with conception, believing in God's power to heal and provide. The service ended with a reminder of our upcoming series, "Hall of Faith," which will explore Hebrews 11 and the stories of faith from the Old Testament.
### Key Takeaways
1. Transactional vs. Agricultural Living: Life in the Kingdom of Heaven is not transactional but agricultural, focusing on sowing seeds and investing in relationships. This approach encourages us to engage deeply in community and spiritual growth, beyond just attending Sunday services. [38:50]
2. Honoring and Praying for Other Churches: We took time to honor Heartland Alliance Church for their faithful work and prayed for their continued mission. This reminds us of the importance of unity and support within the broader body of Christ. [42:01]
3. The Importance of Communion and Repentance: Communion is a time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, repent of our sins, and renew our commitment to God. Psalm 139 guided us in a prayer of introspection, asking God to search our hearts and lead us in everlasting life. [43:59]
4. Being Filled with the Holy Spirit: We explored four common views on being filled with the Holy Spirit—Conversion, Sacramental, Corporate, and Pentecostal. The emphasis was on the daily practice of cultivating the Spirit's presence in our lives, using our spiritual gifts to further God's Kingdom. [51:06]
5. Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth: We are called to acknowledge the Spirit's leading each day, cultivate God's presence, and step out in faith using the gifts we've been given. This involves regular rhythms of confession, repentance, and obedience to God's call. [01:10:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:50] - Engaging Beyond Sunday Services
[40:29] - Honoring Heartland Alliance Church
[42:01] - Prayer for Heartland Alliance Church
[43:03] - Communion and Repentance
[51:06] - Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
[56:04] - Personal Testimony of the Holy Spirit
[59:20] - Four Views on the Holy Spirit
[01:10:03] - Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
[01:19:04] - The Importance of Daily Cultivation
[01:25:02] - Living in the Fullness of the Spirit
[01:34:02] - Prayer for More of the Spirit
[01:41:14] - Closing Prayer and Worship
[01:49:21] - Upcoming Series: Hall of Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV): "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
2. Romans 8:9-10 (NIV): "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness."
3. Acts 2:38 (NIV): "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.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 139:23-24 ask God to do in the believer's heart and life?
2. According to Romans 8:9-10, what is the significance of having the Spirit of God living in you?
3. In Acts 2:38, what are the steps Peter outlines for receiving the Holy Spirit?
4. How did the sermon describe the difference between transactional living and agricultural living in the Kingdom of Heaven? [38:50]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prayer in Psalm 139:23-24 reflect the themes of repentance and renewal discussed in the sermon? [43:59]
2. What does it mean to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit as described in Romans 8:9-10, and how does this relate to the daily practice of cultivating the Spirit's presence? [51:06]
3. How can the steps outlined in Acts 2:38 be seen as a foundation for spiritual growth and receiving the Holy Spirit?
4. The sermon mentioned four views on being filled with the Holy Spirit. How do these views differ, and what is the common goal they share? [59:20]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 139:23-24, what specific areas of your life do you feel need God's introspection and guidance? How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of engaging in community beyond Sunday services. What are some practical ways you can invest in relationships and community within the church this summer? [38:50]
3. How can you honor and support other churches in your community, similar to how the sermon honored Heartland Alliance Church? What steps can you take to foster unity within the broader body of Christ? [42:01]
4. Communion was described as a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. How can you make your next communion experience more meaningful and spiritually enriching? [43:59]
5. The sermon called for daily acknowledgment of the Holy Spirit's leading. What are some specific practices you can adopt to cultivate God's presence in your life each day? [51:06]
6. Think about the spiritual gifts you have been given. How can you step out in faith to use these gifts to further God's Kingdom? What is one specific action you can take this week to use your gifts in service to others? [01:10:03]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to pray for those with chronic illnesses and couples struggling with conception. How can you incorporate intercessory prayer into your daily life, and who are some individuals you can commit to praying for regularly? [01:34:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Sowing Seeds in the Kingdom
Life in the Kingdom of Heaven is not transactional but agricultural, focusing on sowing seeds and investing in relationships. This approach encourages us to engage deeply in community and spiritual growth, beyond just attending Sunday services. Jesus taught that our lives should be like a farmer's, who sows seeds and waits patiently for the harvest. This means investing time and effort into relationships, community, and spiritual practices that may not yield immediate results but will bear fruit in the long run.
Engaging beyond Sunday services can take many forms, such as joining small groups, serving on teams, or participating in social events like watch parties and campfires. These activities help us build deeper connections with others and grow spiritually. This summer, our church is amplifying opportunities for connection and growth, emphasizing that community and spiritual growth are year-round commitments. By sowing seeds of love, kindness, and service, we can create a thriving community that reflects the Kingdom of Heaven. [38:50]
Galatians 6:7-9 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: What seeds can you sow today in your relationships and community that will contribute to long-term spiritual growth and connection?
Day 2: Unity in the Body of Christ
We took time to honor Heartland Alliance Church for their faithful work and prayed for their continued mission. This reminds us of the importance of unity and support within the broader body of Christ. Recognizing and celebrating the efforts of other churches fosters a spirit of unity and collaboration, rather than competition. It is essential to remember that we are all part of the same body, working together to further God's Kingdom.
Praying for other churches and their missions helps us to see the bigger picture of God's work in the world. It encourages us to support and uplift one another, knowing that we are all striving towards the same goal. By honoring and praying for other churches, we demonstrate our commitment to unity and our belief in the power of collective prayer. [42:01]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you actively support and pray for other churches and their missions in your community?
Day 3: Communion and Introspection
Communion is a time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, repent of our sins, and renew our commitment to God. Psalm 139 guided us in a prayer of introspection, asking God to search our hearts and lead us in everlasting life. This practice of self-examination and repentance is crucial for maintaining a healthy spiritual life. It allows us to acknowledge our shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and realign our hearts with God's will.
Taking communion is not just a ritual; it is a profound moment of connection with Jesus and a reminder of His love and sacrifice for us. It is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew our commitment to living a life that honors God. By regularly engaging in this practice, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and humility, recognizing our need for God's grace and guidance. [43:59]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your life and ask God to reveal any areas where you need to repent and seek His guidance. How can you renew your commitment to God today?
Day 4: Cultivating the Holy Spirit's Presence
We explored four common views on being filled with the Holy Spirit—Conversion, Sacramental, Corporate, and Pentecostal. The emphasis was on the daily practice of cultivating the Spirit's presence in our lives, using our spiritual gifts to further God's Kingdom. Regardless of the method, what matters most is our intentional effort to invite the Holy Spirit into our daily lives and allow Him to work through us.
Living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit involves regular rhythms of confession, repentance, and obedience to God's call. It means being attentive to the Spirit's leading and stepping out in faith to use the gifts we've been given. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom. [51:06]
Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps can you take to use your spiritual gifts to further God's Kingdom?
Day 5: Stepping Out in Faith
We are called to acknowledge the Spirit's leading each day, cultivate God's presence, and step out in faith using the gifts we've been given. This involves regular rhythms of confession, repentance, and obedience to God's call. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit and live a life that reflects God's love and power.
Stepping out in faith requires courage and trust in God's plan for our lives. It means being willing to take risks and follow the Spirit's leading, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. By embracing this call to action, we can grow spiritually and make a meaningful impact in the world around us. [01:10:03]
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to step out in faith? How can you take a concrete step towards following that leading today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus taught in Matthew that heaven's kingdom, is seed time and harvest. It's agricultural. And, um, it, that's different than transactional. And I want to encourage you if you're new in the room, or maybe you've been coming for a long time and you're still wondering, is, is the presence of God something I can experience at home? Is, is life and community, is there richness and hope? Can I experience the sense of belonging and growth and, and becoming? And I just want to encourage you, keep sowing seed. Like keep investing, keep pouring out. And it, it is way more than just parking a car and walking into a room on Sunday." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sundays are a day to be born again, again. That's not a theological statement. It's just simply a heart posture. That's not a discourse on can you lose your salvation. We can have that chat some other day. It's simply a heart posture. Sundays are a good day to be born again, again. And so I take time right now to get right with God. To repent of my sin. To give thanks for the cross. And to receive the spirit once more." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do you want to be filled with the presence of God? Do you want to live every day in that surrender? Do you want to experience, not just the love and the grace and the nearness of God's presence in your heart, in your life, in your home? Certainly not just limited to rooms like this, but in your car when you're alone and in your workplace when you're being fulfilled in vocation and around a table with your family and friends. Do you want to encounter and know and experience the power of the Holy Spirit at work, in your life, each and every day?" (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Holy Spirit's a person. And the Holy Spirit's been given to you and to me. As a constant consistent presence of Christ in our lives. To actively support us in the mission and cause of Christ. The continuation of His work. His power being made known. Heaven's kingdom shaping Edmonton in our lifetime. That's why we've been given the Spirit. And God's given you one or more spiritual gifts for a reason. He's got an assignment for you. He's got a specific job He's longing for you to just say yes to. Just step out in obedience. Just say yes." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We were filled. We are filled. And we're being filled once again. And I just, there's so much I don't know about you, Holy Spirit. But this is what I do know to be true. I need you. I need you. I need you like air. I need you like water on a hot summer day. I need you. I need you. I need your presence. I need your power. I need your grace. I need your voice. I need your truth. I need your whisper. I need you to remind me of the things that Jesus is saying. He's teaching me. I need you to give me boldness and courage." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so I want to, I want to encourage you to check out our website. Uh, if you don't follow us on social media yet, you can always do that on Instagram or Facebook and just kind of begin to take a peek. Like what, what are some of the ways that I can be involved in church life outside of just walking into a room on a Sunday? Yeah. And, and so that's, that's a little bit about us and, and, um, and summers are fun around here. Um, we kind of amp up in summer. Our, our small groups amp up. They continue to gather and build connection and, and, and grow in faith. And as community, we always, I know, I know, like I grew up in a church that kind of went, went, uh, radio silent in the summer months. That was kind of my upbringing. So I actually love that in the summer, we kind of dial up, we turn up the heat on, uh, on the temperature outside for one thing, but, uh, also just on, on what it means to create opportunities to grow in friendship and, and like that way, like if you're at your cottage, that doesn't mean that you can't show up throughout the week and continue to put down roots and build relationships with other people. And so we love that you're in the room today and, uh, just incredible." (96 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And the whisper of the Spirit simply said, will you cultivate my presence in your life? Will you go after me? When nobody's looking, will you cultivate my presence? Will you trust that it's actually more than enough that I've taken up residence in your life? Romans 8 says you're not controlled by your sinful nature. You're controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. If. Interesting. And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ do not belong to Him. Also interesting. And then verse 10. And Christ lives within you. So even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you've been made right with God." (60 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And if at a moment of conversion you're not open to being filled with the Spirit, but then when you get baptized, you are, beautiful. And if at a moment of conversion you're not open to being filled with the Spirit, but somebody lays hands and prays for you and then you are, awesome. Or if at a moment of conversion you're saying I'm all in and you sense a full renewal of the power of the Holy Spirit, I think God can work in it all. But as a church, we absolutely lean towards conversion and celebrate that when you say yes to Christ, you're saying yes to being filled with the Spirit. You're saying yes to being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Are we acknowledging the Spirit's leading each new day? Are we cultivating the presence of God as a daily practice, a daily discipline? Are we faithfully using the gifts that we've been given? If you missed the week on spiritual gifts, you have one, maybe more. Are you using it? You're not empty-handed in this. If you've made a decision to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit's given you a gift. Are you using that gift each and every day? Are we saying a wholehearted yes to participating in mission-minded kingdom work today? I know what my J-O-B is. I know what I do to make money. But there's kingdom work for me to do as well. Every day." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so can I invite you back. I'm sweating and preaching louder than you're agreeing today. Come on. And you know me. I don't ever ask for that. But I think this matters. Can we just come back to a place quickly today. Where we say I want to see this taking shape day after day. I need to see this taking shape day after day. I need to be built into a holy temple where the Lord Himself resides by the power of the Holy Spirit. This isn't about how close I can get to temptation and sin without missing the mark. This is about living in the surrender and the awe of the power and the grace and the mercy of the Spirit's presence. Each and every new day." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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