The Transformative Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit

This morning, the focus is on the Holy Spirit—God’s presence and power at work in the world, in the church, and in each of our lives. Through stories from our mission teams, we see the Spirit’s movement both near and far: in the Dominican Republic, Milwaukee, Southeast Asia, and right here in our own community through organizations like Samaritan’s Purse. These testimonies remind us that when we step out to serve, we are not only a blessing to others, but we ourselves are blessed and transformed by the Spirit’s work.

The Holy Spirit is not a late addition to God’s story, nor a mere force or feeling. The Spirit is eternal, present at creation, active throughout the Old and New Testaments, and intimately involved in the life of every believer. The Spirit’s history is woven through the entire biblical narrative, from Genesis to Revelation, always pointing to God’s desire for relationship and restoration. The Spirit’s intensity is seen in the images of wind and fire—powerful, creative, and not to be trifled with. This is not a tame or passive presence, but the very power of God, able to transform lives, communities, and even the course of history.

Yet, the Holy Spirit is also deeply personal. The Spirit is not an “it,” but a “who”—one who can be grieved, who comforts, convicts, teaches, and abides with us. The Spirit holds us accountable, illuminates the Scriptures, and assures us that we are never alone. In seasons of loneliness, uncertainty, or pain, the Spirit’s presence is a foretaste of the eternal communion we will one day experience fully. Our role is not to invite the Spirit into our lives as if we are the hosts, but to discern how we can join in the Spirit’s ongoing work—keeping in step with the Spirit, aligning our lives with God’s purposes.

As we affirm our faith through the Apostles’ Creed, we are reminded that the story of the world is framed by the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s work is not just a doctrine to be believed, but a reality to be lived, as we pray, serve, and love in the power of God’s presence.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Holy Spirit’s eternal presence means that God’s story is not limited to a single moment or event. From creation to the present, the Spirit has been actively involved in shaping, guiding, and sustaining all things. This challenges us to see our lives as part of a much larger narrative, where God’s Spirit is always at work, even when we cannot see it. [41:02]
• 2. The Spirit’s power is both awe-inspiring and creative, likened to wind and fire—forces that can both destroy and renew. We are called to respect and revere this power, recognizing that the Spirit is not under our control, but is the very energy of God moving in the world. This perspective invites humility and wonder as we participate in God’s mission. [49:27]
• 3. The personhood of the Holy Spirit means that our relationship with God is deeply personal. The Spirit can be grieved, comforts us, and holds us accountable. This calls us to approach God not as an abstract force, but as a loving, relational presence who desires intimacy and transformation in our lives. [52:02]
• 4. The Spirit’s role as our guide and teacher is essential for understanding Scripture and discerning God’s will. Without the Spirit’s illumination, the Bible remains just words on a page. We are invited to seek the Spirit’s help in our study, trusting that God desires to reveal truth and wisdom to us as we grow in faith. [56:30]
• 5. In times of loneliness, pain, or uncertainty, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence assures us that we are never alone. The Spirit is a deposit of the eternal life to come, offering comfort and companionship even in our darkest moments. This truth empowers us to face challenges with hope, knowing that God is with us and for us. [57:43]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [15:36] - Mission Team Stories: Dominican Republic
• [16:51] - Mission Team Stories: Milwaukee
• [18:03] - Mission Team Stories: Southeast Asia
• [19:57] - Samaritan’s Purse and Local Service
• [21:15] - Prayer for Mission and Community
• [23:10] - Invitation to Intercessory Prayer
• [25:11] - Worship: “Made for More”
• [31:24] - Reciting the Apostles’ Creed
• [32:45] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit
• [35:19] - Three Aspects: History, Intensity, Personality
• [37:12] - The Spirit’s Eternal History
• [46:16] - The Spirit’s Intensity: Wind and Fire
• [51:23] - The Spirit’s Personality and Personhood
• [54:34] - The Spirit’s Accountability and Guidance
• [57:43] - The Spirit’s Presence in Loneliness
• [59:39] - The Creed and the Trinity’s Story
• [63:00] - Communion and Prayer Circle
• [64:56] - Intercessory Prayer for Loved Ones

Bible Reading

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.

2. 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.

3. Ephesians 4:29-30 (ESV)
> Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 1:2, what is the Spirit of God doing at creation? How does this show the Spirit’s involvement from the very beginning of God’s story? ([41:42])
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of the Holy Spirit’s power in the lives of believers? ([46:53])
3. In Ephesians 4:30, what does it mean that the Holy Spirit can be “grieved”? What does this tell us about the Spirit’s nature? ([52:02])
4. The sermon described the Holy Spirit as being like wind and fire. What are some characteristics of wind and fire that help us understand the Spirit’s power? ([49:27])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said the Holy Spirit is not a “late addition” to God’s story, but present from creation to now. Why is it important to see the Spirit as eternal and active throughout the whole Bible? ([41:02])
2. The Spirit is described as both powerful (like wind and fire) and personal (can be grieved, comforts, teaches). How do these two aspects shape our understanding of who the Holy Spirit is? ([49:27] and [52:02])
3. The sermon mentioned that the Spirit is not an “it” but a “who.” How does this affect the way we relate to God in our daily lives? ([52:02])
4. The Spirit’s role includes guiding us, teaching us, and helping us understand Scripture. Why do we need the Spirit’s help to truly understand the Bible? ([56:30])

Application Questions

1. The sermon shared stories of mission teams and local service, showing the Spirit at work when people step out to serve. Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit working through you or someone else while serving others? What happened, and how did it affect you? ([19:16])
2. The Spirit’s power is described as awe-inspiring and not under our control. Are there areas in your life where you try to “control” God or limit what the Spirit can do? What would it look like to let go and trust the Spirit’s power? ([49:27])
3. The Holy Spirit can be grieved by our actions, especially by how we speak to and treat others. Is there a relationship or situation where you sense you may have grieved the Spirit? What step could you take this week to make it right? ([52:02])
4. The sermon said we shouldn’t just invite the Spirit into our lives, but instead ask how we can join in the Spirit’s work. What is one way you can “keep in step with the Spirit” this week? ([01:00:57])
5. In times of loneliness or pain, the Spirit’s presence is a comfort and a reminder that we are not alone. Can you think of a time when you felt God’s presence in a hard season? How did that change your outlook or give you hope? ([57:43])
6. The Spirit helps us understand Scripture. Before you read the Bible this week, will you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you? What difference do you expect this might make in your understanding or experience? ([56:30])
7. The sermon reminded us that the Spirit’s story is part of the bigger story of the Trinity and God’s plan for the world. How does knowing you are part of this bigger story change the way you see your everyday life and choices? ([41:02])