The Unseen Power: Embracing the Holy Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound mystery of the wind, drawing parallels between the natural wind and the Holy Spirit. Just as the wind is a powerful, unseen force that shapes our environment, the Holy Spirit is an equally powerful force that shapes our spiritual lives. We began by acknowledging the omnipresence and omnipotence of God, emphasizing that His name holds power over every situation, sickness, and addiction. We then delved into John 3, where Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being born again of water and Spirit, likening the Spirit to the wind that blows where it wishes, unseen but undeniably felt.
The wind, much like the Holy Spirit, is a force that cannot be controlled or measured by human means. It moves according to God's will, bringing life, change, and sometimes even clearing out the old to make way for the new. We discussed how the wind in Oklahoma, with its gentle breezes and powerful tornadoes, serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable yet purposeful movement of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God, like the wind, is essential for our spiritual well-being, bringing refreshment, guidance, and transformation.
We also touched on the futility of human efforts to control or enhance the movement of the Holy Spirit. Our programs, gimmicks, and strategies are insignificant compared to the power of prayer and the genuine move of God's Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, a treasure that brings life and clarity, blowing away the spiritual haze and renewing our minds.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's movement in our lives and our church. We need the wind of the Holy Ghost to blow through our services, our communities, and our nation. It is not about our efforts but about allowing God's Spirit to move freely, bringing healing, deliverance, and transformation.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of God's Name: The name of Jesus holds immense power over every situation, sickness, and addiction. When we call upon His name, something happens, regardless of the sin in our lives. The atmosphere cannot resist the name of Jesus, and His presence brings healing and deliverance. [02:06]
2. The Uncontrollable Wind: Just as the natural wind cannot be controlled or measured, the Holy Spirit moves according to God's will. We cannot predict or dictate how the Spirit will move, but we can see its effects in our lives and our church. This unpredictability is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the need for our reliance on Him. [10:23]
3. The Holy Spirit as a Gift: The Holy Spirit is a treasure from God, a gift that brings life, clarity, and transformation. It is not something to be feared but embraced. The Spirit blows away the spiritual haze, renews our minds, and brings us closer to God. [18:16]
4. The Ineffectiveness of Human Efforts: Our human efforts, programs, and strategies are insignificant compared to the power of prayer and the genuine move of God's Spirit. It is the Spirit of God that draws hearts, changes lives, and sets captives free. We must prioritize prayer and seek the Spirit's guidance in all we do. [31:49]
5. The Necessity of the Holy Spirit: To see and enter the Kingdom of God, we must be born again of water and Spirit. The Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual well-being, bringing life, guidance, and transformation. We need the wind of the Holy Ghost to blow through our lives, our church, and our nation. [47:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - The Power of God's Name
[02:06] - Calling on Jesus
[04:30] - The Mystery of the Wind
[06:06] - Wind in Oklahoma
[09:00] - Scientific Understanding of Wind
[10:23] - The Holy Spirit as Wind
[11:43] - The Need for the Holy Spirit
[13:11] - The Source of the Wind
[15:53] - Measuring the Wind
[17:15] - The Wind from God's Treasures
[18:16] - The Holy Spirit as a Gift
[20:12] - Clearing the Spiritual Haze
[22:02] - The Unstoppable Wind
[24:12] - Measuring God's Spirit
[25:52] - The Ever-Present Wind
[27:18] - The Power of the Holy Ghost
[29:00] - Human Efforts vs. God's Spirit
[31:49] - The Power of Prayer
[33:22] - Prayer Revival
[34:59] - The Mystery of the Wind
[37:35] - Climbing Higher with God
[40:49] - The Constant Wind
[41:58] - The Importance of the Holy Spirit
[44:04] - The Ticket to Heaven
[47:14] - The Necessity of the Holy Spirit
[48:37] - Responding to God's Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:1-8 (KJV)
> "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus compare the Holy Spirit to in John 3:8, and what is the significance of this comparison? ([04:30])
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the effects of the Holy Spirit in our lives and church? ([10:23])
3. How does the pastor describe the unpredictability and power of the wind in Oklahoma, and how does this relate to the Holy Spirit? ([06:06])
4. What does the pastor say about human efforts to control or enhance the movement of the Holy Spirit? ([31:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the necessity of being born again of water and Spirit to Nicodemus? How does this relate to the concept of the wind? ([04:30])
2. How does the pastor illustrate the futility of human efforts compared to the power of prayer and the genuine move of God's Spirit? ([31:49])
3. What does the pastor mean when he says, "The wind of the Holy Ghost cannot be measured"? How does this statement challenge our understanding of spiritual experiences? ([15:53])
4. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the Holy Spirit brings life, clarity, and transformation? How can this be seen in practical terms? ([18:16])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. How did it impact you, and what changes did it bring about? ([10:23])
2. The pastor mentioned the power of calling on the name of Jesus over every situation, sickness, and addiction. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily life? ([02:06])
3. Considering the pastor's point about the ineffectiveness of human efforts, what steps can you take to prioritize prayer and seek the Spirit's guidance in your personal and church life? ([31:49])
4. How can you remain open to the unpredictable yet purposeful movement of the Holy Spirit in your life? What might be some barriers you need to overcome? ([10:23])
5. The pastor emphasized the necessity of the Holy Spirit for our spiritual well-being. What specific actions can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to move more freely in your life and community? ([47:14])
6. Reflect on the metaphor of the wind clearing out the old to make way for the new. Is there something in your life that you feel the Holy Spirit is prompting you to let go of? How can you respond to this prompting? ([20:12])
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of prayer revivals and prayer walks. How can you participate in or initiate similar activities in your church or community to invite the Holy Spirit's movement? ([33:22])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of God's Name
Description: The name of Jesus holds immense power over every situation, sickness, and addiction. When we call upon His name, something happens, regardless of the sin in our lives. The atmosphere cannot resist the name of Jesus, and His presence brings healing and deliverance. This truth is a reminder of the omnipotence and omnipresence of God, who is always ready to intervene in our lives when we call upon Him. The power of Jesus' name is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that we can experience daily. [02:06]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need God's intervention. Can you take a moment today to call upon the name of Jesus and invite His power into that situation?
Day 2: The Uncontrollable Wind
Description: Just as the natural wind cannot be controlled or measured, the Holy Spirit moves according to God's will. We cannot predict or dictate how the Spirit will move, but we can see its effects in our lives and our church. This unpredictability is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the need for our reliance on Him. The Holy Spirit, like the wind, brings life, change, and sometimes clears out the old to make way for the new. Our role is to be open and receptive to the Spirit's movement, trusting in God's perfect timing and purpose. [10:23]
Ecclesiastes 11:5 (ESV): "As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent change in your life that was unexpected. How can you see the hand of God in that change, and how can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's movement in the future?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit as a Gift
Description: The Holy Spirit is a treasure from God, a gift that brings life, clarity, and transformation. It is not something to be feared but embraced. The Spirit blows away the spiritual haze, renews our minds, and brings us closer to God. This gift is essential for our spiritual well-being, providing guidance, refreshment, and the power to live a life that honors God. Embracing the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to work in and through us, transforming us into the image of Christ. [18:16]
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit to bring clarity and transformation? How can you invite the Spirit to work in those areas today?
Day 4: The Ineffectiveness of Human Efforts
Description: Our human efforts, programs, and strategies are insignificant compared to the power of prayer and the genuine move of God's Spirit. It is the Spirit of God that draws hearts, changes lives, and sets captives free. We must prioritize prayer and seek the Spirit's guidance in all we do. This means recognizing our limitations and relying on God's power rather than our own. True spiritual growth and transformation come from a deep dependence on God and a commitment to prayer. [31:49]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: Consider an area of your life or ministry where you have been relying on your own efforts. How can you shift your focus to prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit?
Day 5: The Necessity of the Holy Spirit
Description: To see and enter the Kingdom of God, we must be born again of water and Spirit. The Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual well-being, bringing life, guidance, and transformation. We need the wind of the Holy Ghost to blow through our lives, our church, and our nation. This necessity underscores the importance of being open to the Spirit's movement and allowing Him to lead us in all aspects of our lives. The Holy Spirit is not an optional part of the Christian life but a vital presence that empowers and sustains us. [47:14]
John 3:5-8 (ESV): "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.'"
Reflection: How can you make room for the Holy Spirit to move more freely in your life? What steps can you take today to be more receptive to His guidance and transformation?
Quotes
1. "I'm telling you, when you call His name, something happens. I don't care. I don't care how much sin is in your life. When you call His name, something happens. There is no atmosphere that can resist the name of Jesus." [02:06] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Can I tell you, we need the wind of the Holy Ghost. We need it in our lives. We need it in our church. I don't want to pastor a church without any wind blowing in it. If you want that, you need to go somewhere else. Amen. We're going to have the wind of the Holy Ghost blowing because this service is not about me." [11:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The wind is always blowing. And there is no way that you can stop it. That's why I came to preach today. We need the wind and it's not going to stop." [11:43] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Spirit of God is the greatest thing that will ever happen to you in your life. Not the worst. It's the greatest thing. There's people that get scared of the Holy Ghost. They get scared of the Spirit of God moving in their life. It freaks them out a little bit. But can I tell you, God decided not to give us money. And He decided not to give us houses and cars and land and all that. He didn't decide to give us that." [18:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The wind comes from the treasures of God. When we talk about the wind, it's usually bad. But it's a gift of God. When God starts talking to us about the wind, He talks about the Holy Ghost. You know what He calls it? The gift." [18:16] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The wind of the Holy Ghost, it cannot be measured. And it cannot, you can't determine the effects of what God's going to do in a church service. You cannot determine how God's going to heal, how God's going to deliver, how God's going to set free from sin. You can't determine that. Amen. Only God knows." [15:53] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You can't stop the wind. But this is such a true statement, y'all. You can't stop it. And no man, no humanity, no woman, no child, nobody can control it. They tried. They have tried for years to control the wind. Amen. We've learned to measure it." [22:02] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You can't measure the moving and the power of God's Spirit. You can't do it. There is no... I don't know what those little things are called that measures the wind on those cars and stuff that are storm chasers. They've got that little thing on top that spins real fast. And there's a name for it. I don't know what it is. I don't care. Amen. You can't measure... We don't have one of them in here, by the way. We don't." [24:12] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We have tried for years to help God blow harder with His wind. Oh yeah. We've done it here. I promise you we've done it. We've tried every gimmick. We've tried giveaways. We've tried to get people to come to church. We've tried every program there is. When we started out, we didn't know what we were doing. I'm just telling you right now, we still don't know what we're doing." [29:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "It's the Spirit of God that draws hearts. It's not me. It's not my preaching. It's not our singing. It's not our music. It's not the beauty of our building. It is the Spirit of God that draws hearts. How can a man come to God except he be drawn? Come on now. It's the Spirit of God that changes lives. It's the Spirit of God that sets captives free." [31:49] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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