Scripture References: Acts 1, Acts 8, Acts 9, Acts 19, John 7, 1 Corinthians 14
Intro:
- Recap of the church's focus on prayer and God's presence.
- Acts 1:4-8: Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit's power.
- Emphasis on the transformation from weakness to power through the Spirit.
Key Points:
- The Promise of Power:
- Jesus' command to wait for the Holy Spirit.
- "Dunamis" power for effective witness.
- Old Testament examples: Gideon, David, Samson, Elisha, Joshua, Moses.
- Joel's prophecy: Spirit poured out on "all flesh."
- The Experience of the Spirit:
- Acts 8: Samaritans receive the Spirit after baptism.
- Acts 9: Paul's filling with the Spirit after conversion.
- Acts 19: Disciples of John receive the Spirit after believing in Jesus.
- Challenging the idea of automatic reception at conversion.
- Challenging the idea that the Spirit is recieved when you are worthy.
- Receiving the Spirit:
- John 7:37: "If anyone is thirsty, come to me and drink."
- The "not yet" clause is over; Jesus is glorified.
- Laying on of hands as a biblical practice.
- Emphasis on coming to Jesus, not a human mediator.
- Speaking in tongues as a common, but not mandatory, sign.
- The gifts are for the body of Christ.
- The Purpose:
- Rivers of living water flowing from within.
- Empowered witness and enriched community.
- The Holy Spirit is a gift of God.
Conclusion:
- The Holy Spirit is the Father's promise, available now.
- It's a gift, not a reward for worthiness.
- God desires to fill His people for powerful ministry.
- Gods people are meant to be a Spirit filled community.
Call to Action:
- Acknowledge your thirst for God's power.
- Come to Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit.
- Be open to the gifts of the Spirit, including speaking in tongues.
- Embrace the empowerment for witness and ministry.
- Allow God to form you into a Spirit filled community.
Support the show
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.
