Power without pretense. That’s the heart of this message as we move from a planned sermon on repentance to a Spirit-led focus on how the Holy Spirit equips ordinary people with extraordinary authority. We open Scripture, ask hard questions, and confront a common confusion: what’s the difference between being born of the Spirit at salvation and being baptized in the Holy Spirit for power?
We start with Acts 1 and Acts 2, where Jesus tells His followers to wait for power before they preach, teach, or serve. From there, we go to Romans 8 to answer who the Holy Spirit is—God Himself, not an impersonal force—who raised Jesus from the dead and indwells believers with life-giving presence. We unpack the meaning of dunamis as both power and authority, showing how the Spirit fuels prayer, opens Scripture, discerns spirits, and strengthens faith. This isn’t about chasing a feeling; it’s about receiving the equipping Jesus said we need.
Peter’s transformation becomes the proof. Before Pentecost, he trembles and denies. After, he preaches with courage, faces prison, and shepherds the church. The turning point isn’t a seminar or self-help; it’s the baptism in the Holy Spirit. We also address the hope beyond the grave in 1 Corinthians 15, where the Spirit is the counter-power to death and the guarantee of resurrection life. Throughout, we provide clear, pastoral guidance for those seeking to receive: come by faith, expect good gifts, and speak as the Spirit gives utterance, with tongues as initial evidence for your assurance.
If you’ve wondered why change feels slow or ministry feels heavy, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and a next step. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs fresh fire, and leave a review to help others find this message. Then ask: have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?
