Weekly Sermon Recap - 5.18.25

The Power of the Holy Spirit: Unleashing God's Purpose in Our Lives

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your spiritual journey? Like there's a gap between knowing about God and truly experiencing His power in your life? You're not alone. Many believers find themselves in this position, longing for more but unsure of how to access it. The answer may lie in a often misunderstood or overlooked aspect of our faith: the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is not just an abstract concept or a theological idea. He is a vital, active presence meant to empower believers in their walk with God and their mission to reach the world. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit, telling His disciples, "It is to your advantage that I go away. For if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7).

But why is the Holy Spirit so crucial? What does He offer that we can't achieve on our own?

First and foremost, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to be effective witnesses for Christ. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises, "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." This power isn't just about speaking eloquently or having theological knowledge. It's about having a supernatural ability to reach hearts, perform miracles, and bring the reality of God's kingdom to earth.

Consider the story of Peter, who denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion. After being filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, this same Peter boldly preached to thousands, leading many to salvation. The Holy Spirit transformed him from a fearful follower to a courageous leader of the early church.

But the work of the Holy Spirit goes beyond just empowering our witness. He also convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). This means that when we share the gospel, it's not our responsibility to convince or convert anyone. Our job is simply to be faithful in sharing; the Holy Spirit does the work of conviction and transformation in people's hearts.

One powerful illustration of this is the story of a man who, after hearing the gospel for an entire summer, admitted he understood and believed it was true but wasn't ready to change his lifestyle. The Holy Spirit had convicted him, even though he chose not to respond at that time. Later, it was learned that he eventually did come to faith. This reminds us that our role is to plant seeds; the Holy Spirit brings growth in His perfect timing.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit also brings with it spiritual gifts, including the ability to pray in tongues. While this aspect of Spirit baptism can be controversial or misunderstood, it's important to recognize it as a biblical reality. In Acts 2, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they began speaking in other tongues. This wasn't just a one-time event; we see it repeated in Acts 10 with Cornelius and his household.

Praying in tongues, or praying in the Spirit, allows believers to pray beyond their natural understanding. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:2, "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit." This form of prayer builds up the believer and allows for intercession on a deeper, spiritual level.

It's crucial to understand that being filled with the Holy Spirit isn't a one-time event. The apostle Paul exhorts believers to "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18), implying an ongoing process. We can and should seek to be continually filled, allowing the Holy Spirit to refresh, empower, and guide us daily.

Some may wonder, "Isn't being saved enough? Do I really need the baptism of the Holy Spirit?" While salvation is certainly the foundation of our faith, the baptism of the Holy Spirit equips us for service and deeper intimacy with God. It's like the difference between having a stick and having a tank in battle – why settle for less when God offers us His full power?

It's also important to note that the baptism of the Holy Spirit isn't limited to a particular age group or type of person. In the early church, we see men, women, and likely even children being filled with the Spirit. In today's challenging world, everyone – from kids navigating complex social landscapes to adults facing workplace pressures – can benefit from the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

For those who have never experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it's natural to have questions or even reservations. Some may worry about physical manifestations or fear losing control. However, receiving the Holy Spirit is as simple as asking in faith. Jesus assures us in Luke 11:13, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

When we open ourselves to the full work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we tap into a source of wisdom, power, and intimacy with God that can transform every aspect of our existence. We become more effective in our witness, more attuned to God's voice, and more equipped to navigate life's challenges.

As we reflect on the vital role of the Holy Spirit, let's not settle for a Christianity that's merely intellectual or tradition-bound. Instead, let's pursue the vibrant, Spirit-filled life that God intends for us. Whether you're seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit for the first time or desiring a fresh infilling, take a moment now to open your heart and ask God to fill you anew with His Spirit.

Remember, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in believers (Romans 8:11). Let's not leave this incredible gift unopened or underutilized. Embrace the fullness of what God offers through His Holy Spirit, and watch as He works in and through you in ways you never thought possible.