Know & Live By God’s Spirit The Spirit is God’s presence. In the Bible, the Spirit primarily draws us to God & sends us to the world. Acts 1:4–5 (NLT) 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 (NLT) 8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” God poured out his Holy Spirit to fill his church with the overflowing they need to go & show Jesus to the world. Acts 2:1–4 (NLT) On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit… Acts 8:14–17 (NLT) 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. New believers were with the Spirit. How did they know they were baptized w/Spirit? There’s a pattern of for Holy Spirit baptism. Acts 2:4 (NLT) 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Acts 10:44–46 (NLT) 44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Acts 19:6 (NLT) 6 Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. “Pentecostals”: The Holy Spirit baptism & “spiritual gifts” are CONTINUING. Ephesians 5:18 (NLT) 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,… 1 Corinthians 14:5 (NLT) 5 I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:12 (NLT): 12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. Personal overflow of Spirit baptism still available to all. 1 Corinthians 14:4 (NLT) 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally,… Public gifts given only to some. 1 Corinthians 12:29–31 (NLT) 29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. “Non-Pentecostals” : Holy Spirit Baptism & spiritual gifts have CEASED. WHAT NOW? “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Continually be filled with the Holy Spirit. Would you consider protecting unity by allowing freedom in non-essentials? In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, freedom In all things, love. Continuing The Conversation 1. If you have a faith background, what did it teach you about experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in the local church? 2. Do you feel like you’re open to receiving the Holy Spirit baptism or being “continually” filled as described in the Book of Acts? a. Why or why not? 3. Our church uses this phrase to protect our unified harmony: a. “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, freedom. In all things, love. “ b. How do you feel about this idea?