John 2:13-17 Jesus was full of passion and compassion. Matthew 18:11-14 We all love a good story with a theme of redemption. Jesus Initiates our Redemption Story You are qualified to invite others! An encounter with God is all the credentials you need. It’s not information but transformation. The Telling of Your Story Becomes Someone’s Invitation. Running after Jesus is never wasted time! The goal is to be changed into his image! 1 John 3:2-3 Our life goal is to be like Jesus. To Love like Jesus loves. John 13:34-35 To Forgive like Jesus forgives. To speak like Jesus and serve like Jesus. To help Hurting people like Jesus. Galatians 4:19 Let’s look at how the book of Acts starts. Acts 1:1-5 Luke starts the book of Acts with the Holy Spirit! Acts 2:1-4 Acts 3:1-8 Acts 5:1-5 Luke doesn’t leave out any detail and he doesn’t apologize for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Luke is the writer but the Holy Spirit was the author. 2 Timothy 3:16 3 ideas about invitation to empowerment **1. Empowerment is essential! ** You were never designed or intended to live the Christian life and make the journey of Faith without adequate empowerment! Acts 1:5-8 It’s the Power to live the Christian’s life! You were not designed to reach your destiny without a total dependence upon the Holy Spirit. 3 Distinct Baptisms in Scripture 1. The Holy Spirit Baptizes us in Jesus 2. The disciple baptizes us in water. 3. Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. The baptism by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:13 The acquiring of the Holy Spirit happens at salvation. All true believers possess the Holy Spirit as a seal marking them as a child of God. Baptism is the Baptism in Water Mark 16:15-16 Matthew 28:19 Baptism by Jesus into the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11 Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing experience in the Christian life. Galatians 5:16-18 Galatians 5:25 Every believer should seek to empowered with the Spirit as part of his or her continuing relationship with God. The is Spirit life it is an ongoing experience. Empowerment is for . Acts 2:1-4 A prayer language is for all believers! There is an ongoing to be empowered. Acts 4:31 Acts 8:14-17 Acts 10:44-46 Acts 19:1-6 Acts 2:38-39 Empowerment is for everyone Joel 2:28-29 The empowerment of Holy Spirit is the power to get you free from the dependence of others. The empowerment of the Holy Spirit will move the church forward. 3 reasons people do not receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 1. A lack of true . 2. strongholds 3. Passive . Complacency is one of the greatest enemies of our Christian faith. What you don't confront you cannot conquer. All through the scripture, we are told to run after God. Seek him while he may be found. Search for me with your whole heart. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Empowerment is Empowerment is for Empowerment is to be Luke 12:49 Luke 24:29 Luke 11:13, [AMP] We are never told to pray for the Holy Spirit we are only to receive the Holy Spirit.