Pentecost Sunday – May 23, 2021

Click Here to download the Power Point

Click Here to download the Sermon Outline

 

Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-4, 14-18, 32-33 

Introduction

  • Pentecost the fulfillment of God’s promise of Joel 2:28-32 and Ezekiel 36:26.
  • The Spirit in us is an essential part of God’s saving work, not an optional accessory.

Four ministries of the Holy Spirit to us

  1. He guides us
  • Example of Jesus after his baptism (Luke 3:21-22; 4:1).
  • When have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s promptings?
  • Get into the habit each day of praying for his promptings and don’t grieve him when they come but obey those promptings.
  • We are committed to be a Holy Spirit led church as individuals and collectively!
  1. He empowers us
  • He gives us the gifts and graces and power to be effective witnesses in the world and a blessing to our brothers and sisters who make up the Church.
  • Some key texts: Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:1-14:40; Eph 4:7-12; 1 Peter 4:10-11
  • Develop the habit of asking the Holy Spirit for more of himself and his gifts.
  • As a small church, we need everyone here to be using their gifts! Kid’s church; worship services (tech area, parts like: call to worship, scripture reading, preaching, communion); worship team; pastoral care; small groups; socials; cleaning; building renovation; yard work.
  1. He attaches us
  • Psalm 63:8: “My soul clings (Heb.: dabaq) to you; your right hand upholds me.”
  • Two parts to the Spirit’s attachment of us to God:
    1. He reveals the heart of the Father to us (1 Cor 2:9-19). He pours out the love of God into our hearts and makes us cry “Abba, Father!” (Rom 5:5; 8:15-16).
    2. He reveals our hearts to the Father (Rom 8:26-27).
  • The result is a deep, personal, rewarding relationship: a true psychological attachment; a spiritual bond that defines our identity and shapes our character. 
  1. He morphs us
  • God recreates us in his image: 2 Cor 3:18. This is what it means to be saved!
  • What is your goal in life?

One requirement for us to do

Eph 5:18: Be “being filled” with the Holy Spirit

  • Be continually “under the influence of” or “controlled by” the Holy Spirit; another metaphor: “keep in step”.
  • Don’t resist or ignore him but desire and ask for more of his control and gifts!
  • This next week, pay attention to those times when you are moving toward God (being filled) and moving away from him (being “in the flesh”). Ask God’s help you discern why you turn from him.