The Promise - Week 1: What the Holy Spirit Does. (Full Service)

May 12, 2024, Lead Pastor Andrew McLean.

Welcome to our new series, "The Promise," where we delve into the profound subject of the Holy Spirit, also known as the Holy Ghost in some Bible translations. This series begins with an exploration of the Book of Acts, written by Luke, one of Jesus' disciples. Acts provides a historical account of the birth and rise of the early church, and today, we focus on Acts 1:1-8 to understand the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Key Scripture: Acts 1:1-8 (NIV)

Main Points:

The Promise of the Holy Spirit:

Jesus instructed His disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they received the gift promised by the Father, the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). This promise is still available to all believers today, and it is essential for accomplishing the tasks God has set before us.
The Role of the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit plays several crucial roles in the life of a believer. Understanding these roles helps us appreciate the importance of being filled with the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit Comforts Us:

Jesus knew His disciples needed comfort after His crucifixion and resurrection. He promised to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with them (John 16:7). The Holy Spirit is like a parent who runs to a child in distress, providing comfort and aid in times of trouble.
The Holy Spirit Counsels Us:

The Holy Spirit acts as our advocate, similar to an attorney providing counsel in legal matters (John 14:26). He is always with us, offering perfect advice and guidance in every situation. Unlike human counselors, the Holy Spirit's counsel is always right and timely.
The Holy Spirit Intercedes for Us:

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to God's will (Romans 8:27). He engages in spiritual warfare on our behalf, pushing back the kingdom of darkness and praying for our marriages, children, careers, and ministries. His intercession prevents many negative things from happening to us.
The Holy Spirit Convicts Us of Sin:

Conviction from the Holy Spirit leads us to repentance and a better way of living (John 16:8). It is different from condemnation, which comes from Satan and drives us to despair. Conviction is part of the sanctification process, making us more like Jesus and guiding us to live according to God's best for us.
The Holy Spirit Empowers Us:

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower believers to be His witnesses and do even greater works than He did (Acts 1:8, John 14:12). This empowerment is like the battery in a cell phone, enabling us to fulfill our God-given purpose and make a significant impact in the world.
Illustrations and Personal Stories:

The sermon includes personal anecdotes and illustrations to make the message relatable. For example, the story of a man rolling in church to explain the term "holy rollers" and the experience of receiving an email of forgiveness after following the Holy Spirit's counsel to apologize.
Conclusion:

The Holy Spirit is not something to be feared or misunderstood. He is a gift from God, meant to comfort, counsel, intercede, convict, and empower us. As believers, we should seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit to live out our full potential and make a difference in the world.
Call to Action:

If you have never received the gift of the Holy Spirit and desire to experience His power, comfort, and guidance, we encourage you to seek Him earnestly. God responds to our faith, and He is ready to fill you with His Spirit.
Join us in the coming weeks as we continue to unpack the incredible promise of the Holy Spirit and explore how He can transform our lives.