Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. I stand before you today, not as one who holds all the answers, but as a fellow pilgrim, walking the same path of faith, seeking to understand the mysteries and wonders of our Almighty God. As we gather together in this sacred space, let us remember that we are united not just by our shared beliefs, but by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in each of us.

We are not alone on this path, for God has given us His Spirit as a guide, a comforter, and a helper. This truth is beautifully encapsulated in the words of the great preacher and theologian, Charles Spurgeon who once said, "Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless."

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Acts, specifically Acts 2:1-4. It reads, "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

This passage speaks of a pivotal moment in the early church, a moment that transformed a group of ordinary men and women into a force that would change the world. The day of Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit came in power.

Promised Power

The disciples were ordinary men. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots. But when they received the Holy Spirit, they became extraordinary. They preached with boldness, performed miracles, and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. This is the power that was promised to them, and to us.

This power was not given for personal gain or glory, but for the advancement of God's kingdom. It was given so that the disciples could be witnesses, so that they could spread the good news of Jesus Christ. This is the power that enables us to live the Christian life, to stand firm in our faith, to love as Christ loved us.

The Holy Spirit is a gift, freely given by the Father. We receive Him when we believe in Jesus, when we confess our sins and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. He comes from surrender, from acknowledging our weakness and our need for God.

The Holy Spirit is not a force or a power to be used, but a person to be known! He is God, just as much as the Father and the Son are God. He is with us, in us, working through us. He is our comforter, our helper, our guide. He convicts us of sin, leads us into truth, and empowers us to live for God.

The Holy Spirit is also our seal, our guarantee of salvation. He is the down payment, the pledge of our inheritance in heaven. He is the assurance of our faith, the evidence of our adoption as sons and daughters of God.

The Holy Spirit is our source of spiritual gifts. He gives us abilities and talents to serve God and others. He equips us for ministry, enables us to build up the body of Christ, and empowers us to fulfill our calling.

The Holy Spirit is also our sanctifier, the one who makes us holy. He is the one who transforms us into the image of Christ, who produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. He is the one who helps us to die to sin and live to righteousness.

Presence of the Holy Spirit

The disciples were gathered together, waiting as they had been instructed ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO