POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE

The power of the Holy Spirit is not new. From the beginning, God has poured out His Spirit onto people to accomplish His purposes.

 

• Joseph—“God has given you the power to understand dreams.” (Genesis 41:39 GNT)
• Joshua—“Joshua…was filled with the Spirit of wisdom.” (Deuteronomy 34:9 NLT)
• Gideon—“Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Gideon.” Judges 6:34 NLT)
• Samson—“The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him.” (Judges 14:6 NLT)
• The Prophets—“The Spirit of God came powerfully upon Zechariah.” (2 Chronicles 24:20 NLT)
• Mary (Mother of Jesus)—“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Luke 1:35 NLT)
• Jesus—“The Spirit of God who raised Jesus…gives life…by his power.” (Romans 8:11 NLT)
• The Disciples—“I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” (Luke 24:49 NLT)

 

When God wants to do something significant, He does it through people empowered by the Spirit.

 

On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time, there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and there were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. There were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” They stood there, amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. Acts 2:1-8, 11b-12 NLT

 

In John 16:7 NLT, Jesus said: “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. But if I do go away, then I will send him to you.” 

 

“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.” Acts 2:22-24 NLT

 

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:41 NLT

 

What happens when The Body of Christ forms a healthy community?

 

The Birth of the Church

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NLT

 

The Body of Christ—when fueled by the Holy Spirit—becomes more than a gathering. It’s a Spirit-powered movement that overflows with generosity, meets needs, shares joy, and draws people to Jesus.

 

What happens when the church lives like this?

 

“And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (v. 47)

 

When the Church loves like this—deeply, sacrificially, joyfully—the world notices. And people are drawn to Jesus.

 

Steps to Salvation in Jesus

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”  Romans 10:9-10 NLT

 

• Believe in your heart.

• Declare with your mouth.

• Surrender your life.

 

That’s where new life begins. That’s where salvation starts. The Spirit is here. The Church is alive. And you are invited.