Pastor Jon Burgess
May 15, 2016 - W1620

Good morning and welcome to New Hope. This is Pentecost week where we get to celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

In one of Pastor Wayne’s books he talks about how when we get saved we are enrolled into the University of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Wayne writes, “The Lord is asking each of us the same questions and extending to us the same invitation. Are you going to choose to feed yourself rather than wait to be spoon-fed once a week.” In other words are you going to take the Lord’s word and feed yourself from it or let the Holy Spirit mentor you?

In Acts 1:4-5 it says,

“On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”

Some people have a difficult time relating to the Holy Spirit. That’s why God gives us symbols so that we might better understand the role in which the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. One symbol God uses is the wind. It symbolizes power and direction.

The Holy Spirit is also like rain which is refreshing and a restoration.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit uses a dove to symbolize peace in our lives.

And last, the Holy Spirit is like a fire that purifies and refines us.

1. The Person Of The Holy Spirit: Seeking His presence over His presents.

If we are not careful all that we want from the Holy Spirit are His gifts. But He is a person just like God the Father and His son. For the Holy Spirit can be grieved by your actions. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit can instill into you the fruit of the spirit which is love.

The Bible says,

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”(Eph. 4:30)

In other words, by our actions the Holy Spirit can be grieved.

In Rom. 15:30 Paul says,

“Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.”

Paul is saying that the Spirit loves us.

Rev. 22:17 says,

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.”

We need to work together with the Holy Spirit in order to bring people to Christ.

Let’s read what Paul said in Acts 15:28:

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials ...”

We need to invite the Holy Spirit into some of our arguments and disagreements because He is going to show us the way through.

Are you stiff-necked? The Bible says,

“You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 7:51)

If we are resisting the Holy Spirit, we are pushing away the power to overcome everything that life throws at us.

1. The Power of The Holy Spirit: It’s not about getting more of God, but rather God getting more of me. 

You see, we can’t control Him; it’s about Him getting control of us. And for some, that’s the reason why we can’t get more of the Holy Spirit because we want to be in control.

Acts 2:17-18 says,

“‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy’”

That means all men and all women whether young or old will receive the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says,

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work…Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.” (1 Cor. 12:4-6, 31)

All you need to do is invite the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work with you, because you can’t do it alone. Amen

Questions:

1. What is the significance of Pentecost week?

2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our lives?

3. What are some symbols of the Holy Spirit?

4. Why should we be seeking the Holy Spirit’s presence and not His presents?

5. Who can receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?