Pentecost

Ryan Lowery
Acts 2:1-41

The first Christian community starts in Jerusalem with the disciples and crowds receiving the Holy Spirit. There are instances of speaking in tongues after the disciples receive the Holy Spirit. The Bible lays out very clear measures of speaking in tongues including that an interpreter must be present. We all say that we want to see a miracle but either we will be perplexed or create a cynical explanation to write it off. Peter stands up and rebukes the cynics of the crowd and gives glory to God who has revealed the second part of His plan which involves His Holy Spirit and of Jesus' fulfillment of the work on the cross.

Becoming a Spiritual Dynamo

Ryan Lowery
Acts 1:1-8

The author of Acts, Luke, is widely considered to be a historian of the highest class. We learn from his recordings of the accounts of the disciples as they were taught by Jesus after his resurrection. They are told to go to Jerusalem to wait for the Holy Spirit. Our community of Christians today is only possible due to this moment in history. The beginning of the spreading of the Gospel is about to begin.

Features of a Transformed Community (Part 4)

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

An important feature of a healthy spiritual community is zeal: the irrepressible desire for the things of God. We are called not to quench the Spirit and to avoid a critical attitude that is insensitive to God's Word or His Spirit. Developing zeal includes searching for a word from God, joining in with the praise of others, and taking risks.

Goodbye

Dennis McCallum
John 15:12-16:33

Jesus continues trying to teach his disciples in the Upper Room before he goes to the Cross. From this section, the following are Jesus' main takeaways for his disciples: 1) the world is passing away; 2) the perspective of the Kosmos is skewed; 3) as followers of Jesus, the values we have are at tension with the world's values, and we should expect opposition because of it; and 4) trust the Holy Spirit to reveal more about Jesus, for the inspiration of God's Word, to guide and illuminate us and and to impart joy and peace that comes from God.

Victorious Living in a Hostile World

Scott Risley
John 15:18-16:33

Jesus talked to his disciples about how to live victoriously in a hostile world designed by Satan and opposed to God. He told them that non-Christ followers will hate them because they hated him. These people hate because they know they are wrong. Living for Christ will involve suffering, but the Holy Spirit is always with us. In light of eternity the pain won't last very long, and the Father will give us whatever we ask according to His will because Jesus has overcome the world.\r\n

The Fruitful Life

Scott Risley
John 15:1-16

Jesus used the metaphor of a gardener with the grapevine and branches to describe a fruitful life for God. He illustrated three types of people and commanded us to abide in him through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the only way to bear fruit for God. Practical ideas for how to abide and the benefits of abiding are given. What better life is there?\r\n

The Helper

Dennis McCallum
John 14:1-31

Jesus is still with his disciples in the Upper Room as he begins to fill them in on what will happen after he leaves to be with the Father. Jesus tells the disciples that once he leaves, he will leave them with the Holy Spirit and highlights eight different ways the Holy Spirit will minister to believers: 1) empowering; 2) interceding; 3) transforming; 4) sealing; 5) indwelling; 6) regenerating; 7) baptizing; and 8) enlightening. Being led and understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is vital for Christians becoming effective in following God.

We Have Not Been Left As Orphans

Conrad Hilario
John 14:1-27

Jesus told the disciples he was going to be leaving them soon. He explained he was going to be with the Father and the only way for them to come was through him. Jesus told them he would not leave them alone, but God would send them the Counselor, i.e., the Holy Spirit, who had equality with God the Father and the Son. This three-part union is called the Trinity. Through Jesus' explanation of the Holy Spirit, we see eight distinct roles the Holy Spirit has and how they apply to our lives.

The Holy Spirit

Scott Risley
John 14:1-26

Jesus taught his disciples about the ministries of the Holy Spirit on the night before his crucifixion. Trusting in the Holy Spirit is the key to true spirituality and to all spiritual victory. We can do nothing supernaturally for God without the Holy Spirit. Will you step into the power, guidance, and closeness that only the Holy Spirit can provide?\r\n