We Are the Church || The Essential Ingredient || January 22, 2023 - Final

Acts 1:2; 4-5; 7-8

John 1:32-34

John 16:7

Matt 3:11

1. Jesus lived through the Holy Spirit (1:2)
2. The Holy Spirit came and rested on Jesus (All four Gospels tell about this)

• John 1:32–34 (NLT): Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” 

1. Jesus operated in the power of the Holy Spirit
2. So who is the Holy Spirit that Jesus was living through and in?

• The One the Father Promised: 
• Jesus says, John 16:7 (NLT): But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.
• The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God given to every believer of Jesus Christ. We see in this passage what has come to be known as the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit is a part of what is called the Trinity.
• God is one in essence, but three in Persons. 
• Just as it was necessary for Jesus to come and reveal the Father to us, it is essential for the Holy Spirit to come and dwell IN us in order to live our new life in Christ.

1. We are BAPTIZED with the Holy Spirit
2. Jesus says, “You don’t want to miss this! Don’t leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised, as I told you before.” The Holy Spirit is the most important ingredient for what is to come. 
3. All the Gospel writers told us this was to come.

• Matthew 3:11 (NLT): “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

1. If you believe in Jesus, you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit

• Baptized:
• Immersed, covered by the Holy Spirit
• The baptism of the Holy Spirit establishes us in union with Jesus.
• He unites us to the Body of Christ. 

1. Power through the Holy Spirit…but for What? (Acts 1:8)
2. Power - Dynamis

• He brings POWER and Competency or Ability- Dynamis
• it describes the ability to perform an activity; by extension, it refers to someone in a position of power or the force of a person’s actions

1. To be Jesus’ witnesses (1:8)

• To Everyone Everywhere: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth
• We are to testify to the world who Jesus is.
• The power we receive when the Holy Spirit comes gives us the ability and boldness to proclaim the greatness of Jesus to those we encounter every day.
• We want to tell others how great Jesus is because He is the HOPE of the world and our world needs a lot of HOPE right now! 

Reflection and Application Questions

1. Why did Jesus need the Holy Spirit to accomplish His ministry?
2. How are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit unique in their role but exactly the same in their essence? How have you seen this in your own life?
3. What is an image that comes to mind when you think about being baptized with the Holy Spirit?
4. What do you think the power of the Holy Spirit looks like in your life?
5. Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit in a way you can clearly identify?
6. Can you clearly communicate your testimony about how your life is different because Jesus saved you?
7. When is the last time you shared your witness or testimony with someone?

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHILE READING SCRIPTURE

What does this reveal about God?

What does this reveal about you in relation to God?

What do you need to do about it?