A Dynamic Church
The Spirit Is Alive
Acts 1:4–8; Acts 2:1-4
1. The disciples waited for the promised gift
Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift
he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy
Spirit.” Acts 1:4–5
a. The disciples waited for a gift they didn't understand.
Jesus told them they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. That power would enable them to
become His witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
b. Through obedience and expectancy, the disciples waited.
2. The fire of the Holy Spirit changed everything
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. Acts 2:1-4
a. The Holy Spirit came with unmistakable power.
b. The Holy Spirit transformed ordinary believers into powerful witnesses.
c. The fire of Pentecost marked the beginning of an ongoing work.
3. We must not treat the Holy Spirit like an unwanted gift
a. We can become comfortable living without depending upon His power.
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians
3:16
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he
will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11
a. Why do we sometimes we resist the Holy Spirit?
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to
Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
b. Guard against quenching the Holy Spirit.
4. Prepare for the Holy Spirit to work
a. Maintain a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.Ezekiel 36:27
b. Expect God to fulfill His promise.
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women,
and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14
c. Become people of prayer.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to
you. 2 Timothy 1:14
d. Make ourselves available for the Holy Spirit to use.
