Pentecost and the Work of the Holy Spirit
May 23, 2021 · 2:18:16 · Watch on YouTube ↗
These notes - summary, key points, and highlighted thoughts - were generated by AI from the recording and are not the preacher’s exact words.
Summary
On Pentecost Sunday the church remembers how, nearly two thousand years ago, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in Jerusalem with the sound of a rushing wind and tongues of fire (Acts 2). But the preacher insists this is far more than a historical festival or the birthday of the church. It is a living celebration for every believer who has personally received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The message walks through what the Spirit actually does in a believer. He brings about the new birth, for no one can enter the kingdom unless born of water and Spirit, and He leads us to repentance. He then baptizes and indwells our reborn spirit, so that the Father and Son make their home in us and we are never left as orphans. He also empowers us as bold witnesses, just as Peter was filled and preached, and He distributes gifts to the church such as words of wisdom and knowledge, healing, and discernment, along with the ministries of apostles, prophets, teachers, and pastors.
Finally the Spirit leads us as sons of God who cry out Abba, Father, and grows His fruit in us, replacing our old Adamic nature with the character of Christ. The sermon closes with an invitation to receive the Spirit afresh and to keep this fire burning every day, not only once a year, so the church stays alive and ready for the coming of the Lord.
Key Points
- Pentecost is not only past history but a present reality for every Spirit-filled believer
- The Holy Spirit first gives the new birth and leads the heart to repentance
- In the baptism of the Spirit, God Himself comes to dwell in our reborn spirit
- The same power that raised Christ from the dead now equips us to witness boldly
- The Spirit distributes gifts and ministries for the building up of the church
- Led by the Spirit, we live as children of God who cry Abba, Father
- The fruit of the Spirit transforms our old nature into the character of Christ
Devotional
The Holy Spirit is not a distant memory of an upper room in Jerusalem; He is the living presence God has placed within you. Ask yourself today whether you have been born again, baptized in the Spirit, and are walking in His gifts and His fruit. Do not let the flame flicker out after a single Sunday, but tend it daily through prayer and obedience. As you yield to Him, He will remind you of Christ's words, lead you into truth, and make your life shine before others.
Pentecost is not just a date in history; it is our day, the day every believer was baptized in the Spirit.
The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in your heart today.
Do not let the fire go out; keep it burning every day, not only once a year.
