Power for the Hour! People Immersed in the Power of the Spirit

Quote…unquote “The personal, powerful experience of the Spirit not only transformed [the 1 st Christians] individually but made them effective in being people of the good news in pagan Greco- Roman culture. If we are going to count for much in the post modern world in which we live, the Spirit must remain the key to the church’s existence.” (Gordon Fee)

An important summary “The presence of the Spirit, as an experienced and living reality, is the crucial matter for Christian life from beginning to end… The Spirit is the key player providing power for life, growth, fruit, gifts, prayer, witness, generous giving and everything else.”

Where are we going? Clarity Reality Response

Acts: The Birth of the Church (1:1-8, 2:1-6, 12-18, 37-39)

OT Background Anointed Individuals The promise of more A new dimension to Pentecost

Jesus: The key to the Promises Jesus definitively demonstrates “God in action” Jesus ministers & models life that is full of dependence on the power of the Spirit.

Jesus Promises Power (Acts 1:8) Power = ‘dynamic ability’ “Not left as orphans” (John 14:16-18.)

“Baptised with the Holy Spirit” Acts 1:5

What is B.I.T.H.S? When we first receive the promised coming of the person of the Holy Spirit. We know it has happened because there is experiential evidence. The principle purpose is POWER TO WITNESS (1:8)

Witness flows from other facets of the Spirit’s work: Powerful assurance Powerful living Powerful service Powerful community

When does BITHS happen? (2:37-39) You have to be a Christian! A survey of Acts indicates: BITHS is NOT “one & the same thing as conversion”. “Separate but related in the Normal Christian Birth”

What happens when “it” happens? Spoken evidence (tongues, praise, bold witness, prophecy) Our co-operation! NB: no mention of physical or emotional changes…

Who & How? The promise is for “all” & for “anyone” (Jn 7:37-39) The importance of both thirst and our faith. Time to ask the Father!