by Jessica Fields | Jun 5, 2024 | Life and Faith
This Sunday, Pastor David concluded the Holy Spirit series we have explored over the past nine weeks. The story of the New Testament church is the story of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence, indwelling and empowering God’s people for Christ-exalting ministry.
During this series, Pastor David has discussed several topics related to the person and work of the Holy Spirit, including walking in the Spirit, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit. If you missed any of the Holy Spirit series, be sure to catch up here…
But this past Sunday, we were challenged to remember that the overall purpose of the Spirit is to empower God’s people to live the life of Christ in our world today. When we declare: “The Greater One lives within us,” we come into agreement with the reality that it is no longer we who live but Christ who lives within us through the indwelling of the Spirit. “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11, CSB). Truly, we have a lion within us.
As people of God, we must know who we are and the incredible power we have through the Spirit within us. As A.W. Tozer said, “The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people.”
Sunday’s service ended with Pastor David leading us in making declarations over ourselves. These declarations can be found HERE. We encourage you to save this page and declare these truths over yourself daily. It is time for the children of God, who have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, to stand on His Word and receive our inheritance—the promise of the Father, the mighty and powerful life of God through the Spirit. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us” (CSB).
May you walk this week in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, knowing you are empowered to live a life that reflects Christ in every way.
by Jessica Fields | May 29, 2024 | Life and Faith
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks on “spiritual things” or, as most Bible translations have it, “spiritual gifts.” He doesn’t want the Jesus community in Corinth to be unaware of them, but instead, he wants them to know that these gifts are available, useful, and serve a kingdom purpose. The spiritual things—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues—are manifestations of the Spirit. In other words, they are ways in which the Spirit of God makes His presence known. Each gift is a tangible expression of God’s presence among His people, serving to edify, encourage, and comfort the church.
The gifts of wisdom and knowledge allow believers to understand and apply insight and truths only revealed through supernatural means. Faith empowers us to trust God for the impossible. Healing and miracles demonstrate God’s power to restore and intervene in the natural order. The gift of prophecy, which Paul emphasizes as most desirable, provides messages that strengthen, encourage, and comfort the church directly from the heart of God. Discerning of spirits enables believers to distinguish between spiritual forces in operation, both demonic and angelic. The gifts of tongues and interpretation of tongues facilitate communication with God and the edification of the church when interpreted.
Paul urges believers to eagerly desire these gifts, especially prophecy. In 1 Corinthians 14:1, he writes, “Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy” (CSB). Prophecy is highlighted because it directly builds up the church, offering guidance, correction, and hope. It brings God’s perspective into situations, revealing His heart and plans.
In a world of uncertainty and challenges, the prophetic brings the listener God’s clarity and direction. When a prophetic word is shared, it reminds the church that God is actively involved in their lives, speaking into their circumstances. This gift reminds us of God’s immediate presence and care.
However, the pursuit of these gifts should always be rooted in love and the desire to serve others. They are not for personal gain or to boast about, but for the benefit of the entire body of Christ. As we eagerly seek these gifts, let us do so with a heart that longs to see God’s will accomplished and His people strengthened, always remembering that love and service are the true markers of a believer.
“Christians do not realize that we are supernatural men. Born of God, children of the Most High, filled with the Holy Spirit, we have been lifted into the realm of the supernatural, and we walk by the Spirit of God.” John G. Lake
The gifts of the Spirit are not merely for personal edification but for demonstrating God’s dominion and power in the world. When we operate in the gifts, we manifest and make known God’s kingdom here on earth. This is why they are to be desired.
Time to check-in. What is your desire level for the gifts? Are you someone who once had great passion and zeal for spiritual things in your life but lately finds that the fire has grown cold? Maybe you’ve never had the gifts stirred in your life; you’re open but have yet to experience them. Perhaps you’ve shied away from them, seeing or hearing things that caused more questions and confusion than encouragement. Or you could find yourself somewhere in between.
Wherever you are, as a follower of Jesus, we cannot deny that God’s Word calls us to lean in. To not be unaware and to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. Take some time to be honest about where you are. Ask the Holy Spirit to move your heart towards His presence and manifestation in your life. Ask God for the boldness to seek His manifestation through these gifts so that you can know Him personally and make His presence known to those around you.
Miss any of the Holy Spirit series? Catch up here…
by Jessica Fields | May 22, 2024 | Life and Faith
This Sunday, in our Holy Spirit series, Pastor David delivered a powerful message on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This power is readily available to all followers of Jesus. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus left His disciples with a profound promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, CSB). This promise was not just a mere statement but a life-altering reality that was fulfilled only days later at the festival of Pentecost, when His disciples, about 120 of them, experienced the release of power in their lives through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
This initial release of power was only the beginning. Since that day at Pentecost, disciples of Jesus have continued to receive His power through the Holy Spirit. Throughout the accounts in Acts, followers of Jesus experienced an outpouring of power that enabled them to perform great works, endure severe trials, and bring thousands to faith in Jesus.
This power allows believers to witness miracles, face incredible hardships, combat the forces of darkness, and experience personal transformative work in their lives. Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of this power at work.
The apostles performed many miracles in the early church, such as Peter healing the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10). During the Reformation, Martin Luther stood firm against immense opposition, fueled by the strength of the Holy Spirit.
In the 20th century, missionaries like Corrie ten Boom and Brother Andrew exhibited extraordinary courage and faith, smuggling Bibles into dangerous territories and witnessing miraculous deliverances. Modern revivals, such as those led by Billy Graham and the outpourings at places like Azusa Street, have shown the Spirit’s power in bringing countless people to faith and sparking widespread spiritual renewal.
Just as our church building receives its power from an outside source, that same power is channeled for different purposes to accomplish various tasks. The power source is the same, from running the lights to providing heating and cooling to powering the sound systems, but its applications vary.
Just as our church building receives its power from an outside source, that same power is channeled for different purposes to accomplish various tasks. Similarly, the power we receive from God is not a generic force but a personalized gift serving different purposes. The four categories of power presented on Sunday: Supernatural Power, Spiritual Power, Inner Power, and Transformative Power are not just theoretical concepts but practical tools that can manifest in every believer’s life at some point. Some may experience them more frequently than others. Still, all will be necessary at one time or another, depending on our unique circumstances and needs.
- Supernatural Power to perform miracles, signs, and wonders (including healing).
- Spiritual Power, partnered with authority in Christ, to combat darkness and evil and to preach the Gospel.
- Inner Power and Strength to face challenges and difficult situations.
- Transformative Power to conform to the image of Christ and grow as His disciples.
What area do you need to see the Spirit’s power in your life today? Spend prayer, seeking the Spirit to fill you with His power for these areas. Be honest with your need for God’s power in your life. Activate your faith to trust God to send you the power you need and then receive it.
Miss any of the Holy Spirit series? Catch up here…
by Jessica Fields | May 15, 2024 | Life and Faith
In our lives, God desires to cultivate an abundance of the fruit of the Spirit, which embodies His way of life and the essence of His Kingdom. This fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – are not simply character traits but rather illuminate a life surrendered to the Spirit’s guidance.
While the spectacular displays of power gifts, miracles, signs, and wonders can captivate us, they are not the ultimate goal. They testify to the supernatural realm and the presence of God among us, but they are not the essence of our faith. The deeper truth lies in God’s ultimate desire for His children to bear fruit that reflects His nature and brings life to those around them.
Imagine a sponge submerged in water. When squeezed, it releases what it has absorbed. Similarly, when life’s circumstances apply pressure, what spills out of us reflects what we’ve allowed to permeate our hearts. If it’s the fruit of the Spirit – love overflowing, joy unshakeable, peace that surpasses understanding – then it speaks of a life deeply rooted in God. But if bitterness, anger, or impatience seep out, it’s a call to examine the contents of our hearts.
Consider a fancy car with a persistent check engine light. The warning doesn’t diminish its value but prompts a closer look under the hood. Likewise, when ungodly traits surface under pressure, it’s not a time for shame or guilt but an invitation to introspection. What needs repairing? What areas need pruning?
Living a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit requires intentionality and surrender. It’s a continuous process of aligning our will with allowing His Spirit to cultivate and nurture godly fruit within us. Just as a gardener tends to his plants with care, God tends to our souls, patiently fostering the growth of fruit that brings Him glory and blesses those around us.
The beauty of the fruit of the Spirit lies not only in its presence but also in its transformative power. As we bear this fruit, we become channels of God’s love and agents of His grace in a world parched for authenticity and kindness. Our lives testify to the life-giving work of the Spirit within us.
So, let us strive not merely for fleeting displays of power but for the enduring fruit that sustains and nourishes. Let us embrace the squeezing of life’s circumstances as opportunities for growth and refinement. And let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who empowers us to live lives that bear abundant fruit, bringing glory to God and blessing to all we encounter.
Miss any of the Holy Spirit series? Catch up here…
by Jessica Fields | Apr 24, 2024 | Life and Faith
In the bustling rhythm of our daily lives, amidst the cacophony of voices clamoring for our attention, there exists a gentle whisper – the voice of the Holy Spirit. In John 14 and 16, Jesus assures us that the Spirit was sent to guide and lead us through direct communication. Simply put, He speaks, He declares, and He beckons us to listen.
In the heart of our faith resides the undeniable truth: the Holy Spirit is not a distant, abstract concept but a constant, guiding person in our lives. By sending the Holy Spirit, Jesus ensured that Immanuel – God with Us – remains a tangible reality for all believers.
The Holy Spirit’s role is irreplaceable, His companionship and gifts are essential in a world where truth seems to shift with each passing trend. Amidst this flux, God’s voice remains steadfast. The very Spirit that raised Christ from the dead resides within each believer, communicating primarily through an inner witness, subtle promptings, and the timeless truths in Scripture.
Yet, do we pause to listen? Do we attune our hearts to His whisper amidst the clamor of the world? Today, I encourage you, my fellow believers, to lean in and listen intently. Pay heed to the nudges, the internal witness that stirs within you. For in the quiet moments of prayer and reflection, in the stillness of our souls, His voice breaks through.
Let us cultivate a daily practice of listening for His voice, moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day. As we open our hearts to His leading, may we also respond in obedience. For His guidance is not to be ignored but embraced, His leading not to be resisted but followed. He is so worthy to be followed.
As you journey through this week, I challenge you to seek opportunities to hear from the Holy Spirit. Pause in the midst of the chaos and listen. Be intentional about tuning your ears to His voice. And when He speaks, step out in faith, knowing that He who leads you is faithful.
Asking practical questions is a great way to start growing in your ability to hear God’s voice and be led by the Spirit. Here are a few you can try:
- Holy Spirit, what do you want to teach me about yourself today?
- What steps can I take to grow closer to you and my relationship with Jesus?
- Is there anyone in my life who needs encouragement or support right now?
- Who should I pray for?
- Is there anyone in my life that I need to forgive?
- What areas of my life need healing, restoration, or transformation?
- What areas of my life am I compromising my identity in You?
- What areas of my life need surrender (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)?
- Are there opportunities for service or acts of kindness that You are calling me to today?
- What promises from Your Word do You want me to hold onto and claim in my current circumstances?
Did you miss this week’s message on How to be Led by the Spirit? Watch here…
