APRIL 13 - Spirit Matters: The Basics

(NOTE: You can hear audio of this message by going to this link.)

Important things to remember about the Holy Spirit:

• The Holy Spirit is not just a force.
• The Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost are not different.
• The work of the Holy Spirit did not begin on Pentecost.
• The Holy Spirit is not primarily about speaking in tongues.
• The work of the Holy Spirit is not separate from the work of Jesus.

How does the Holy Spirit work in my life?

• The Holy Spirit works in my life by helping me come to believe.

1 CORINTHIANS. 12:3. No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.

• The Holy Spirit works in my life by establishing Jesus as Lord of my life.

GALATIANS. 5:25 (msg). Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.

• The Holy Spirit works in my life by empowering and equipping my ministry.

EPHESIANS 4:4,7. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling…Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

So does this match up with what you believe about the Holy Spirit?
What questions does it raise for you?

Here are two key statements of historic United Methodist doctrine. (Remember, the names Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are one and the same.)

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.

We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power. We believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from and is one in being with the Father and the Son. He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He leads men through faithful response to the gospel into the fellowship of the Church. He comforts, sustains and empowers the faithful and guides them into all truth.

(From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)