God's Holy Spirit

September 20, 2009

Clifford Porter

[Our apologies to Clifford and to those who appreciate having our sermons on audio.  We did not get his sermon recorded, and we regret this deeply.  We look forward to having his next sermon available, though!  AVH]

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)

2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Philippians 4:6 (New International Version)

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

New International

God’s Holy Spirit


How many people here today workout/exercise?

1. Example take Walks
2. Example Stretches
3. Example Swims



Let me start off by saying that God’s Holy Spirit is the most powerful force in the Universe.



Pause:



Now! Everyone say with me OUT LOUD Welcome Holy Spirit !!!!! Say it AGAIN! AGAIN! One more time , Welcome Holy Spirit !!!



Mankind constantly searches for new sources of power; God has an unlimited source of power that would solve all problems. But society is unaware of it.



Do you know how to access this power – and what it can do for you?



God’s Holy Spirit is the most powerful force in the universe – and this enormous power is available to you and me, that’s right this wonderful and powerful force is available to all of God’s people.



Also those lead of God’s spirit possess great power. But this power must be used and exercised. All of those begotten of God who have received the Holy Spirit must know how to use it and they must actively exercise it.



Since creation, man has attempted to discover and harness new sources of energy. One of man kind’s greatest fears is that of running out of the power supplies. He has become dependent on oil, electricity, and fossil fuels. He is constantly searching for an untapped, unused resource that would solve his problems. Yet no matter how much power man discovers, he will never be satisfied. Although men might discover a way to provide never ending power televisions, blow driers, and blenders, they will never have true power in their lives. Scientists have research and studied millions of books for the answer to the world’s energy problems but they have not yet discovered the source of all power.

They have failed to look into the only book that can solve this world’s problems. And that ladies and gentlemen, children of God, is the Bible. But what is if I told you there is an unlimited source of power undiscovered by most which you can tap? What would you do? Would you be interested?



What is real power?



Jesus Christ possessed real power. The Bible is filled with examples of Him healing the sick, casing out demons, feeding thousands with only a small amount of food, and walking on water. Jesus demonstrated his power. How many people can do what He did? Where did Christ get His power? What allowed Him to do such marvelous wonders? We must examine the bible to find the source of this incredible power.



Let us notice the account of Christ’s birth. The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

Mt.1:18 Adds that Mary was found with Child of the Holy Spirit. (the word ghost is improperly used to describe God’s Spirit. The Spirit is not a phantom or bogie man. The Greek work used is pneuma ("newma") which literally means air, breath, and spirit. Even Christ’s birth involved great power. The bible records that the power of God, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary allowing Christ to be conceived. This mighty miracle was done through God’s Spirit. As Christ grew His powers also grew. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. Luke 4:14



Notice what Christ did with His gift. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

Rumors and stories of Christ’s miracles spread. People went out searching for Him for healings and for casting out demons.







 

Copyright 2009 -- Clifford Porter

Franklin Circle Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

1688 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113-3096