Uncommon Power

Acts 1:1–8 NIV84

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:1–4 NIV84

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Tomorrow we will celebrate Memorial Day. Many take this opportunity to travel, have picnics, cookouts, among many other activities. While Memorial Day is a time for celebration, it is important to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women who have died while serving in the military. It is a day to reflect on the cost of freedom and the impact of war on our nation and its citizens.

As an aside, I just want to remind you that Memorial Day is a day to remember and observe those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This holiday is specifically for those who died protecting our freedoms. Veterans have their day (November 11) First responders have their day. Make it a point to be grateful and honor those who paid the ultimate price.

The power of the Holy Spirit is often misunderstood and overlooked, yet it is essential to fulfilling God's purposes and having an impact on the world around us

The Holy Spirit empowers us to do the impossible and helps us to be effective witnesses for Christ

1. The Source of Uncommon Power

The Holy Spirit is the source of uncommon power

As we read in Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Let's explore this point further:

Sub point 1: The Holy Spirit is God

The Holy Spirit is not just a force or an influence, but a person

He is the third person of the Trinity and is fully God

This means that the power that comes from the Holy Spirit is not just any power, but the power of God himself

The Holy Spirit is not a lesser being than the Father or the Son, but is equal to them in power and authority

Sub point 2: The Holy Spirit is the helper Jesus promised

Jesus promises his disciples that he will send them a helper, the Holy Spirit

In John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

The Holy Spirit is our guide, counselor, and comforter

He helps us to understand God's word and empowers us to live out our faith

The Holy Spirit is the perfect helper that Jesus promised to send to his disciples

Sub point 3: The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses

According to Acts 1:8 “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

The primary purpose of the Holy Spirit's power is to enable us to be effective witnesses for Christ.

The disciples were given power to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth

This power is not just for the disciples, but for all believers

The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the gospel with others and to live out our faith in a way that points others to Christ

The Holy Spirit is the key to effective evangelism and sharing the love of Christ with others

2. The Purpose of Uncommon Power

The Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill God's purposes. Let's explore this point further:

Sub point 1: God's purpose is to spread the Gospel

One of God's primary purposes is to spread the gospel throughout the world

Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

The Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill this command and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others

God's purpose for the Holy Spirit's power is to see the gospel spread to every corner of the earth.

Sub point 2: The Holy Spirit empowers us to testify about Jesus

In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples that they will be his witnesses

This means that they will testify about him and what he has done for them

The Holy Spirit empowers us to do the same

As we share our testimonies and talk about our relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of those who hear us, drawing them closer to God

All I know is that I was blind but now I see

The Holy Spirit's power is not just for evangelism, but also for personal testimony and sharing our faith with those around us

Sub point 3: The Holy Spirit enables us to live a holy life

Another purpose of the Holy Spirit's power is to enable us to live a holy life

Galatians 5:16-17, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."

The Holy Spirit helps us to overcome our sinful nature and to live in a way that honors God

3. The Impact of Uncommon Power

The Holy Spirit's power has a profound impact on our lives and the world

Let's explore this point further:

Sub point 1: The Holy Spirit gives us boldness and courage

Acts 4:31, "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

The Holy Spirit gives us the boldness and courage we need to share the gospel and to stand up for our faith

Sub point 2: The Holy Spirit transforms our character

Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

The Holy Spirit works in our lives to produce these qualities

He transforms our character and helps us to become more like Christ

Sub point 3: The Holy Spirit brings unity and community

Acts 2:42-47, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

The Holy Spirit brings believers together in unity and community

He helps us to love one another, to serve one another, and to build each other up in the faith

The Holy Spirit's power is for building community and unity within the body of Christ

4. The Experience of Uncommon Power

The Holy Spirit's power is available to us today. Let's explore this point further:

Sub point 1: The Holy Spirit can be received through prayer

Luke 11:13, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

The Holy Spirit is a gift from God that we can receive through prayer

We simply need to ask for his power and guidance in our lives

The Holy Spirit's power is not just for the early church, but for all believers today.

Sub point 2: The Holy Spirit's power is evident in our lives

Galatians 5:25, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, his power is evident in our lives

We bear fruit when we are intimate with the Holy Spirit

We bear fruit, we have peace and joy, and we live in a way that honors God

The Holy Spirit's power is not just for special occasions, but for daily living and spiritual growth

Sub point 3: The Holy Spirit's power is essential for effective ministry

Acts 1:8, the Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses for Christ

Without his power, our ministry will be ineffective

The Holy Spirit gives us the words to say and the courage to speak them

He helps us to love those we minister to and to have an impact on their lives

The Holy Spirit's power is for ministry and evangelism