The Holy Spirit: Revelation/Guidance
Duplo: Growing with Basics • Sermon • Submitted
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Intro:
Intro:
Good morning Church Family - to the few who are here with us at the office, but also for those joining us online. Isn’t it interesting that, at least in the church, many times we’re fighting against technology’s invasion into our lives (and rightfully so), but this weekend, technology is allowing the church to continue with it’s Kingdom mission, even in the midst of gathering restrictions because of the coronavirus.
Speaking of which, I’m sure most of us know why we are meeting for church online and not at our regular location, but I still wanted to take a moment to briefly explain how we arrived at that decision.
At least for us here in Glastonbury, it seems like the coronavirus only recently became real. Many saw it’s rapid spread in our country; and if I’m not mistaken, it was last week CT had its first two cases. In light of this, we began to make adjustments this week, which included the plan to modify our hospitality snacks to individually wrapped items.
But then on Thursday, it became a serious reality. Glastonbury Public Schools decided to cancel school for at least two weeks. For a town and culture that extremely values education, this was a sign that things were very serious. They don’t just cancel school in this town for any reason. Shortly after, other town organizations, including the Riverfront Community Center (where we meet for Sunday worship) canceled their programs thru March 29th.
While the Community Center was willing to temporarily let us gather, our leadership team began to discuss and pray about what to do. Obviously, we decided to move our church fully online this week (and likely beyond). We don’t take this lightly. This wasn’t an easy decision, but I’m confident it is the right decision for us. And let me share the two major reasons why:
First, Paul wrote to the Romans...
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.
Because we aren’t 100 people on Sunday mornings, we technically fall below the recommended safe gathering limitation. However, we considered two things:
1) We aren’t that far from that number.
2) Because this isn’t an issue where we are asked to compromise, deny, or be silent about the gospel, we felt it was our responsibility as a Glastonbury church to comply with our community’s effort to stay healthy, especially since we rent a town facility.
Secondly, we are a church that takes Jesus command to “love our neighbor” seriously. We love Glastonbury! And as we considered our community, we believe this was the decision that clearly spoke, “We love you.”
What I mean is, if we look at Jesus’ example, the way He showed love to us is by entering into our world with compassion. Sometimes, we use the theological word, “Incarnation” to describe this… God took on human flesh, entered into our world, engaged us, and loved us.
While we are not worried, we also see our community taking something seriously and want to connect to that with compassion. Therefore, if Glastonbury takes this seriously, we will take it seriously, because we love Glastonbury. This decision was not about fear or a lack of faith, but about loving our neighbors.
So, we
There is much more to our decision, but those are the primary reason why we decided not to meet for public worship this week. We will make a decision for future worship service soon, so keep an eye out for that church family.
Now, maybe you’re joining us online and heard me say, “We are not worried.” And you’re asking yourself:
Why aren’t you worried?
Haven’t you turned on the news?
Haven’t been to the grocery stores?
Everyone is worried! It almost seems silly to not be worried!”
Well, as humbly as I can say this, it’s because we trust God. I don’t say that to throw in anyone’s face, but just a truth about who we are as Christians. We believe our God is powerful. We believe He is in control. And we believe He loves us. So, even in hard times, we have peace. We have hope because God is with us.
And part of that process includes trying to see circumstances through God’s eyes. It’s easy to look at the craziness of the world and get worried. But, when I trust God, and allow Him to show me what He sees, things look much different. And I react and respond much differently. Like having hope in the middle of a pandemic.
This process also requires what we call faith. What God is doing doesn’t always make sense. I have to “trust/believe/have faith.” The Bible puts it this way...
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
What that means sometimes we believe for things based on God’s hope, even if we cannot see proof of those things in our visible circumstances. And so its our “faith” in God, that allows us to have hope in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic.
Now, having faith isn’t just an ignorant belief. It isn’t wishful living. As the definition says, “It’s a reality.” It’s something that’s real. It’s a hope we have. And in the bible, the word “hope” isn’t synonomous with “wish.” Rather, “hope” is a guaranteed promise of God that is in our future. And I mention this because a lot of times faith itself is a process. It takes time, and God’s help, for us to move from our human reality to His Kingdom reality. And this help comes from the Holy Spirit.
And here at The River Church, we’ve been in our Duplo series. Using the theme of Legos to GROW in our FAITH. And we’ve been starting with the basics, we’ve started with God - we’ve started with the Trinity.
For the past two weeks, we’ve discussed the Father - the first person of the Trinity. And this week, we start with the third person of the Trinity: The Holy Spirit.
I know it’s makes more sense to go to Jesus - the second person of the Trinity - next, but we’re saving Him for Easter!
Now, remember, we believe that God is three in one, meaning three distinct person (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), yet one God in essence. I know that’s confusing. This concept requires faith. For our finite minds to comprehend an infinite God requires God’s help. Because on our own, it’s impossible. But since God wants us to know Him, and He sends us help. And that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in.
And as we start with the Holy Spirit, we are going to look at His role as:
A revealer: Meaning He reveals spiritual things to us.
And, a guide: Meaning He leads us according to God’s will and plan for our lives.
Body:
Body:
So, when God has wants to reveal things to us, He’s uses the Holy Spirit. The Bible says...
No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.
1 Cor 2:11
1 Cor 2:11-
And even when God’s people prophetically speak for Him (like the recorded words we find in the Bible), it still involves process of the Holy Spirit first revealing God’s thoughts to men, and then them speaking.
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
Within the Trinity, it’s the Holy Spirit’s role is to reveal things to God’s people.
Now, a key part of the revelation process involves both hearing and recognizing the Spirit’s voice.
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My wife Janelle hosts a D-group (or a discipleship group) at our home on Wednesday nights. A D-group is kinda like a life group, but is a smaller, more intimate group, where a group of men or women can grow in both relationship and faith together.
At the last D-group, I was upstairs putting my kids to bed and could hear the ladies having their discussion. And one of the ladies in Janelle’s group is Michelle. Which means baby Myrtle also comes to D-Group. And since their D-group doesn’t start till 8pm, by then, Myrtle is pretty tired by then. So, they turn off the lights in my living room and lay Myrtle down to hopefully fall asleep, while the ladies are in the kitchen together.
But it’s funny because every time I hear Michelle say something, I hear Myrtle squawk. She recognizes her voice and responds. And ONLY MICHELLE!
When I talk to Myrtle, she doesn’t do anything. She just gives me a look like, “I don’t know you fool!” But Michelle, she instantly recognizes and responds.
And this probably isn’t a surprise to you. It’s pretty well known that babies recognize their mother’s voice. It’s the voice they hear the most, especially in the womb. And studies show that our brains respond differently to our mother’s voice, even as adults. The voice of a mother is like a neural fingerprint activating our brain. It’s an important voice in our lives.
The same is true (but in a greater way) when it comes to the voice of the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit reveals God’s will to us, it’s important we learn to recognize and respond to His voice. That it activates our faith when we hear it.
Because let me share with you some important things the Holy Spirit reveals to us:
The Holy Spirit reveals to our heart that we should worship the Father and the Son!
says, “[The Father] is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT and truth.” Pastor John Piper believes this verse implies the Holy Spirit’s role of bringing worship to the Father. I agree with him!
, Jesus says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth… He will glorify me...” The Holy Spirit points our heart to Jesus and says, “Worship Him!”
The Holy Spirit reveals the glory of God to us, so that we will worship to Him!
The Holy Spirit also reveal who we are in Christ. Our identity! That we are sons and daughters of God!
New Living Translation Chapter 4
And because we* are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”* 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.* And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
The Holy Spirit will reveal to us truth, which helps us understand God’s ways! Jesus said, “But I will send you the Advocate [Helper] - the Spirit of truth.” ()
Let me quickly add why this is important. In this life, you will have many voices trying to speak into your life. So, it’s crucial we learn to recognize the Spirit’s voice, because that’s the one speaking truth.
For example, the devil, who wants to destroy our lives, will also speak to us. And he’s good at tricky us, so we got to recognize the Spirit’s voice over all others!
There’s this story in , when Pauls is preaching the gospel and this demon-possessed girl was following him around. But look what she says, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” Wait… that sounds like a good thing! But we find out that Paul - thru the power of the Holy Spirit - sensed something was off. The story goes on to say that Paul became “greatly annoyed, turned and said to the [demonic] spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.”
You know, the devil tempted Jesus by quoting Scripture to him. He’s tricky! He uses “truth,” but not for the goal of glorifying God. He twists it. And that’s scary because how can we know which voice is right, especially if they sound similar?
But we find out that Paul - thru the power of the Holy Spirit - sensed something was off. You know, when the devil tempted Jesus, he quoted Scripture to him. He’s tricky! He uses “truth,” but not for the goal of glorifying God. He twists it. And knowing that, it sounds scary because how will we know?
Well, one way we will know is through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, speaking truth to our hearts by His voice.
The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us. And He also helps us recognize gospel truth from enemies lies, which are presented under the disguise of truth. So, we’ll be able to tell the devil, in the words of Myrtle, “I don’t know you fool!”
Finally, the Holy Spirit voice reveals God’s plan for our lives, which is connected to the other role of the Holy Spirit I want to discuss: The Holy Spirit guides us.
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
As God’s people, the Holy Spirit guides us into the plans God has for our lives. Which again, makes it extremely important that we recognize and respond to His voice. But how can we do that?
How do we know that it’s not the enemy trying to trick us?
How do we know it’s not just our own internal voice trying to manipulate a situation to fulfill our own selfish desires?
I believe there is a story in that can help us.
Acts 17:
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Paul and Silas preached Jesus to the Jewish people of Berea. And the reason why Luke (the writer of Acts) says, the Bereans “were noble” was because, they not only received the word with all eagerness,” but they “examined the Scriptures daily to see if theses things were so.”
One great way to learn the voice of the Spirit, is to be familiar with the words of the Spirit, which are found in this book, like the Bereans!
As the Spirit gives revelation and guidance, we can be confident that those things will be confirmed in the Word of God. The Spirit will not contradict Himself.
So, as we’re growing in our faith, we grow in our recognition of the Spirit’s voice by learning God’s word. And because God’s word is alive, the Spirit uses it to speak confirmation through it, as well.
In my own life, I’ve learned to not make major life decisions unless I hear the Spirit voice speak and confirm things through His Word. And here’s something else. I’m a firm believer of reading the Bible daily; and also reading it all the way through. Let me tell you why this is helpful.
Not only do we become completely familiar with the Spirit’s voice by reading all of God’s word, but when the Spirit confirms things to us by His word, it won’t be because we cherry-picked the Bible verse to try and confirm our own desires. It’ll come through the Spirit’s voice, in God’s living word, working through our daily reading.
Let me tell you why this is helpful. Not only do we become completely familiar with the Spirit’s voice through reading all of God’s word, but when the Spirit confirms things to us, it’s not because we cherry-picked the Bible verse to try and confirm our own desires, and not necessarily God’s plan for us.
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We’ve been searching for a space of our own for years here at The River Church. Don’t get me wrong. We loved being in the schools. We love being at the Community Center. But, we desire to plant roots in the town we love. It’s also hard to do certain things, when you don’t have a space of your own during the week. And while part of our vision and mission embraces meeting in the home, sometimes that’s not ideal.
But Glastonbury is expensive. And we’re a fairly new and small church. Resources are limited. And we’ve found it hard to find a space that works financially. And even considering office space, it’s been hard to find the right location and price.
Then, two weeks ago, our realtor sent us an email out of the blue. It had been months since we heard from her. And, there was just something about the space that was appealing. Good price. Good location. Good space. It just seemed to work. But this was a major decision. So, with our board, we began to pray and discuss.
And for me, I knew this answer would need to come from the Spirit’s voice guiding me through His word - in my daily reading. And that’s just what happened. Last week, I was reading (remember, I’m not cherry-picking the passage - who picks that book?), I just happened to read...
Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to all their descendants.’ ”
Deut 1:
I recognized the Spirit’s voice. And this was no easy answer because for one, we don’t have an abundance of extra cash in our church budget. This was going to take faith! But I truly believed the Spirit was guiding me (and our team) in this decision. And it was confirmed by the truth of God’s word. And so last week, we moved forward and occupied the space.
Now, here’s the crazy thing. We got keys to the office on this past Tuesday. The coronavirus was still a concern, but nothing like it is just five days later. On Tuesday, we had no idea Glastonbury would shut everything down. We had no idea that we’d have to make a decision to do church online. But God did! And I truly believe the Spirit was giving us revelation of God’s will and guiding us into His plan for our church and community, as He knew this would happen!
And so, let me ask:
Is it a “coincidence” that we’re better prepared for the coronavirus situation, at this exact time, or is it the Holy Spirit revealing God’s will and guiding us into the right places?
I believe it is the Holy Spirit, the great Helper from the Father, revealing and guiding His people forward in His Kingdom mission!
Response:
Response:
So, at a time when there is a lot of worry going around, how is it the church can be at peace and have hope?
Well, one reason is because when we live our lives according to the Spirit, the One who reveals God to us, and God’s plan for our life, we are unshaken because we know God is in control of it all. We have comfort in the midst of crazy scary circumstances. And guess what?
The Holy Spirit is also called our Comforter. His voice brings us peace.
We can have peace. We can have hope. Because when we live our lives according to the Spirit, the one who reveal God to us, who we are in God, and God’s plan for our life, we are unshaken. We can have comfort in the midst of crazy scary circumstances. And guess what? The Holy Spirit is also called our Comforter.How do I get the Holy Spirit? Saved. Already - begin to listen to His voice. Many of us will have more downtime than we used to. Instead of filling that time up with Netflix, filled it with quiet time listening for the Spirit’s voice. And if you think you hear something, but aren’t sure, write it down.Josh - go to a quiet place. With a notepad. And sit quietly before the Lord. Don’t really busy the time with requests. Just try to listen for the still small voice of the Spirit. (Elijah). And then, write what He says down. Then, go check it against God’s word. And if you don’t know where to look, ask someone in your church family. And the time we live in, we can communicate while practicing social distance.If you sow into this, you will reap. . That’s kinda weird phrasing. If you invest into this, you will make a spiritual profit.And like a baby, the more you listen, the more familiar you’ll be. I want to see our faith grow so much this year that we are so familiar with God’s voice, that we know it’s Him. And then we, by faith, obey what He says. Who knows what will happen. Story of the guy who spoek to me at the worship conference. I took to heart - Check that… oh yeah, there’s this verse.
And so, maybe you’re asking: How do I get the Holy Spirit?
Well, first, if you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior - you need to do that. If you go after other spiritual things and skip over Jesus, it’s like stocking up on toilet paper in a pandemic. It ultimately adds no value to your life.
2000 years ago, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us, for our sins, which separated us from the God who loves us. Jesus sacrificed His perfect life on a cross, so that we could receive forgiveness of our sin. And He rose 3 days later showing the payment was made in full! And the Bible, the voice of the Holy Spirit promises, that when we put our faith in Jesus, we pass from death to life, and our relationship, purpose, and life in God is restored. That’s the most important thing to take care of first!
And once that happens, we then receive the Holy Spirit. He comes into our lives and begins to give us revelation and guidance.
If you need to do that, call out to Jesus wherever you are. He will hear you. And He will accept you.
The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
But maybe you’ve already given your life to Jesus, but want a next step for growing in your ability to hear the voice of the Spirit. Let me give you an exercise that one of my best friends and mentors taught me.
Saved. Already - begin to listen to His voice. Many of us will have more downtime than we used to. Instead of filling that time up with Netflix, filled it with quiet time listening for the Spirit’s voice. And if you think you hear something, but aren’t sure, write it down.
Set aside some time, maybe 10-15 mins. Go to a quiet place. Bring a notepad. And sit quietly before the Lord. You don’t need to pray for specific requests. Just “be still” and listen for the still small voice of the Spirit, because a lot of time that’s how He speaks.
Remember the story of Elijah. God told him...
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Many times the voice of the Spirit is a whisper in the storm. And if we’re distracted by the noise of this world, it’ll be hard to hear. So this is a helpful exercise.
And - just sayin - most of us will have a lot of time to practice this. It’s something we can do while also practicing social distancing. And I truly believe that when we practice listening for the voice of the Spirit, we learn to recognize His voice.
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
If you apply the principle found here towards listening to the voice of the Spirit, if you invest time into recognizing God’s voice, you will grow a spiritual harvest in your life:
God will begin to give you revelation and guidance. You will start to walk in His plan for your life.
ou will start to walk in His plan for your life.You will have peace and in the craziest of times. And you will have unshakeable hope, because the Spirit of God will continue to reveal the Father to you - the one who is completely in control, is all powerful, is always with us, and loves and cares for us!
You will have peace and in the craziest of times.
And you will have unshakeable hope, because the Spirit of God will reveal the Father to you - the One who is completely in control, is all powerful, is always with us, and loves and cares for us!
Let’s pray: The President declared this a National Day of Prayer:
Father, we ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you would begin to bring healing to our land and world. We pray for places like Italy and China. We pray for our country. And we pray for our town of Glastonbury. Lord, keep us safe and healthy; but most of all, bring the spiritual healing we all need, which is only found by faith in Jesus. Holy Spirit have your way in our lives. Give us revelation and guidance to walk through these difficult days. Shape our hearts and minds. Help us to live by faith, knowing the eternal hope we have. We know You work all things out for good. We ask these things in Jesus name, amen.
ESVAnd your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
He believed the Spirit was telling Him, to tell me, this is what God wanted me to focus on. He was revealing this about my future. He was guiding my steps. If I did this, no matter how crazy the circumstances got, God would take care of me. You know, by living by this, it’s led me here, to glastonbury. Being the pastor of TRC.What’s God got in store for you? If we’re willing to listen to the Spirit, what’s opportunities is God giving us in this crazy time in the world? As we grow in our faith, let’s learn to listen to His voice to see what He wants to reveal. And then let Him guide you as you obey. And you will have Him with as your Comforter, even if the world feels like it’s falling apart. That’s because you have hope that rests in God - the one who is completely in control, is all powerful, and always with us.