No Power Crisis Here

Introduction (5m)

The UK Faces a Power Crisis

Under immense pressure

China’s post-COVID recovery and increased demand in Asia and Europe / Cold 2020-21 winter in northern hemisphere / Global shortage of gas affects us more because 50pc. electricity made by burning fossil fuel in gas-fired power plants / But lowest capacity to store gas in Europe / Need to stop relying on Russian gas because of Ukraine war / introduction of smaller suppliers into market, unable to cope with increase in energy suppliers - many going out of business.

Prices are spiralling, price caps being raised, many people are worried about meeting price increases, calls for government help, etc.

Rely so much on power

To heat homes, cook, but also to produce steel, chemicals, manufactured products, agriculture, meat production, food and drink, etc.

Christians Can Face a Power Crisis Too

World encourages us - believe in yourself, you can do anything, shape your own destiny, etc.

Go own way, make it on your own. Even in ministry/service we can work independently of God. Act as if we don’t need God.

But at some point, we’ll fail, because hard fact is: we all need God

Failure > depression, sadness, broken relationships, anxiety, fear, loss of faith.

We need Jesus’ presence and power

Grow older - more aware. Feel empty without.

Explanation (5m)

But there is no need for a power crisis, because God can supply the power we need - that’s the message of Pentecost

Acts 2:3–4 (NLT)

Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit ...

Promised: Acts 1:8

Should expect. Be on fire with flaming anticipation. Hearts burn. Miracles expected. Believe HS will come upon us. Expect to receive promised power. Expect infilling of HS. No doubt.

HS does the work in and through us

Not about us. Not about believing in yourself. Not about doing in own strength. HS power means J stands by our side as we live/work in his name.

Pentecost shows us that God can do anything in and through us

Look at the sheer power that is signalled at Pentecost

Violent wind (v.2)

OT & NT language - signifies breath, wind, spirit. God breathed his Spirit into human beings at creation. God breathed his Spirit into E’s dry bones. Power to bring life / conquer death / revive.

Fire (v.3)

Symbol of G’s presence. Burning bush. Consuming fire on Mount Sinai. Until Pentecost, God’s presence sensed corporately. But now fire/presence divides. Rests on and in us individually. Burns away dross. Burns in our hearts. Brings sense of presence and power.

Communication (v.4)

Ability to speak/communicate often associated with G’s Spirit coming on his servants - Moses, Saul. Communications helps to unite us. Deep joy in communication. Seen it here. But especially at Summer Schools. Spend intense times talking about God to each other - experience HS infilling as we communicate.

Look at difference HS made to disciples

Went from hiding, denying, doubting, to excited, passionate, courageous.

The results

People heard Word of God. Prompted to ask what coming of HS meant. Powerful preaching / witnessing. Repentance. People turned to God. Forgiven sins. Received gift of HS. Not few but 3,000 (probably just the men!).

Application (5m)

Look at the difference Holy Spirit power has made in the life of HM The Queen

Today? If you want example - Queen. Suggested never wanted to be sovereign. Hoped to live life of country woman. But abdication > inevitable. Clear her faith / infilling of HS has what has kept her going over 70 years:

Christmas before she became Queen, broadcast:

Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life. (HM The Queen)

Christmas 2000:

For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. (HM The Queen)

Faith / infilling of HS - sacrifice, service, kindness, hope, care, sustained, forgiveness, love, duty, faithfulness.

She seeks HS power in and through her life each Sunday in worship and we have seen /thank G for the results.

Seek Holy Spirit power for yourself

Disciples / HM The Queen’s example prompts us. Will bring us salvation, victory, deliverance, healing, blessings. Our work for G will show more results.

How?

Immerse yourself in the Word of God

Equips you with HS power to spread his message. Builds our faith. Helps us walk in power of HS.

Let love be the basis of all you do

MS: Love God, Love Others. Heart filled with power of HS love > love others. Sorely needed in world. Thinks it is full of love but misunderstands it. Love is what will allow our lives to bear fruit.

Seek the HS’s presence throughout your day

(Last week). Not enough to receive HS once. Disciples needed to learn to constantly dwell in HS’s presence (John 15 - abide, dwell, remain). More we focus on dwelling in HS and his indwelling in us, less likely to rely on own strength.

Does your life have a power crisis? Or are you fully fuelled?

Pentecost - example of disciples, HM The Queen, and seek HS power today. Then:

Next Steps

SB 968 - Marching on in the light of God

Marching on in the light of God, Marching on, I am marching on; Up the path that the Master trod, Marching, marching on. A robe of white, a crown of gold, A harp, a Home, a mansion fair, A victor?s palm, a joy untold, Are mine when I get there. For Jesus is my Saviour, He?s washed my sins away, Died for me on Calvary?s mountain; I?m happy in his wondrous love, Singing all the day, I?m living, yes, I?m living in the fountain. 3 Marching on in the Spirit?s might, Marching on, I am marching on; More than conqueror in every fight, Marching, marching on. 4 Marching on with the flag unfurled, Marching on, I am marching on; Preaching Christ to a dying world, Marching, marching on. Robert Johnson Used By Permission. CCL Licence No. 30158 Copied from The Song Book of The Salvation Army Song Number 968