Title: The Anointing

Icebreaker: If you had to name one thing that you need to carry with you everyday (to work, to school, always in your car, etc.) what would it be and why?

This Sunday we took a break from our latest series, Fruit of the Spirit, as we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. Our Bishop delivered a dynamic message, explaining the anointing of the Holy Spirit, to help us understand just what Pentecost is and why it is so important to the Church. We need the Holy Spirit to fill us, to anoint us, to empower us to be all that God has called us to be, and the great news is we can continuously be filled afresh.

Luke 4:18-19

I. What Is Pentecost? (Acts 2:1-2)

a. Pentecost was a historic festival for the Jewish people that was observed to celebrate the day that God met with them in the wilderness, after their deliverance from captivity in Egypt, and delivered the 10 Commandments through Moses.

b. For New Testament believers, Pentecost represents the day that the Holy Spirit came to the earliest disciples of Christ to give birth to the global Church that we know today. This day was marked by supernatural acts including the speaking of new tongues and languages, and the salvation of thousands.

c. When we accept Christ as Lord and Savior we are reborn. It is the Holy Spirit who draws us to Christ in the first place and begins the work in our hearts to lead us to salvation, but he wants to do much more if we accept his invitation. The Holy Spirit's work doesn't stop at salvation, he desires to dwell within us. It is the Spirit that partners with us, anoints us, to do just as Jesus himself and the first apostles did - speaking in new tongues, healing the sick, performing miracles, signs, and wonders in whatever capacity God sees fit.

d. Pentecost is not limited to the one time that the Holy Spirit fell on the earliest disciples to launch the Church. The Holy Spirit desires to descend again and again on all who are open and willing to receive him. Jesus himself had to accept the invitation of the Spirit before he could go forth in his ministry on earth, so how much more do we need the Spirit to anoint us?

Discussion:

What do you picture when you hear the word 'anointing'?

II. The Purpose of the Anointing (Acts 1:8, 10:38)

a. When we speak of the anointing we can probably all picture someone pouring oil and laying hands on someone. This is all very intentional, it stems from Old Testament practices that were followed when a new king, prophet, or priest was being installed. The purpose of the anointing is to show that someone is being set apart and empowered for a higher calling.

b. Of course oil in and of itself has no "magical powers," but the anointing oil is a sacrament, the chosen matter that the Holy Spirit partners with to provide a physical representation of his anointing coming upon a person. The ingredients used to make the anointing oil are all symbolic - representing submission to the leading of the Spirit, uprightness and integrity, humility, and the cleansing work of the Spirit in our lives.

c. Just like other standard food items, oil will eventually go bad, and anything spoiled will attract pests. The same holds true for the anointing in our lives. The anointing is not a one time thing! We need fresh oil constantly flowing through our lives and that only comes when we remain connected to the One who anoints and infills us.

d. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit the Church is powerless, as are we. The anointing is not for selfish gain, but for effective ministry and expansion of the gospel. If we wish to see souls saved, the sick healed, and miracles that we can't even name, we must lean into the Holy Spirit and allow him to anoint, empower, and lead us.

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!