Title: Heaven's Language - The Second Experience

Icebreaker: What was the first job you ever had?

This Sunday our Bishop delivered another powerful message to explain the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. We've learned through this unofficial series how the baptism of the Holy Spirit takes place and what it means for us. Remember, salvation comes first. It is only after we've come to faith in Christ that his Spirit is available to us. This is not about speaking in tongues, although that's an expression of the Spirit, but its about being empowered by the Spirit of God to do great works for the kingdom.

Acts 2:38-39

I. Experiences through Acts

• We're familiar with the beginning of Acts 2, but later in that chapter Peter explains plainly what is required to experience the baptism of the Spirit. It all starts with repentance. After we repent of our sins and give our lives to Christ, we become eligible for the gifts of the Spirit. Throughout the book of Acts we find examples of what it looked and sounded like when people experienced the Holy Spirit for the first time.
• One example is found in Acts 8, where we read of Philip the evangelist ministering the Gospel in Samaria. As he preached many people came to faith in Christ and were water baptized. Then these new believers received the Holy Spirit when the apostles laid hands to pray for them. One person, however, instead of heeding the gospel message, offered to pay to receive the gifts of the Spirit, because he wanted the attention that came with operating supernaturally.
• Another example is found in Acts 9, where a believer named Ananias is led by the Spirit to go lay hands on Saul of Tarsus (who we later come to know as the Apostle Paul). Through this act of obedience and laying on of hands, Ananias supernaturally partnered with God so that Saul's eyesight could be restored and he would be filled with the Spirit. We also know that later, this Apostle Paul would go on to minister the gospel and the Holy Spirit to many Gentile believers.
• One final example we find is in Acts 10, where the Holy Spirit falls on a group of Gentiles without hands being laid on them. In fact, the Spirit fell and people began speaking in tongues and prophesying while the Gospel message was still being preached. Here we find the Spirit actually disrupting an organized service in order to carry out a greater plan and bring unity to a group that was not always in agreement.

Discussion:

What do these examples teach us about the way we might receive and experience the Holy Spirit?

II. Make Yourself Available

• Each of the examples we read in Acts gives us a different illustration of how the Spirit may move toward us. Sometimes it is through the laying on of hands, other times he moves at a time that feels random or uncoordinated. What we know for sure is, the Spirit cannot be bought or bargained for, he comes where he is truly welcomed.
• What this means for us today is we can receive the Holy Spirit at almost any time and any place. What matters is the posture of our hearts. Are we willing to make room for the Spirit in our lives? Are we willing to let go of our plans, our preconceived notions, our will?
• When we make ourselves available to God he sends his Spirit to lead, guide, and partner with us. Sometimes the Spirit may move in big demonstrative ways, other times he may come with quiet conviction. When, where, and how He chooses to move is something we have to accept, our role is to be available for whatever He may lead us to do.

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!