We Are A Spirit-Filled Church
Pastor Doug Heisel – July 19, 2026
We Are: A Jesus-Centered Church
We Are: A Bible-Believing Church
We Are: A Spirit-Filled Church
Acts 1:4-9 – 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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
…(and) 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.”
After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
God’s plan includes being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT — empowered and gifted to become more likeJESUS , and bring more people to Him.
The Holy Spirit Brings:
1. GRACE that creates NEW LIFE.
Titus 3:5 – He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
2. FRUIT that enables me to look and act more like Jesus.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
3. GIFTS to advance His mission, in LOVE.
Motivational gifts: Romans 12:4-8
Ministerial gifts: Ephesians 4:11-12
Manifestation gifts: I Cor. 12:4-11 (and I Cor 13) - (Including a prayer gift: Acts 2:4; I Cor. 14:14-18; Jude 20; Romans 8:26)
4. POWER to make us more EFFECTIVE in life and in our witness of Him.
Acts 1:8 – …(and) you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: Share a “win” from the past week—something you can thank God for.
DIGGING IN: Today is about the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives. Start by reading what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:4-9.
If you didn’t know anything else about the Holy Spirit other than those words from Jesus, what would it make you think or want regarding the Holy Spirit?
Over the centuries, the range of denominational opinions of the Holy Spirit has sadly grown. One reason can be summed up in on the word: “narrow”. Varying groups tended to focus only on one or two roles of the Holy Spirit, rather than seeing a more complete picture. This weekend, four words key words were offered to overcome that: grace, fruit, gifts, and power. Review the four words and key verses. What advantages come when you see a fuller picture rather than a part? What problems can occur if you only see a partial picture?
God designed us to be filled with the Holy Spirit—filled with Himself. The world is depending on local churches who believe this. Take a few minutes and pray for our church family and our influence locally, regionally, and globally. Let’s believe the Holy Spirit wants to use us more!
BRINGING IT HOME: Let’s desire more understanding and dependance on the Holy Spirit, and do it in a manner that honors Jesus, builds strength in the church, and advances the good news in this world!