Holy Spirit 2 - Oct. 21, 2012

The Holy Spirit is presented in 3 different images throughout scripture:  Wind, Breath and Fire
The Holy Spirit is our sustainer.  In someone's description of who the Holy Spirit is to them this was stated: "Jesus was at one time here on Earth as a human, living and communicating face to face with people.  Now he is in Heaven so to communicate and help us he sent his spirit to live in us and keep us close to him."

In John 14: 15-17 we read:  "If you love me, you will obey what I command.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth.  The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.  But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." And in John 14: 25-27: "All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Billy Graham is quoted as saying, "The world can argue against Christianity as an institution, but there is no convincing argument against a person who has been made Christlike." When we accept Jesus and grow closer to him, He changes us for the better.  The Holy Spirit comes into our lives and begins to grow his fruit in us. (Read Galatians 5: 22-26) When our lives start to exhibit these characteristics, people can't help but notice the difference in us. 

1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 - talks about Spiritual gifts and that the Holy Spirit gives each of us different kinds of gifts.  We will go more into these Spiritual gifts as the year goes on and will even take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory that will help each student identify what gifts they have. 

In table group time, groups examined the Galatians 5: 22-26 scripture again and answered the following questions:
~ Where have you been aware of God's presence this week?
~ How has the Holy Spirit worked in your life this week?
~ What fruit of the Spirit would you like to see increase in your life?


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