What does it mean to you that you are part of the body of Christ?

The Spirit Filled Life (Part 2)

1. The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit:

• It was prophesied in the Old Testament. Joel 2:28-32.
• It was promised by Jesus in the New Testament. John 14:16,17, 26; 15:26, 27.

2. In Acts 1:4, 5, What did Jesus tell His disciples to wait for?

3. Turn to Acts 1:8

• The word "power" comes from the Greek word "dunamis" which also means "dynamite". Where does the power (the ability) to witness for Christ come from?
  
• Before we were Christians the Holy Spirit was with (para) us convicting us of sin and drawing us to Christ. See John 16:7,8.
• When we became Christians the Holy Spirit was in (en) us. See John 14:16,17; 20:22; 1 Corinthians 3:16.
• The third experience of the Holy Spirit is when He comes on or upon (epi) us and overflows out of our life. See John 7:37-39.
• Flow (Greek) literally means to gush forth.
• Baptize (Greek - Baptizo) overflowed. We become a channel through which the Holy Spirit overflows to everyone around us.
• Look at these examples of the Spirit coming upon a believer:
  • Acts 10:44
    
  • Acts 19:6
    

4. When we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, what happens?:

• We receive power to witness for Jesus and to serve Him in whatever area He asks us to.
• We receive increased power to overcome sin.
• The Scripture comes alive to us.
• Our relationship with God is more alive and vital.
• We receive spiritual gifts when we pray to God and ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We receive it by faith (Luke 11:11-13; Galatians 3:2, 5 ,13,14) just as we received Jesus Christ into our life by faith. At this time we will receive one or more spiritual gifts from God.

Sharing Your Faith

1. What must happen in our personal lives before we are ready to share our faith?

• 1 Peter 3:15
  

2. What does it mean to "sanctify" the Lord in our hearts?

3. Basic points that should be covered:

• All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.
• The wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23.
• God demonstrated His love to us by sending Jesus Christ to die. Romans 5:8.
• We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9,10,13.
• Optional verses. Isaiah 59:1, 2; John 3:3, 16; Acts 3:19, 20; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8, 9.

4. Tools for witnessing:

• A Bible. A pocket New Testament is sufficient.
• Tracts. "The Big Question" and the "Bridge to Life" are excellent.
• Memorize scripture. Roman's road is best. (Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23 & 10:9-10)

5. Remember:

• The Holy Spirit is the One who will speak through you. Matthew 10:18-20.
• The Lord is the One who adds to the church daily. Acts 2:47.

Notes/Questions:

Assignments: Read the book of Acts, memorize Acts 1:8, and pray for one another.