Sep 3, 2023 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Acts 8:14-25
The Validating Work of the Holy Spirit
1. This experience is not normative, v. 14-17
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…”
- Ephesians 2:1-5
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.”
-Luke 9:51-56
2. What you do with your money is an indication of where your heart is, v. 18-20
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Matthew 6:19-21
How the Holy Spirit functions in our lives...
comfort
sanctification
revelation
empowerment
gifting- spiritual gift
love
intercession- He prays for you
3. The ordinances of the Church cannot change you, v. 21-24
4. Even mature believers need to grow, v. 25
Mental worship…
1. What does the way you spend your money say about your heart?
2. How often do you think about the Holy Spirit?
3. Where do you look for assurance of the fact that you are a Christian?
4. What is currently the growing edge of your faith?
5. What questions do you have as a result of what you heard today?