Feb. 18, 2024

Sermon: Encouragement From an Apostle - Do Not Quench The Spirit Sermon begins at 31:00 min in video.  Includes Communion.  The music "Spirit of the Living God", "Spirit Song", "How Great Thou Art", "Blessed Assurance", "Amazing Grace", and "Thank You Lord" are licensed under CCLI Copyright #2723035 and Streaming Media #22024223 Licenses.Summary: Pastor Dave’s overarching message is one of fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of the Holy Spirit’s work, accepting His guidance, and acting as instruments of His purpose by witnessing through actions and words while always glorifying Jesus Christ. The significance of the Holy Spirit's work in the lives of believers and the importance of being open to His guidance to live a Christ-centered life that honors God is explained. Accordingly, the sermon is focused on understanding the Holy Spirit's role in the life of believers, based on teachings from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, particularly verses 19-20. Pastor Dave emphasizes not quenching the Spirit and discusses common misinterpretations of this concept. He explains that quenching the Spirit involves restricting or restraining the Holy Spirit's work. His sermon also touches upon the gifts of the Holy Spirit, like teaching, reminding, guiding into truth, convicting of sin, righteousness, judgment, and enabling to witness. Further, he points out that the Holy Spirit is practical, not weird, or bizarre, in guiding believers toward truth and glorifying Jesus. His sermon concludes with a reminder for believers to be witnesses in the world, not prosecutors or judges, and to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance.Key Points: 1. The primary message revolves around not quenching the Holy Spirit. 2. Quenching the Holy Spirit refers to restraining or restricting His work in believers' lives. 3. The Holy Spirit has various roles: teaching, reminding believers of Jesus’s teachings, guiding into all truth, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and empowering believers to be witnesses. 4. The Holy Spirit notably aims to glorify Jesus Christ and draw attention to His work. 5. Believers are encouraged to be witnesses rather than prosecutors or judges, sharing the impact of Jesus Christ on their lives.Action Items: 1. Embrace and do not hinder the teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit. 2. Recognize and appreciate the various ways the Holy Spirit works within and through believers. 3. Share personal experiences of Jesus's impact on one’s life with others, fulfilling the role of a witness. 4. Reflect on personal attitudes and actions to ensure they align with the work of the Holy Spirit and bring glory to Jesus. 5. Avoid being judgmental or argumentative, focusing instead on being a positive witness to God's truth.Sermon Notes: Encouragement from an Apostle Do Not Quench the Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Acts 2:38-39,Understanding the Holy Spirit’s Work: (John 14:16-18, 25-26, John 16:5-15) Instructs Guides Reminds Glorifies Jesus Divine Enablement. (Usefulness) Acts 1:8, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, v.11, v.28 Develops Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:16-25Quenching the Spirit: Unresponsiveness        GrievingBe Filled with and yield to the Holy Spirit: