WEEKTHREE
PARTICIPANTGUIDE
This Sunday at True North we continued At the Core with A Spirit-Empowered Church. We saw that Pentecost wasn’t a one-time event—it launched a movement for today. Jesus saves us, calls us to water baptism, and baptizes us in the Holy Spirit to live on mission. Join us this Sunday as we seek the Spirit’s presence and power for everyday life.
ICEBREAKER
+ Share a moment when you sensed the Holy Spirit’s help in everyday life.
+ What’s your baptism story (salvation, water, or Spirit)?
+ If you could ask the Holy Spirit one question today, what would it be?
+ What’s your baptism story (salvation, water, or Spirit)?
+ If you could ask the Holy Spirit one question today, what would it be?
SCRIPTURALREFERENCES
Acts 1:8
But 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.
Acts 2:1–4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:38–39
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:17
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:43–48
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Acts 19:1–6
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied.
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
Galatians 5:22–25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
But 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.
Acts 2:1–4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:38–39
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:17
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:43–48
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Acts 19:1–6
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied.
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
Galatians 5:22–25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
BIGIDEA
Jesus saves, baptizes in water, and baptizes in the Holy Spirit—so we can live holy, empowered, missional lives.
SERMONSUMMARY
Pastor taught that True North is a Spirit-Empowered Church—built not on charisma or strategy but on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost (Acts 2) is not a relic; it launched a movement that continues today. “Pentecostal” means substance over style: the Spirit fills believers for witness, not for hype.
Scripture reveals a consistent pattern of three baptisms in the believer’s journey. Baptism into Christ (Salvation): by the Spirit we are placed into Jesus’ Body (1 Corinthians 12:13); we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Baptism in Water (Obedience): we publicly identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Acts 2:38). It’s a line in the sand—outward sign of an inward covenant. Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Empowerment): Jesus promised power to witness (Acts 1:8). In Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19 believers are filled with the Spirit; tongues frequently appear as the initial evidence. The pattern is clear: salvation, water, empowerment.
The message emphasized that the gifts of the Spirit are for today and the fruit of the Spirit shapes who we are. We need both—power with character. Being Spirit-filled looks like bold, Christ-centered witness from Monday to Friday; Sunday is a sending ground.
Scripture reveals a consistent pattern of three baptisms in the believer’s journey. Baptism into Christ (Salvation): by the Spirit we are placed into Jesus’ Body (1 Corinthians 12:13); we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Baptism in Water (Obedience): we publicly identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Acts 2:38). It’s a line in the sand—outward sign of an inward covenant. Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Empowerment): Jesus promised power to witness (Acts 1:8). In Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19 believers are filled with the Spirit; tongues frequently appear as the initial evidence. The pattern is clear: salvation, water, empowerment.
The message emphasized that the gifts of the Spirit are for today and the fruit of the Spirit shapes who we are. We need both—power with character. Being Spirit-filled looks like bold, Christ-centered witness from Monday to Friday; Sunday is a sending ground.
DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS
+ What part of Pentecost (substance over style) challenged or freed you?
+ Where do you see the three baptisms pattern in Acts, and why does it matter?
+ Have you been water baptized since believing? What’s your next step?
+ What fears or misconceptions about Spirit baptism do you want to surrender?
+ Where do you most need the Spirit’s power to be a witness this week?
+ How do gifts and fruit together shape a healthy Spirit-filled life?
+ What testimony could you share of the Spirit helping you in daily life?
+ Where do you see the three baptisms pattern in Acts, and why does it matter?
+ Have you been water baptized since believing? What’s your next step?
+ What fears or misconceptions about Spirit baptism do you want to surrender?
+ Where do you most need the Spirit’s power to be a witness this week?
+ How do gifts and fruit together shape a healthy Spirit-filled life?
+ What testimony could you share of the Spirit helping you in daily life?
PRACTICALAPPLICATION
(Live It Out)
Choose one:
+ schedule water baptism;
+ seek to be baptized in the Holy Spirit;
+ share Jesus with one person this week and pray with them.
+ schedule water baptism;
+ seek to be baptized in the Holy Spirit;
+ share Jesus with one person this week and pray with them.
PRAYERFOCUS
+ Salvation, baptism, and Spirit-baptism responses.
+ Fresh filling of the Holy Spirit for bold witness.
+ Growth in both gifts and fruit.
+ Unity and expectancy across True North.
+ Fresh filling of the Holy Spirit for bold witness.
+ Growth in both gifts and fruit.
+ Unity and expectancy across True North.
DEVOTIONALPLAN
Memory Verse of the Week
Acts 1:8
“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.”
Acts 1:8
“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.”
Day 1 — Pentecost: Substance, Not Style
Memory Verse of the Week:
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: Acts 2:1, 4
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Devotional Thought:
Pentecost is not a brand; it’s a Bible word that means “Fiftieth.” On the fiftieth day after Passover, Israel celebrated God giving the Law; on the fiftieth day after Jesus’ resurrection, God gave His Spirit. That shift—from stone tablets to living power—defines the Church’s identity and mission. In Acts 2, everyday disciples were filled, empowered, and sent. Pentecost was not a one-off spectacle but the launch of a Spirit-filled movement that continues today. That matters for us because we don’t build True North on charisma, strategy, or personality, but on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
For some, “Pentecostal” carries baggage—too loud, too weird, too emotional. Scripture corrects our extremes. The Spirit is not hype; He is holy. He doesn’t make us odd for odd’s sake; He makes us witnesses—clear, courageous, Christ-exalting. If Pentecost is substance, not style, then the question isn’t “Do I like that worship vibe?” but “Am I living daily in the Spirit’s power?” The same Spirit who filled the upper room wants to fill our living rooms, job sites, classrooms, and conversations. Ask Him to make Pentecost personal: fresh boldness, fresh love for Jesus, fresh power to obey.
Reflection Questions:
+Where have you confused style with substance when it comes to the Holy Spirit?
+How would your week look different if you consciously lived as a Spirit-empowered witness?
+Where do you need fresh boldness?
Suggested Reading: Joel 2:28–29
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. Strip away hype and fear. Make Pentecost personal—give me clarity, courage, and love to witness to Jesus today.
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: Acts 2:1, 4
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Devotional Thought:
Pentecost is not a brand; it’s a Bible word that means “Fiftieth.” On the fiftieth day after Passover, Israel celebrated God giving the Law; on the fiftieth day after Jesus’ resurrection, God gave His Spirit. That shift—from stone tablets to living power—defines the Church’s identity and mission. In Acts 2, everyday disciples were filled, empowered, and sent. Pentecost was not a one-off spectacle but the launch of a Spirit-filled movement that continues today. That matters for us because we don’t build True North on charisma, strategy, or personality, but on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
For some, “Pentecostal” carries baggage—too loud, too weird, too emotional. Scripture corrects our extremes. The Spirit is not hype; He is holy. He doesn’t make us odd for odd’s sake; He makes us witnesses—clear, courageous, Christ-exalting. If Pentecost is substance, not style, then the question isn’t “Do I like that worship vibe?” but “Am I living daily in the Spirit’s power?” The same Spirit who filled the upper room wants to fill our living rooms, job sites, classrooms, and conversations. Ask Him to make Pentecost personal: fresh boldness, fresh love for Jesus, fresh power to obey.
Reflection Questions:
+Where have you confused style with substance when it comes to the Holy Spirit?
+How would your week look different if you consciously lived as a Spirit-empowered witness?
+Where do you need fresh boldness?
Suggested Reading: Joel 2:28–29
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. Strip away hype and fear. Make Pentecost personal—give me clarity, courage, and love to witness to Jesus today.
Day 2 — Baptized Into Christ: Made New
Memory Verse of the Week:
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
Devotional Thought:
Scripture shows a pattern of three baptisms in the believer’s life. First comes baptism into Christ—salvation. The Holy Spirit draws us to Jesus and places us into His Body, the Church. This is not water baptism and not the baptism in the Spirit; it is the miracle of new birth. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You didn’t just turn over a new leaf—God gave you a new life. Shame is lifted, guilt is forgiven, and your identity is re-written in Christ.
This matters because everything else flows from here. Before you serve in power or testify with boldness, you must belong to Jesus. Salvation is not earned by feelings, effort, or rituals; it is received by grace through faith. The Spirit testifies to your heart, “You are God’s child,” and joins you to a family where you are known, needed, and sent. If you’ve trusted Christ, rejoice: you are in His Body. If you haven’t, today can be your day to respond to the gospel—Admit, Believe, Confess.
Being “in Christ” also reframes your Monday to Friday. You face pressure, temptation, and decisions not as a spiritual orphan but as a Spirit-indwelt son or daughter. Start here: “Lord, I am Yours. Lead me.” From that identity, obedience becomes possible, and mission becomes natural.
Reflection Questions:
+What changed (or is changing) in your identity since you came to Christ?
+Where do you still live like an orphan instead of a child of God?
+Who needs to hear your salvation story this week?
Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17–21
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for saving me and placing me in Your Body. Holy Spirit, anchor my identity in Christ and let my new life be obvious this week.
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
Devotional Thought:
Scripture shows a pattern of three baptisms in the believer’s life. First comes baptism into Christ—salvation. The Holy Spirit draws us to Jesus and places us into His Body, the Church. This is not water baptism and not the baptism in the Spirit; it is the miracle of new birth. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You didn’t just turn over a new leaf—God gave you a new life. Shame is lifted, guilt is forgiven, and your identity is re-written in Christ.
This matters because everything else flows from here. Before you serve in power or testify with boldness, you must belong to Jesus. Salvation is not earned by feelings, effort, or rituals; it is received by grace through faith. The Spirit testifies to your heart, “You are God’s child,” and joins you to a family where you are known, needed, and sent. If you’ve trusted Christ, rejoice: you are in His Body. If you haven’t, today can be your day to respond to the gospel—Admit, Believe, Confess.
Being “in Christ” also reframes your Monday to Friday. You face pressure, temptation, and decisions not as a spiritual orphan but as a Spirit-indwelt son or daughter. Start here: “Lord, I am Yours. Lead me.” From that identity, obedience becomes possible, and mission becomes natural.
Reflection Questions:
+What changed (or is changing) in your identity since you came to Christ?
+Where do you still live like an orphan instead of a child of God?
+Who needs to hear your salvation story this week?
Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17–21
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for saving me and placing me in Your Body. Holy Spirit, anchor my identity in Christ and let my new life be obvious this week.
Day 3 — Baptized in Water: The Line in the Sand
Memory Verse of the Week:
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Devotional Thought:
Water baptism is the obedient, public declaration that you now belong to Jesus. It’s the wedding ring of the gospel—an outward sign of an inward covenant. Going under the water pictures burial with Christ; coming up pictures resurrection to new life. The book of Acts repeatedly ties salvation to baptism as the next faithful step: “Repent and be baptized…” (Acts 2:38). Water baptism doesn’t save you—Jesus does—but it draws a bold line in the sand: the old is gone; the new has begun.
Why does this matter in a Spirit-Empowered church? Because obedience positions us for power. John distinguished his baptism in water from Jesus’ baptism in the Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The New Testament pattern is clear: salvation, then water, then empowerment. If you’ve postponed baptism, don’t wait. Let your church family celebrate as you identify with Christ’s death and resurrection. If you have been baptized, remember your declaration. You didn’t just dip; you died and rose with Jesus. Live like it.
Baptism also disciples our Monday to Friday. It reminds us that sin no longer has the final word. In temptation, declare: “I am buried and raised with Christ.” In fear, remember: the same power that raised Jesus is at work in you. Your story now preaches—even your wet clothes once did. Keep living a soaked-in-grace life that points others to the water and to the Savior.
Reflection Questions:
+Have you taken the step of water baptism? If not, what’s holding you back?
+What “old life” habit needs to stay buried?
+How can your baptism story encourage someone else’s next step?
Suggested Reading: Acts 2:38–41
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of baptism. Strengthen my obedience and make my public confession match my private life this week.
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Devotional Thought:
Water baptism is the obedient, public declaration that you now belong to Jesus. It’s the wedding ring of the gospel—an outward sign of an inward covenant. Going under the water pictures burial with Christ; coming up pictures resurrection to new life. The book of Acts repeatedly ties salvation to baptism as the next faithful step: “Repent and be baptized…” (Acts 2:38). Water baptism doesn’t save you—Jesus does—but it draws a bold line in the sand: the old is gone; the new has begun.
Why does this matter in a Spirit-Empowered church? Because obedience positions us for power. John distinguished his baptism in water from Jesus’ baptism in the Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The New Testament pattern is clear: salvation, then water, then empowerment. If you’ve postponed baptism, don’t wait. Let your church family celebrate as you identify with Christ’s death and resurrection. If you have been baptized, remember your declaration. You didn’t just dip; you died and rose with Jesus. Live like it.
Baptism also disciples our Monday to Friday. It reminds us that sin no longer has the final word. In temptation, declare: “I am buried and raised with Christ.” In fear, remember: the same power that raised Jesus is at work in you. Your story now preaches—even your wet clothes once did. Keep living a soaked-in-grace life that points others to the water and to the Savior.
Reflection Questions:
+Have you taken the step of water baptism? If not, what’s holding you back?
+What “old life” habit needs to stay buried?
+How can your baptism story encourage someone else’s next step?
Suggested Reading: Acts 2:38–41
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of baptism. Strengthen my obedience and make my public confession match my private life this week.
Day 4 — Baptized in the Spirit: Power for Mission
Memory Verse of the Week:
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: Acts 2:4
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Devotional Thought:
Jesus promised a distinct experience beyond salvation: baptism in the Holy Spirit—power for mission. In Acts 1:8, power is tied to witness; in Acts 2, believers are filled and begin to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enables. Across Acts 8, 10, and 19 we see the same pattern: people believe, are baptized in water, and are then empowered by the Spirit, often with tongues as the initial evidence. This isn’t about hype; it’s about help. The Spirit doesn’t make us strange; He makes us strong and focused on Jesus’ mission.
If this is new or has felt confusing, hear the pastoral invitation: don’t let labels or past experiences rob you of what Scripture offers. Ask, seek, and receive. Yield your tongue, your schedule, your comfort, and your control to the Spirit. Expect His gifts to operate and His fruit to grow. We need both—character and power—because power without character is dangerous, and character without power is incomplete.
Practically, Spirit baptism fuels your weekday: boldness to share, power to pray, sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings, and endurance under pressure. Pray—out loud. Worship—on purpose. Step—by faith. The promise is for you, your children, and all who are far off (Acts 2:39).
Reflection Questions:
+What fears or misconceptions about Spirit baptism do you need to surrender?
+Where do you need the Spirit’s power to be a witness this week?
+How will you make space—today—to ask and receive?
Suggested Reading: Acts 10:44–48
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. I ask to be filled—overflowing with power to witness, pray, and love boldly. I receive by faith.
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: Acts 2:4
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Devotional Thought:
Jesus promised a distinct experience beyond salvation: baptism in the Holy Spirit—power for mission. In Acts 1:8, power is tied to witness; in Acts 2, believers are filled and begin to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enables. Across Acts 8, 10, and 19 we see the same pattern: people believe, are baptized in water, and are then empowered by the Spirit, often with tongues as the initial evidence. This isn’t about hype; it’s about help. The Spirit doesn’t make us strange; He makes us strong and focused on Jesus’ mission.
If this is new or has felt confusing, hear the pastoral invitation: don’t let labels or past experiences rob you of what Scripture offers. Ask, seek, and receive. Yield your tongue, your schedule, your comfort, and your control to the Spirit. Expect His gifts to operate and His fruit to grow. We need both—character and power—because power without character is dangerous, and character without power is incomplete.
Practically, Spirit baptism fuels your weekday: boldness to share, power to pray, sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings, and endurance under pressure. Pray—out loud. Worship—on purpose. Step—by faith. The promise is for you, your children, and all who are far off (Acts 2:39).
Reflection Questions:
+What fears or misconceptions about Spirit baptism do you need to surrender?
+Where do you need the Spirit’s power to be a witness this week?
+How will you make space—today—to ask and receive?
Suggested Reading: Acts 10:44–48
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. I ask to be filled—overflowing with power to witness, pray, and love boldly. I receive by faith.
Day 5 — Gifts and Fruit: Power With Character
Memory Verse of the Week:
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:20
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
Devotional Thought:
Spirit-empowered living is more than a moment; it’s a lifestyle where the gifts and fruit of the Spirit work together. Gifts release what you do; fruit shapes who you are. The New Testament refuses to separate them. We pursue prophecy, healing, tongues, and other gifts because they serve people and point to Jesus. We also cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control because power without Christlike character harms the very people we’re called to help.
A Spirit-Empowered church lives on mission all week. Sunday is not a show; it’s a sending ground. The Spirit empowers you to witness at work, persevere in trial, pray with authority, and overflow with compassion. He nudges you toward the neighbor, coworker, classmate, and family member who needs Jesus. He also prunes attitudes that suffocate your witness. Ask Him to search and fill—then step into the conversation, the invitation, the prayer, the yes. The kingdom is not talk but power, and that power looks like Jesus expressed through you.
Today, offer your head, heart, and hands again. Learn the Word, love the Word, live the Word—by the Spirit. Expect divine appointments. And when He moves, give Jesus the glory. That’s Spirit-empowered normal.
Reflection Questions:
+Which gift do you sense God stirring in you to pursue and practice?
+Which fruit is the Spirit highlighting for growth right now?
+Where is God sending you as a witness “this week to the ends of your street”?
Suggested Reading: Galatians 5:22–25
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, form Your fruit in me and flow through me in Your gifts. Send me today with power and Christlike love for the people You place in my path.
Acts 1:8 “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.”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:20
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
Devotional Thought:
Spirit-empowered living is more than a moment; it’s a lifestyle where the gifts and fruit of the Spirit work together. Gifts release what you do; fruit shapes who you are. The New Testament refuses to separate them. We pursue prophecy, healing, tongues, and other gifts because they serve people and point to Jesus. We also cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control because power without Christlike character harms the very people we’re called to help.
A Spirit-Empowered church lives on mission all week. Sunday is not a show; it’s a sending ground. The Spirit empowers you to witness at work, persevere in trial, pray with authority, and overflow with compassion. He nudges you toward the neighbor, coworker, classmate, and family member who needs Jesus. He also prunes attitudes that suffocate your witness. Ask Him to search and fill—then step into the conversation, the invitation, the prayer, the yes. The kingdom is not talk but power, and that power looks like Jesus expressed through you.
Today, offer your head, heart, and hands again. Learn the Word, love the Word, live the Word—by the Spirit. Expect divine appointments. And when He moves, give Jesus the glory. That’s Spirit-empowered normal.
Reflection Questions:
+Which gift do you sense God stirring in you to pursue and practice?
+Which fruit is the Spirit highlighting for growth right now?
+Where is God sending you as a witness “this week to the ends of your street”?
Suggested Reading: Galatians 5:22–25
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, form Your fruit in me and flow through me in Your gifts. Send me today with power and Christlike love for the people You place in my path.