When Luke wrote his first letter (Luke), he told us all about the things that “Jesus began to do and teach.” In Luke’s second letter (Acts), he tells us about everything Jesus does in and through the Spirit of God, present in His church. Luke calls it “instructions through the Holy Spirit.” It is clear in the Greek, that this was how Jesus taught the church after his ascension. Jesus is still alive and active through the indwelling of the Spirit of God, in you—and He is at work through His Church. The Holy Spirit is God’s good gift to us. Jesus taught the disciples about the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-30). The Holy Spirit indwells us and never leaves us (v16). The Holy Spirit leads us to truth (v17), He teaches us and reminds us (v26). He continues his teaching about the Holy Spirit in the “abide” chapter, John 15:26-27.  The Holy Spirit teaches us about Jesus. The teaching continues in John 16:5-15. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin. He guides you. He brings glory to Jesus. In Acts, we read that the Holy Spirit empowers the church. Have you believed in Jesus? Are you walking with him? When you believe, the Holy Spirit indwells you. The very waters of baptism are the picture of being wrapped up in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is in you! The Spirit is in you. God calls you to come alive!

Preach Jesus: Life in the Spirit Through the Church

Alive and in You!

Acts 1:1-11

The Values of New Work Fellowship:

Spiritually Alive

Biblically Serious

Radically Generous

Intentionally Diverse

Purposefully Missional

How to read Acts:

If it happened then, why  not now?

If it happened there, why not here?

1. The Holy Spirit ... is in you!

John 16:7, "But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you."

Romans 8:11, "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you."

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV), "...the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession"

1 Thessalonians 5:19, "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit."

2. The Holy Spirit... works through you!

"If we give ourselves entirely to His ruling within us, He will give more of himself to us and work through us." - Andrew Murray, The Indwelling Spirit

Ephesians 5:18, "...be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Luke 24:49, "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven."

Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit within me, I desire to submit my whole being to you. I long to be overwhelmed, immersed, dripping with your presence. I ask you to make me ready - for the work you have for me. I ask you to make our church ready - for the work you have for us. We need your power. We need your presence. We need your Spirit - to the full, filled and overflowing. Make us fit for your service.