Over the last number of years, we have focused heavily on the deeper life—becoming who Jesus envisions by experiencing the fullness of his Spirit. During this time, many have experienced deeper intimacy with Jesus and greater freedom to be who Jesus created them to be. This year alone, we have witnessed over 60 transformative moments—moments when people began following Jesus, were baptized, healed, freed from oppression, and filled with the Spirit. Have you experienced this?
Did you know Jesus had two purposes in giving the Spirit to his followers? In Acts 1:8, Jesus says to his followers:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” –
Jesus gives the Spirit to empower us to follow him and worship him—to live holy lives that are pleasing to God. Jesus also gives the Spirit to help us live as witnesses for him—to be on mission with him. The “and” in the first part of Acts 1:8 is important. The Holy Spirit is given not only for our benefit; Holy Spirit is also given to help us engage in the mission of God. If we are truly experiencing the fullness of the Spirit, then we will naturally be led into mission. Has that been your experience?
This weekend is our Engage weekend, a weekend we’ve set aside to focus on inspiring and equipping you to engage in the mission of God. I hope you’ll join us for the seminars on Saturday and our worship gathering on Sunday morning with special guest speaker Don Orr. I’m praying that each of us will be inspired by the Spirit to engage with him in the mission of God both locally and globally.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Kirk
