Point of Grace Online Worship - November 17, 2024

Point of Grace – 11.17.24 “You are a Givable Gift with Gifts to Give” Sermon Notes

Where does your heart and mind go when you think of yourself as a “gift”

to your family

to your friends

to your work

to your church….

How does seeing yourself as a “gift” affect the way you see yourself functioning in those arenas of life?

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Romans 12:3-8 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Ephesians 4:7-13 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it……..11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

God gives

people as gifts

skills, aptitudes and abilities as gifts

manifestations of the Spirit as gifts.

You are a givable gift with gifts to give … so that the body of Christ may be built up …and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Is this what Jesus had in mind when He said, “You are the salt of the earth……14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

Me? ….. Not me? ….. Am I a “givable” gift?

Isaiah 6:1-8 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Do not underestimate the power of Christ’s redemption in your life. His power at work in us makes us a “givable gift”!

You are a givable gift with gifts to give … so that the body of Christ may be built up …and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 23, 2024

His House, His Name                 Sermon Notes                             June 23, 2024

Isaiah 56:4-8

4 For this is what the Lord says:

“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
    who choose what pleases me
    and hold fast to my covenant—
5 to them I will give within my temple and its walls
    a memorial and a name
    better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
    that will endure forever.
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord
    to minister to him,
to love the name of the Lord,
    and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
    and who hold fast to my covenant—
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
    and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
    will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
    a house of prayer for all nations.”
8 The Sovereign Lord declares—
    he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
“I will gather still others to them
    besides those already gathered.”

 Mark 11:15-17

15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’[c]? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

John 2:13-17

13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

“During the Holy Week of Passover, there was a Jewish custom called Bedikat Chametz. This custom was to fulfill the command in the law from Exodus 12:15.

Every year at Passover, children were commissioned by their parents to cleanse the home of all leaven. Many times, they would make it into a game where kids would be rewarded for finding any leaven within the home. As you know, leaven is the agent that influences bread to rise. It was a spiritual parallel for cleansing homes of any outside influences that had permeated the house. 

When Jesus entered the temple, He was literally entering His Father's house. As kids across Jerusalem were cleaning out the physical leaven in their homes in preparation for the Passover, Jesus was cleaning out the spiritual leaven in His dad's house. He was removing the lesser influence that had begun to overshadow the most important influence (ie. Prayer, relationship). The production of the house to fulfill the duties of the house had eclipsed the very purpose of the house. 

The purpose of the house was communion and right relationship with the Father. The production of doing things for God had overshadowed the purpose of the house–being in relationship with God. From Genesis onward, we know He desired a dwelling place on earth to be with His people. This is why Jesus said His house would be a house of prayer (relationship). The temple was a place to meet with, commune with, and be in right relationship with His people. 

Jesus was, in essence, stating emphatically that His Father's house is to be a house where people are in relationship with His Father. No other activity is to overshadow, disrupt, or hinder people from communing with God. The purpose of the house is His Father resting in, abiding upon, and dwelling with His people. All activities should serve this end.” 

–      Michael Miller, His House, His Presence

Psalm 132:3-5

3 “I will not enter my house
    or go to my bed,
4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes
    or slumber to my eyelids,
5 till I find a place for the Lord,
    a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” 

Mark 11:17

17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? 

We need to ask the Lord again what He is calling His Church to be in these days. 

“Evidently, Jesus believed that the people who were a part of God’s House should live in accordance with the naming of the house.” 

–      David Butts, Forgotten Power

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 16, 2024

Point of Grace – 6.16.24 Sermon Notes – “Summer for the Soul” Part 3

What is the Holy Spirit up to this summer?

The Spirit give us Identity – making us Sons and Daughters of God

Romans 8 “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

The Spirit makes us Influencers – bearing His fruit and His gifts so Jesus is magnified in our lives.

2 Corinthians 3:18-19 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

The Spirit powerizes us to be Living Invitations – for others to “come and drink from the water of life”.

Revelation 22:16-17

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.

 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who desires take the free gift of the water of life.

In the final lines of the Bible Jesus describes a beautiful partnership between the Church and the Spirit inviting the world to “come” and receive the free gift of the water of life!

The Spirit is constantly at work wooing people to Jesus!

Jesus envisions His church as a people the Spirit can lead others to so they might experience the refreshing presence of Christ in people and “come and receive the free gift of the water of life” for themselves. The Church is people, powerized by the Spirit, to be Living Invitations to “come and drink the free gift of the water of life”.

John 7: 37-39

37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as[f] the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Being “Living Invitations”

B-egin with prayer for (3) people far from God,

L-isten to people as the Spirit creates opportunity for relationship,

E-at with them knowing that sharing a meal is an amazing way to pour value into people telling them they belong,

S-erve them as the relationship grows needs will surface that we can meet

S-tory - Sharing our own story with Jesus, authentically and respectfully invites people to “Come” themselves.

B.L.E.S.S. and Alpha is the strategy Jesus has given Point of Grace to be His “Living Invitation” church

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 9, 2024

Point of Grace – 6.9.24 Sermon Notes – “Summer for the Soul”

What is the Holy Spirit up to this summer?

The Spirit give us Identity – making us Sons and Daughters of God

Romans 8 “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

The Spirit gives us Influence – bearing His fruit and His gifts so Jesus is magnified in our lives.

2 Corinthians 3:16-19 (NLT)

16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

We Become what we Behold!

In the Kingdom of God, who we are becoming is of infinitely greater value than what we are accomplishing!

“Who we are and how we act when being normal… … reveals how well we influence others!”

Going “Deeper” into His Presence (Beholding) will determine our influence “Wider” in the world!

Galatians 5:22-25

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

What is the Holy Spirit up to this Summer? Bearing this fruit in our lives! Our families, friends and world desperately need these influencers!

But there is a problem!

Galatians 5:16-21

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want.19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

What is the answer to our conflicting “want to’s”?

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh……. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

The Spirit gives us Influence – bearing His fruit and His gifts so Jesus is magnified in our lives.

1 Corinthians 12

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ…..

But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

We are the body of Christ – Jesus magnifiers to a world that need to see Him

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 2, 2024

Point of Grace – 6.2.24 Sermon Notes – “Summer Soul Care”

What is the Holy Spirit up to this summer?

John 16:8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.

John 3:3-5 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Romans 8:14-17 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.

The Spirit makes us sons and daughters of God - The highest privilege!

And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

The Spirit makes us sons and daughters of God - The highest privilege! - The closet intimacy and deepest experience!

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

The Spirit makes us sons and daughters of God - The highest privilege! - The deepest intimacy and experience! - The brightest future!

Romans 8:26-28 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

(Adapted from a prayer first penned by Richard Foster in his book “Prayer, Finding a Hearts True Home”)

In the strong name of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit I stand against the world, my sinful nature and the devil. As a redeemed child of my Abba Father … I resist every force that seeks to distract me from my center in Christ. I reject the distorted concepts and ideas that make sin plausible and desirable. I oppose every attempt to keep me from knowing full fellowship with you, Jesus today. I surrender my mind, thinking and decisions for you, Holy Spirit to lead and govern. By the power of the Holy Spirit at work in me, I speak directly to the thoughts, emotions and desires of my heart and command you to find your satisfaction in the infinite variety of God’s love rather than the bland diet of sin. I call upon the good, true and beautiful to rise up within me and the evil to subside. I ask for an increase of your fruit, Holy Spirit, love, joy and peace, patience kindness and goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control ……… pouring out of my life. By the authority of Almighty God, my Abba Father, I tear down Satan’s strongholds in my life…. I take into myself the weapons of Truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, faith, the word of God and prayer. I command every evil influence to leave; you have no right here, I allow no entry point.

I ask for an increase of faith, hope and love so that by the Holy Spirit’s power, I can be light set on a hill drawing all who see toward Jesus.

Amen

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 26, 2024

Point of Grace – 5.26.24 Sermon Notes – “Holy Trinity Sunday”

Why Trinity?

The Trinitarian nature of God reveals He is a God who wants us to know Him and be known by Him. He puts himself out there. He is vulnerable with us exposing His deepest affection and intimate intentions. He presents Himself to us for relationship with Him ... He is not aloof. Revealing Himself as Trinity is key to His “relational quest” for us. He wants us to know how much and how passionately He wants us and wants to be with us. We all know how important it is for building intimate relationships that we actually “want to be with the person” and communicate that “want” to them. By revealing Himself as Trinity He is over the top communicating how much He wants to be with us…. And how much he wants is to “want” Him. He has (and continues to) put forth great effort and paid a big price to “be with” us and for us to “be with” Him.

Knowing God as Trinity,

Reveals His passionate quest for our hearts and

“Woos” us into wanting to be with the One who wants to be with us!

Matthew 3:13-4:1 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

John 3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Knowing God as Trinity,

Reveals His passionate quest for our hearts and

“Woos” us into wanting to be with the One who wants to be with us!

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 19, 2024

Point of Grace – 5.19.24 Sermon Notes – “Pentecost”

God’s great declaration in Pentecost is:

“You need help!”

“Help is here!”

Acts 1:8 “You will receive power (able-to-do-ness) when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the ends of the earth!”

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

Acts 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Didn’t see that coming!

The Spirit has strategies and resources for His church to magnify Jesus to the world that we can’t imagine! No wonder Jesus taught us to “ask” for the Holy Spirit!

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 36 Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

When Jesus was magnified by a powerized Peter, the people saw themselves differently, it’s like their sin was magnified too and they were “cut to the heart”. Their desperate question was met by the Jesus magnifiers with Jesus magnifying grace, forgiveness and the free offer of a new Jesus magnifying identity in baptism!

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

So, we pray,

“Come Holy Spirit!

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 28, 2023

Acts 2:1-17 What does Pentecost matter to my life? May 28, 2023

Acts 2:1-17

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.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams. 

70% of teens are at least OPEN to the Bible,
which represents a significant oppportunity for us as the Church.

Even among Christians Bible engagement is rare:

-          16% Engaged – High view of the Bible and read several times a week

-          57% Open – High or neutral view of the Bible, but read less than weekly.

-          27% Disengaged – Skeptics or never read the Bible

Thank you God for your Word. It points me to your life, death, resurrection, and mission. It teaches me. It strengthens me. I am a missionary joining you on your mission. Holy Spirit, you change lives. Open my heart to believe your Word and live it. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Why does Pentecost matter for my life? 

Which is better?  Having Jesus right beside you...or the Holy Spirit inside of you?

John 16:7
 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.
Unless I go away, the Advocate (“Holy Spirit”) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 

Creation – Rebellion – Promise – Redemption – Church – Restoration     

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” 

Why is it better?
Because the Spirit is power 

But (insert your name) will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on (insert name) and (your name) will be my witness. 

Episode 1 - Acts 2 -  “3000 baptized!” 
Episode 2 - Acts 4 - “Prayer meeting shakes the ground!” 
Episode 3 - Acts 5 - “Death by Lying.”
Episode 4 - Acts 8 - “Stephen’s Shout and Stoning.”
Episode 5 - Acts 10 - “The Second Pentecost.”

You can’t control the Spirit…You are invited to daily walk by the Spirit.

Why does Pentecost matter for my life?

-          Pentecost reminds me that Point of Grace walks as a community in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control all around us. 

-          Pentecost reminds me that we walk as gifted people

-          Pentecost reminds me that we walk surrounded by comfort from the Holy Spirit.  

What would the title of your Netflix Holy Spirit episode be?