Powered for Mission

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5 NLTBut you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Acts 1:9-9 ESVJesus often answers our questions with a commission.As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:10-11 NLTOn the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Acts 2:1-2 NLTHoly Spirit provides the purity, passion, perspective, and power needed to fulfill God’s mission. We all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” Acts 2:11 NLT What you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:16-18 NLTThem Peter preached the Gospel and 3000 people were added! - Acts 2:19-41 NLT  The Miraculous happens by the power of the Holy Spirit!The Holy Spirit is our power source for reaching and impacting our world!The Holy Spirit is our power source for Healthy Relationships and Living in Community! The Holy Spirit is our power source for walking through adversity or tragedy.The Holy Spirit is our power source for Purity and Freedom!I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Matthew 3:11 NLTThe greatest gift this side of Easter is realized when we recognize and receive the person and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.