Acts 28: The End of the Beginning

Notes: Acts 28: the End of the Beginning

Pastor John Collins

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Valor

Are we asked to do something great? In Acts we are.

In these chapters we met challenges, perseverance and commitment.

Most commentators believe that Paul was released from his house arrest at the end of Acts, around the age of 60.

This would have been at the time when the Roman Empire would have been beginning to crumble.

Here is where Paul wrote many of the Epistles that we learn from today in the Bible.

Acts 28 is the end of the beginning, we are all living out Acts 29 now.

We see cycles, proclaiming the Gospel, accepting it, denying it and the Apostles being chased out of town.

Acts 28:1-10 NKJV

[1] Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. [2] And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. [3] But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. [4] So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." [5] But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. [6] However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. [7] In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. [8] And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. [9] So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. [10] They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

Paul was received by happy people, they showed him unusual kindness.

Many received healing from Paul, so it would be safe to assume that they heard and received the Gospel willingly.

Acts 28:11-16 NKJV

[11] After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. [12] And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. [13] From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, [14] where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. [15] And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. [16] Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Puteoli is modern day Naples.

Acts 23:11 NKJV

[11] But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

Jesus was teaching His disciples all throughout Acts that even though He was not in the flesh, He was always there. Paul understood this throughout his ministry.

Acts 27:24 NKJV

[24] saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

Paul could move with confidence and continue to encourage those around him. All the men with Paul were on this crazy adventure of faith.

Paul was moving with a bold, crazy, leap of faith.

Acts 28:14 NKJV

[14] ... And so we went toward Rome.

After all the amazing things that have happened to these men they were finally headed to Rome.

God used the boards of the broken ships to bring His people to shore.

God uses old used parts to accomplish His purposes.

God has a mission for all of us in our Christian walk.

God draws straight lines with crooked sticks.

All of the events and tragedies in Acts were used by God to accomplish His purposes.

Acts 28:17-29 NKJV

[17] And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, [18] who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. [19] But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. [20] For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain." [21] Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. [22] But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere." [23] So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. [24] And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. [25] So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, [26] saying, 'Go to this people and say: "Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; [27] For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."' [28] "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" [29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

Paul has faced this story many times. Some believed and some rejected.

It is the law itself that pointed to their freedom in Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:30-31 NKJV

[30] Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, [31] preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Being in his own rented house was significant because he was free from the influence of the government.

Paul's primary objective was preaching and teaching.

Our mission at Harvest is knowing God and making God known.

Never Give Up!

Notes: Valor - Never Give Up

Pastor a John Collins

March 31, 2015

Harvest OC

Sometimes we take compromise for charity, and sometimes we decide to put up with what we should put out.

Acts 21:1-14 NKJV

[1] Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. [2] And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. [3] When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. [4] And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. [5] When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. [6] When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home. [7] And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. [8] On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. [9] Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. [10] And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. [11] When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" [12] Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. [13] Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." [14] So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."

This would be the end of Paul's third missionary tour.

The end of chapter 20 marks the beginning of the final chapters of Paul's life. This was a crossroads moment for Paul. He had been on missionary tours for over 20 years now.  He has about 12 years left in ministry and his life at this point. This is when many of the books of the Bible were written.

The elders of Tyre during Paul's stay there said he should not be going to Jerusalem also. Paul didn't know what was going to happen but God was preparing him.

Some say the prophecies were a warning to Paul of what was coming.

Jesus Christ and Paul at different times were being driven to Jerusalem even though many warned them both.

God had a plan for Paul's suffering. His feet may have been bound but his hands were free to write. So in Paul’s suffering he produced many writings that are in the Bible.

2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV

[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

These people loved Paul and were trying to protect him, but Paul continued on. They saw it, as the will of the Lord will be done.

Paul was coming back to Jerusalem with monetary gifts for the poor there. He was also bringing back a great message.

When Paul was in Jerusalem he was staying with Phillip, this is 20 years later after Paul, as Saul, chased Phillip out of town as he persecuted Christians.

Acts 21:17-25 NKJV

[17] And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. [18] On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. [19] When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. [20] And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; [21] but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. [22] What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. [23] Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. [24] Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. [25] But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality."

Paul was getting the wind from his sails when he heard the Jews in Jerusalem were unhappy that he was preaching to Gentiles and not observing mosaic laws.

They wanted him to compromise and he chose to appease.

Observing the old law, no one will be justified.

We cannot achieve principles by observing compromise!

Paul's motive was correct, but it was a bad plan.

A spoonful of sugar does not help the "Gospel" go down. Mary Poppins Evangelism doesn't work!

We are sinners and the Gospel will sting and that is what makes us change our way.

You cannot go along just to get along and compromise the Gospel.

Love requires the truth.

If we fail to tell people that Jesus Christ came, was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life and suffered a horrible death then we have let them down and haven't loved them.

To walk the line in this world and to act as a Christian is a miserable existence. You are not being true to yourself.

Acts 21:26-30 NKJV

[26] Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them. [27] Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, [28] crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." [29] (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) [30] And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut.

This entire plan to hide Paul was completely exposed by these Jews from Asia.

The church in Jerusalem was week only 20 years later. Paul seemed to be alone defending the true Word.

God took this viscous crowd and turned them into the audience Paul was looking for.

Acts 21:31-40 NKJV

[31] Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. [32] He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. [33] Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done. [34] And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another. So when he could not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the barracks. [35] When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. [36] For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!" [37] Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?" He replied, "Can you speak Greek? [38] Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?" [39] But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people." [40] So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

This crowd heard him speak in their native tongues.

God will redeem us in our failures.

If you fail don't give up.

Armed and Dangerous with the Holy Spirit

Notes: Valor - Armed and Dangerous
October 28, 2014
Harvest OC - Valor Mens Study
John Collins
Acts 4

John is talking about going out with a buddy buying a real fast boat and then taking that boat out on the water, it was called Armed and Dangerous.

He is talking about how the first century Christians were like that boat. They were explosive with faith. We get to witness the original Jesus Christ Movement in Acts.

Acts 4:1-4 NKJV
[1] Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, [2] being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. [4] However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

The church is exploding with believers.

1. The Danger of Sound Doctrine

The secret to church growth is preaching the whole accurate description of Jesus Christ.

Many people have a hard time with sound doctrine.

It was said all wrong behavior stems from all wrong belief in God.

These believers taught who Jesus Christ was and verified it with the Old Testament scriptures.

Isaiah 9:2-7 NKJV
[2] The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. [3] You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. [4] For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. [5] For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. [6] For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

People had a hard time believing this. Yet disciples stayed true to the message of the truth of the resurrection.

In 1998 there was a study that many Protestants did not believe in the Virgin Birth of married.

John says is there any doubt of why churches are failing..

Acts 4:5-7 NKJV
[5] And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, [6] as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. [7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?"

2. The Danger of Religion

These men were asking who's power were they acting under. They were implying that they didn't have authority. These men had been making themselves powerful under the Roman rulers. From a religious perspective they were acting in their duties, but it was in politics that they derived their power.

Karl Marx said that religion is the opiate of the masses.

Religion is not a walk with God. It as actions, you need a relationship with God.

Religion can blind you from the relationship that you are seeking.

It was said by someone, they wanted three dollars of God. They wanted ecstasy not transformation. He doesn't want a living breathing God he wants a plastic one that he can put in the corner.

Religion is a toy replica of the real Jesus Christ and that is what these leaders were like in the first century.

A living vibrant faith is not an exercise in religion, it is a relationship.

Acts 4:8-14 NKJV
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: [9] If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, [10] let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. [11] This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' [12] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." [13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. [14] And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.


3. The Danger of Truth

These leaders were not looking for truth, they were avoiding the consequences of the truth.

That would mean they would need to be converted. Jesus Christ was crucified by these men.

The more these men had tried to quench the story of Jesus Christ the more it spread.

They were in the midst of a political storm.

You can do many things but you can not divert from the truth.

John was talking about the mayor in Texas wanting to subpoena pastors to see if their messages spread hate towards homosexuals. He said men can do many things but we must protect the truth that God had written.

John 1:14 NKJV
[14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Acts 4:15-22 NKJV
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. [17] But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." [18] So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [22] For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

4. The Danger of Compromise

You can not compromise in the Word of Jesus Christ.

Men that did not compromise in their faith have had a great impact on the world.

He is speaking about Martin Luther how he would not recant anything that he had written because he would not follow anything that contradicted the scriptures of the Bible.

Peter always leaned on scripture for his authority. The devil can do miracles, so it is scripture we must turn to.

Acts 4:23-31 NKJV
[23] And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. [24] So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, [25] who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? [26] The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.' [27] "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together [28] to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. [29] Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, [30] by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." [31] And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

5. The Danger of Asking God to Fill You with the Holy Spirit

There is power in the Holy Spirit. Its what gives us the boldness and the authority to spread the word of Jesus Christ.

It was said, do not pray for easy lives, pray for the strength to face life.

We need to ask the Lord to fill us with the power to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.

The best defense against this corrupt world is to be bold in the Holy Spirit.

We are all called to do the work and to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Essentials - The Holy Spirit

Notes: Essentials - The Holy Spirit

SPEAKER: John Collins

Thursday, July 17, 2014 — 7:00 p.m.

Things get lost in translation of the years. 

The Holy Spirit will not make you better than others, He will make you better than yourself.

John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Jesus is laying out the future of His church, He is telling His disciples that He will be leaving them. But He is not leaving them as orphans.

Greater works were done, not in magnitude but in numbers.

Who is the Holy Spirit? According to Jesus we already know Him. The Holy Spirit is not bound to the skin of a human being.

Many things have claimed to have been done under the Holy Spirit. But, not all things done by Christians are by the Holy Spirit. God moves through the Holy Spirit in profound ways, but always in reverential ways.

The Holy Spirit is as far and wide as the universe but also as close as our prayers. 

John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Holy Spirit is just as much a person as God the Father and Jesus.

Six things that reveal the Holy Spirits personhood:

1. We can lie to Him
1. Acts 5:1-5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 
1. You can not lie to an inanimate object, you lie to another person, Peter references lying to the Holy Spirit.
2. We can grieve the Holy Spirit
1. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
1. Your behavior can bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit.
3. We can quench Him
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.
1. We can do that by denying the work that the Holy Spirit is putting on your heart.
4. We can resist the Holy Spirit
1. Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
5. We can insult the Holy Spirit
1. Hebrews 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
6. We can blaspheme the Holy Spirit
1. Rejecting God’s work in our life, a life long rejection

We can accomplish the Holy Spirits work in three distinct ways. He is with us, in us and upon us.

John 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

8 distinct ways the Holy Spirit helps us daily:

1. Our Teacher
1.  John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
2. Helps us testify of Christ
1.  John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
3. He convicts us of sin
1. John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
1. Only the Holy Spirit can convict us of sin and reveal it to us.
2. Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 
4. He converts us
1. John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
5. He reveals truth to us
1. John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
2. 1 John 3:19 And by this we know[d] that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 
6. He seals us
1. Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who[b] is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
7. He shapes us
1. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
8. He empowers us
1. John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 
2. Luke 24:49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
3. Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
4. Acts 2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance
5. Acts 8:16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
6. Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,[b] who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 
7. Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 
8. Acts 11:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
9. Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

God will fill us with the Spirit. If we provide the sail, He will provide the wind.

He will use us if we want to be used. 

Essentials - The Holy Spirit

Notes: Essentials - The Holy Spirit

SPEAKER: John Collins

Thursday, July 17, 2014 — 7:00 p.m.

Things get lost in translation of the years. 

The Holy Spirit will not make you better than others, He will make you better than yourself.

John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Jesus is laying out the future of His church, He is telling His disciples that He will be leaving them. But He is not leaving them as orphans.

Greater works were done, not in magnitude but in numbers.

Who is the Holy Spirit? According to Jesus we already know Him. The Holy Spirit is not bound to the skin of a human being.

Many things have claimed to have been done under the Holy Spirit. But, not all things done by Christians are by the Holy Spirit. God moves through the Holy Spirit in profound ways, but always in reverential ways.

The Holy Spirit is as far and wide as the universe but also as close as our prayers. 

John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Holy Spirit is just as much a person as God the Father and Jesus.

Six things that reveal the Holy Spirits personhood:

1. We can lie to Him
1. Acts 5:1-5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 
1. You can not lie to an inanimate object, you lie to another person, Peter references lying to the Holy Spirit.
2. We can grieve the Holy Spirit
1. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
1. Your behavior can bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit.
3. We can quench Him
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.
1. We can do that by denying the work that the Holy Spirit is putting on your heart.
4. We can resist the Holy Spirit
1. Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
5. We can insult the Holy Spirit
1. Hebrews 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
6. We can blaspheme the Holy Spirit
1. Rejecting God’s work in our life, a life long rejection

We can accomplish the Holy Spirits work in three distinct ways. He is with us, in us and upon us.

John 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

8 distinct ways the Holy Spirit helps us daily:

1. Our Teacher
1.  John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
2. Helps us testify of Christ
1.  John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
3. He convicts us of sin
1. John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
1. Only the Holy Spirit can convict us of sin and reveal it to us.
2. Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 
4. He converts us
1. John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
5. He reveals truth to us
1. John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
2. 1 John 3:19 And by this we know[d] that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 
6. He seals us
1. Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who[b] is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
7. He shapes us
1. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
8. He empowers us
1. John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 
2. Luke 24:49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
3. Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
4. Acts 2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance
5. Acts 8:16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
6. Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,[b] who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 
7. Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 
8. Acts 11:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
9. Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

God will fill us with the Spirit. If we provide the sail, He will provide the wind.

He will use us if we want to be used.