Preacher: AMSE KINSLEY SHOLA ADEYINKA
1st Lesson : Ezekiel 14:12-23
2nd Lesson: Mathew 3:1-12
Introduction
The Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept or a biblical character; He is the ever-present power and comforter given to believers by Christ Himself. Jesus promised this divine gift to His followers to equip, guide, and renew them in their spiritual journey. Through this sermon, we explore the multiple spiritual benefits of living in communion with the Holy Spirit.
1. Jesus is the Giver of the Holy Spirit
(John 14:16)
Jesus promised that He would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit — the Comforter — who would remain with us forever. This gift isn’t earned through human effort but granted through the grace of Jesus Christ. The hymns of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) echo this sacred promise, reminding believers of the divine origin of the Spirit.
2. The Holy Spirit Descends Through God’s Word and Surrender
(Acts 10:44–48)
As Peter was still speaking the Word of God, the Holy Spirit descended upon all who heard it. The key to receiving the Holy Spirit is surrender — a total yielding of oneself to God’s will. When our hearts are open and submitted, the Spirit finds a dwelling place within us.
3. The Holy Spirit Convicts and Teaches Righteousness
(John 16:8)
The Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. It is through the Holy Spirit that we become aware of our spiritual missteps and are redirected onto the path of righteousness. The Spirit does not condemn but lovingly corrects.
4. Renewal of the Mind and Spirit
(2 Corinthians 2:17, Titus 3:5)
The Holy Spirit transforms us from within. Paul writes that we are not peddlers of God’s Word but sincere messengers led by the Spirit. The Spirit renews our minds and washes us with the regeneration and renewal that leads to godly living.
5. Empowerment to Fight Spiritual Battles
(Acts 2:1, Acts 4:31)
When the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, the disciples were empowered with boldness and divine authority. Many of life’s battles are spiritual, and without the Holy Spirit, we are ill-equipped. True victory comes from divine empowerment, not fleshly efforts.
6. Comfort and Assurance in Trials
(2 Corinthians 1:4)
The Holy Spirit comforts us in all our troubles so that we may comfort others. It is in our weakest moments that the Spirit’s strength is most evident. He is our divine encourager and helper in times of distress.
7. Unity in the Spirit
Disunity is often a sign of spiritual absence. Where the Holy Spirit reigns, there is harmony, cooperation, and mutual edification. The Spirit binds believers together in love and peace.
8. Created to Worship, Not to War
(Galatians 5:22–23)
Our primary purpose is to worship God. The fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — reflect the heart of a true worshipper. We were not created for strife but for intimacy with our Creator.
Key Lessons
- God will not always strive with unrepentant hearts.
- Grace preserves the faithful remnant.
- Righteousness is personal; salvation is not inherited.
- Doubt and pride disqualify us from divine mercy.
- Judgment purifies; grace preserves.
Reflections
As you reflect on today’s message, ask yourself: Am I living in alignment with the Holy Spirit?
Are there areas in my life where I have resisted His voice or ignored His guidance?
Invite the Holy Spirit afresh into your heart today. Surrender completely. Let Him direct your thoughts, decisions, and actions.
When you allow the Holy Spirit to lead, you’ll experience peace that surpasses understanding, courage in the face of fear, and unity amidst division.
Let your life be a living testimony of the Spirit’s power at work.
“Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart, renew my mind, and lead me into all truth. I surrender all. Amen.”
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit is more than a helper; He is the living presence of God in the life of every believer. He renews minds, empowers hearts, convicts the soul, and comforts the broken. To live in the Spirit is to live in victory, peace, and purpose.
Opening Prayer
Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Holy Michael, we thank You for the gift of life and for bringing us together this day. Lord, as we delve into Your word, open our hearts to understanding and grant us the grace to be transformed by Your message. Let this sermon inspire renewal and lead us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Hymns for the Service
| Hymns for the Service: | ||
| 1. CCC HYMN 205 ENGLISH: God the King of heavenly light, Everlasting King, Owner of eternal glory Before whose presence, The minutest amount of sin, Cannot come near Thee, Who with love calls all sinners, To see your glory | 2. CCC HYMN 186 YORUBA: Ijọ Mimọ ẹ ho f’ayọ Ọjọ ayọ wa si ti de Jesu ku, O si ye titi aiye Lati mu wa ye titi aiye. Chorus: A! Jesu ti ye, O ti jọba, O jọba titi aiye, Ade Rẹ ko lala fiwe, T’a fẹwa, Orun, Osupa ṣe. | 3. CCC HYMN 237 ENGLISH: 1: Holy Spirit the comforter, Descend into our midst, Thou art the King of blessing, We are expecting Thee. |
| 4. CCC Hymn 068 YORUBA Ẹmi, Ẹmi l’Ọlọrun, F’awọn to wa sin Ọ o, Ẹmi, Ẹmi l’Ọlọrun, F’awọn to wa sin Ọ o | 5. CCC HYMN 731 YORUBA Ẹ gbe ori yin si oke, Ani ẹnyin, ẹnu ọna, Ki a si gbe nyin si oke, Ẹnyin ilẹkun aiyeraiye, Chorus: K’Ọba ogo wọ inu ile, Wọ‘nu ile Mimọ Rẹ wa, Ta ha ni Ọba Ogo na? Jehovah ni Ọba Ogo Ta ha ni Ọba Ogo na? Jesu Kristi Olugbala. | 6. CCC HYMN 236 YORUBA Ẹmi Mimọ sọkalẹ, Gẹgẹbi t’ọjọ penticost o, Ẹ Ẹmi Mimọ sọkalẹ, Gẹgẹbi t’ojo penticost o, Ẹmi Ọrun wa ba wa gbe o, Jọwọ ye o, Wa lagbara Rẹ; wa lagbara Rẹ Ẹmi Ọrun wa ba wa gbe o. |
| 7. CCC HYMN 794 ENGLISH Jesus the Son of God pray for us today, Jesus the Son of God pray for us today, Come and give us Holy Spirit, Give us Thy glory, Give us Thy mighty power, O Son of God. Amen |
