Led By The Spirit
Change of Plans
February 4, 2024 • Jordan Hansen • Romans 8:28, Acts 16:6–10
What does it mean to be “led by the Spirit” when the Spirit wants to change our plans? How do we respond? Can we legitimately be a follower of Jesus if we are unwilling to be “led by the Spirit” into change we didn’t ask for? God always has a reason, even if we are left to view it through the clearer vision of looking back at “all that God has done.” We don’t always know why at first, but when we are lovingly obedient to the call of God, He will work out everything for our good and for His glory. Jesus doesn’t call Himself, “Lord of the Harvest,” for nothing! TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit changing your plans, and what was your response? 2. Reflect on a situation where God said "NO" in your life. How did you handle it, and what did you learn? 3. Reflect on a situation where God said "NO" in your life. How did you handle it, and what did you learn? 4. How does God use change and transition to grow us as we are “led by the Spirit?” 5. PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, help me to go wherever you call me and do whatever you call me to do!”
There IS More
January 21, 2024 • Jordan Hansen • Acts 1:4–8
Many of us are cruising along in our walks with God and we don’t realize THERE IS MORE! Sometimes we are too content. Sometimes we simply do not know. And sometimes we are afraid. No matter the reason, God has given us a mission to share Christ and we need MORE of the Holy Spirit so that we are operating in His power, not ours. Are we open? Are we trusting Jesus? Are we willing to wait? Are we willing to go? TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Do I believe God has more available to me? Like any relationship, what happens as we grow closer? 2. What is the significance to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit is received? How does this apply to us today? 3. What is the purpose of the “empowerment” of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts? How does this apply to us today? 4. Am I open? Am I trusting Jesus? Am I willing to wait? Am I willing to go? 5. PRAYER: “Jesus, we ask you to baptize us in the Holy Spirit and fill us again so we can boldly share Christ!”
'Fit Check
January 14, 2024 • Jordan Hansen • Ephesians 4:17–32, Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 3:12, Galatians 5:22–23
Fit check?! You know, do I look good?! The way we dress represents personal taste, comfort, culture, and how we are feeling in the morning when we pick our clothes out. Sometimes we want to blend in and sometimes we want to stand out. There is nothing wrong with standing out! But sometimes we settle to stand out for superficial things while God is calling us to stand out for something that will reveal transformation and bring transformation to the world we live in. TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What is the most embarrassing clothing/dress/style “phase” I’ve gone through? Is there photographic evidence? 2. How has the Holy Spirit renewed my thoughts and attitudes in my journey of faith? 3. If God declares me righteous & holy, do I need to grow in righteousness and holiness? How do I do that? 4. How can my relationship with the Holy Spirit go beyond rules and become a genuine expression of love for God? 5. PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, help me to be the kind of person who does the right thing because of love for you!”
Help is HERE!
January 7, 2024 • Jordan Hansen • John 14:1–17
With a new year brings the inevitability of change. Change is a word we don’t like because many of us are not all that excited for change. And yet, the Christian life is all about change. In a passage in the book of John, Jesus foreshadows that He will not always be with them but promises that this change will be good for them because of Who will come in His place to Help them. If we can lean into this promise this year, we will be able to receive the help we need to navigate the future God is leading us to embrace! TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. How has God used change to change me throughout the course of my life? Negative or positive? 2. How does God help us navigate change, and what assurance does Jesus provide to his disciples about their future? 3. Consider the various ways the Holy Spirit helps believers, as listed in the sermon (e.g., Convicter of Sin, Baptizer into the Body of Christ, Sealer/Assurer of Salvation). Which of these roles resonate with you personally, and why? 4. Are there areas in your life where pride, stubbornness, callousness, doubt, busyness, unforgiveness, or self-centeredness hindering from the Holy Spirit’s help? 5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to to be OPEN to your help. Change my heart!”