What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of January 11th
The Power of The Holy Spirit

OVERVIEW

The spirit of life... the essence of truth... the voice of God. He has always been here, and will always remain. And when you are alone, lost, and afraid, Holy Spirit is our leader, our comforter, our strength, our counsellor, our guide, our teacher, and so much more.

This week Pastor Chris' continued the series "I Know a Ghost" and taught on the Power of The Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer with dunamis (doo'-nam-is) power! A divine power, a miraculous power, quite awesomely, the explosive power of God so that we may live as Christ teaches us to live and to accomplish what Christ has directed His church to do.

KEY POINTS

  • The Holy Spirit gives you power:
    • To share Christ boldly
    • When you are weak
    • Have hope in a hopeless world
    • To experience all the fullness of God

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from Sunday.

  • Acts 1:4-5,84 On one occasion, while (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…” But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 

Additional Scriptures

  • 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
  • Romans 8:26
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
  • Romans 15:13
  • Ephesians 3:16-19

OBSERVATION

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step.

Q1. In the passage of Acts 1 that we read aloud. Jesus tells us that when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, we not only feel His presence, but He also gives us His power. Describe a time when you were aware of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Q2. 1 Corinthians 2 shows us how the Holy Spirit gives us the power to share Christ boldly to others. When have you had a conversation with someone and the Holy Spirit gave you the words to speak? Who is the Holy Spirit prompting you to boldly share Christ with? What has been holding you back from sharing
Christ?

Q3. According ro Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 12, the Holy Spirit gives us power when we are weak. Share a time when you were weak and the Holy Sprit gave you power to overcome your weakness.

Q4. Romans 15:13 and Ephesians 3:16-19 show us that we receive hope and the ability to experience the fullness of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. How has experiencing the power Holy Spirit in your own life affected your relationship with Christ? 

Personal Reflection Question:

  • What are some areas of your life that you are relying more on your strength rather than the power of the Holy Spirit? How can you begin today to rely more on the power of the Holy Spirit?

APPLICATION

  • This teaching series offers a detailed understanding of the Holy Spirit and teaches us how to embrace and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction. Earlier, you identified someone that the Holy Spirit has been prompting you to boldly share Christ with. So this week, do it. Pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you, calm you, and give you the right words to say as you share Christ with this person. 
  • Use these prayer tips this week to guide your time alone with God each day. Praying with a friend or a small group might help you stick to it.
    • Pray and ask God to help you experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your life in deeper way. Open your heart up to the Holy Spirit.
    • Confess those areas in your life where you are struggling. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to overcome these weaknesses.
    • Talk to God about any concerns you have and any trials you may be enduring. Allow the Holy Spirit to instill within you a spirit of hope.
    • Allow the Holy Spirit through prayer to strengthen and enrich every area of your life so that you may experience the fullness of God. Remember, He’s praying for you too!

  • Consider how you could love others by serving on a team this Sunday at BeLoved.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank You for your Spirit, freely given, that we may freely receive, empowering us to live, give, serve like you. Help us to grow in our awareness of your presence and power at work in our lives. Help us to slow our minds and lives so that we may hear your small still voice. Help us to have your Holy confidence to share the good news of Jesus. Holy Spirit come, work in us and through us, that you God may be gloroified in the earth today. In Jesus name, Amen.

WATCH THE MESSAGE LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE
Next Steps

Our heart for you in taking a "Next Step" is to help you grow in becoming more and more like Jesus.

  • Invite. Everyone is only one invitation away from coming to church with you. We are here to reach 1% of our city. Take a step, be bold, bring someone to church with you Sunday.
  • Invest. Investing financially at BeLoved helps us to stay on mission. You can find the best way to give at belovedchurch.ca/give Take a step, start your faithful practice of tithes and offering.
  • Discover. Embark on the journey at belovedchurch.ca/grow Take a step and invest into your discipleship journey at BeLoved.
  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
  • Get baptized. Congratulations! Take a step to "Go ALL IN for Jesus." Register online at belovedchurch.ca/baptism