Our images of God influence the whole of our Christian life. This section looks at the greatness of God in creation, the love of God in Jesus and the power of God in the Holy Spirit, and how to discover this God in the Bible.

Play the tape of the talk if group members have not heard it.

Session 3: Discovering the power of God.

Introduction
All that has been revealed in God and his Son Jesus can be made known to us through the Holy Spirit, Jesus the Lamb of God becomes the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:29-34). He is the Comforter or Helper and we receive him if we love Jesus and commit ourselves to him (John 14; 15-20). We are born again of the Holy Spirit (John 3; 5-8).

Images of Receiving

• Baptism in water is the sacramental symbol of repentance and faith on the one side and the gift of the Holy Spirit on the other. In the New Testament the promise of the Spirit's power is part of Christian initiation and should be part of our expectation. Today many come into a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit some time after conversion. It is better to think of this experience as a release of what was there before making the presence of Christ through his Spirit something we experience with greater power and reality. (Acts 2:38-39)
• Release of streams of life giving water (John 7:37-39)
• Clothing with power from on high (Luke 24:49)
• Filling with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

Discussion

In what ways have we experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Do we all need to have the same experiences?
How important are our emotions and feelings?

Spirit touches all of life

• Fruit of the Spirit to make us more like Jesus in our character.(Galatians 5:22-23)
• Gifts of the Spirit to help us to do the things he did. (I Corinthians 12:1-11)
• Softens our hearts and changes our desires. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
• Brings worship alive. Worship is the central activity of the church. The Spirit makes it a joy as we pray, adore, sing, and listen to God's Word. (Ephesians 5:19)
  
• Gives power for service. (Acts 1:8)

Discussion

Do you experience joy in church?
Have you experienced God using you in service to others?
Have you experienced answered prayer?
Sometimes we have to endure hardships and we need patience. Can this come from the Spirit too?

Making the promise your own

God longs to bless you.

1) John 7:37-39 - the need to thirst for more of God
2) Acts 2:38-39 - the need to repent
3) Luke 11:1-13 - the need to ask
4) Acts 5:32 - the need to obey
5) Ephesians 5:18 - the need to continue being filled with the Holy Spirit