I absolutely loved this two-part series on the Holy Spirit. There is so much controversy and confusion that swirl around the Holy Spirit. Our mental images of the Holy Spirit are very pixilated. I really enjoyed the challenge of bringing more definition to what He does. We can relate to Jesus and the Father more easily because we have cognitive categories for them. But the Holy Spirit is so intangible and unpredictable. One of our staff members likens him to the crazy uncle of the Trinity. He's lots of fun, but you never know what is going to happen when He shows up! So true. He is the X factor.
I felt like this was one of those weekends where I walked away feeling mission accomplished. I felt like I said what God wanted me to say. I just hope it bears fruit in people's lives.
I sense God turning over the soil in my own heart. And I think He is preparing us for a new season of growth and blessing. And we better get ready! These last two messages have been preparation. So excited about what God is doing at NCC. Blessed to be part of it.
7 Comments:
Hey Pastor Mark,
I was wondering if you'd be willing to share some of the resources you used to prepare this series. I'd like to do a little more research into the second point of this weekend's sermon about the Holy Spirit enabling us in parts of our lives other than those that are typically understood as "spiritual." I'm especially interested in Exodus 31 and any other Scriptures that might refer to the work of the Spirit in our work lives.
Thanks,
Will
Hi Pastor Mark,
Great message - I am really enjoying this sermon series on the Holy Spirit. My understanding of Him has grown a lot, but not sophisticated by any means which I think is true for many believers. The "crazy Uncle" analogy is a good one - because when the Holy Spirit shows up in the Bible (and in real life), what happens next is sometimes uncomfortable by our society's standards and almost always unbelievable to anyone who hasn't encountered Him themselves. But it is always life-changing when the Holy Spirit is moving in your life. Your message reinforced some previous teachings/readings ("Anointed for Business" - Ed Silvoso) as well for me that I need to revisit.
Also, thanks for inspiring my husband to fire up his BTUs to make dinner! (He had to look it up: 45,000 + 13,000 in the side burner) - still don't know what a BTU is but our sons came up with some interesting/funny ideas!
Have a great week -
Ellen
It was awesome yesterday at the Ballston location because the power went out JUST before the video message. Pastor Joel led us in a time of prayer to prepare our hearts for the teaching on the Holy Spirit and I could not help but notice the Godcidence. Great word!
God Bless,
Rose
This may sound odd, but I think one of the issues with the Holy Spirit is that the name doesn't roll off the tongue (or mind) easily.
In my own prayer life, I address the Father ("Lord" or "God"), the Son ("Lord" or "Jesus"), and the Spirit, whom I affectionately call "Chip".
There is no lack of respect here, just a choice I've made to address Him in my prayers. He is my comfort and my constant companion.
Do you pray to each of the three parts of God?
I love that word "Godcidence." That is awesome!
And I do pray to Father, Son, and Spirit depending on context.
Over and out,
Mark
I really want to commend you Mark for speaking out on a topic that would make a lot of Christians really uncomfortable. Talking about the Holy Spirit and particularly the supernatural gifts immediately raises the "charismatic!!!" red flag for some people. I already knew you weren't a theological cessationist, but I wasn't sure just from your book/podcasts what you did feel about the gifts of the Spirit.
I loved what you had to say, and I got very excited when you talked about the gift of getting words of knowledge because we've been blessed to be exploring that more in our church lately and using it as a great tool to share Christ with others and speak truth into people's lives. I encourage you and NCC to seek all that the Holy Spirit has for your congregation. I know it's gonna be good -- as it has already!
BTW, I'm excited to be coming to the Whiteboard Sessions on Thursday (flying out from San Francisco!)! Looking forward to seeing you guys!
Mark - It was a pleasure meeting you on Sunday. I've enjoyed visiting services during the past two weeks, especially this past weekend, when my teenage daughter joined me. I was in vocational ministry for seven years, and my daughter's faith, and trust in the Church had been shattered by some unfortunate situations she witnessed in the body of Christ. She bought and read your book last fall, and was thrilled to have you sign it this past Sunday. It was such a blessing for her to be excited about Church again - after nearly four years. I am very thankful for your book and your ministry!
Kaisha
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