Text: Mark 1:8

Topic: How the Holy Spirit affects our relationship to God

Introduction:

• Mark 1:8

• Big Idea: Through the Holy Spirit, Christ made it possible for us to have a new relationship with God.

• Christians believe in one God who exists in three persons.

• What makes this relationship so personal is that he indwells us.

• John 14:16,18,20

• Illustration: May quotes Adrian Rogers: "The Holy Spirit is Christ in the Christian."

• The Holy Spirit always directs us to a closer walk with Jesus.

• John 15:26

• Mark 1:8

• Our relationship to the Holy Spirit is to be the same as a drunk man's relationship to the alcohol: we are to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit in all we do.

• Ephesians 5:19-20

• Galatians 5:22-23

• When we live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he shapes the way we think, the way we react, the way we make decisions.

O ur relationship to the Holy Spirit is an empowering relationship .

• We get the strength we need for daily living from the Holy Spirit.

• Acts 1:8

• The Holy Spirit's ministry is to strengthen us so that we are able to live a life that is pleasing to God.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:13

• The Spirit has given each one of us a gift—or gifts—that we can use to do God's will.

Conclusion:

• How did Peter go from weakness to power? It was the Holy Spirit.

• The gift of Christmas is God's gift to the world.

• We receive the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit—and the Holy Spirit changes everything.