Today is the day we have our emphasis on...

... the ministries here at Life Church (Parade of Ministries). We do not parade them in front of you like we used to but they will be highlighted on the overhead. Since we have been emphasizing the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we will discuss how that experience with the Spirit can help you in the fulfillment of whatever ministry you are involved.

1. You shall receive power. Holy Spirit is needed, not just to be a witness, but for power to fulfill your ministry or calling. We acknowledge Holy Spirit gives us power to witness but He also gives us power to teach, to disciple, and to accomplish the second half of the Great Commission in helping us to make disciples. 

2. Holy Spirit baptism makes a difference. D L Moody was transformed by his encounter with the Spirit. Moody – My heart was not in the work of begging. I could not appeal. I was crying all the time that God would fill me with His Spirit. Well, one day, in the city of New York—oh, what a day! I cannot describe it. I seldom refer to it; it is almost too sacred an experience to name. I can only say that God revealed Himself to me, and I had such an experience of His love that I had to ask Him to stay His hand. I went to preaching again. The sermons were not different. I did not present any new truths, and yet hundreds were converted. I would not now be placed back where I was before that blessed experience if you should give me all the world. 

3. Holy Spirit power manifested. Mark 16:15-20 (NKJV) “And He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Notice that when we do what God calls us to do, He will be working with us through the power of Holy Spirit. Invite Him every day into your life and ministry, then, watch what He does!