Getting to Know the Holy Spirit// Holy Spirit Series // John 14:16–18, John 14:25–27, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 John 4:1 // Bri Johns // 05.03.26

Getting to Know the Holy Spirit// Holy Spirit Series // John 14:16–18, John 14:25–27, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 John 4:1 // Bri Johns // 05.03.26

This week we continued the conversation from last Sunday about
Jesus’ ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Last week, we were invited to open our
hearts to get to know the Holy Spirit better. But for many of us, that can feel unfamiliar,
uncomfortable, or even a little “woo-woo.”
Bri reminded us that the Holy Spirit is not spooky, strange, or distant. The Holy Spirit is
the presence of God with us and in us. Jesus promised His disciples that the Father
would send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, who would teach them, remind them of
everything Jesus had said, and give them peace.
We talked about how the Holy Spirit works with us, in us, and through us. He comforts,
teaches, reminds, reveals truth, produces fruit, gives peace, strengthens us, and
empowers us to live as followers of Jesus.
But connection with the Holy Spirit does not usually grow by adding more noise, more
information, or more striving. It grows as we make room, pay attention to His nudges,
and respond. We also talked about discernment: not every thought, feeling, or desire is
automatically the Holy Spirit. The nudges of the Spirit will align with the Spirit of God,
the Word of God, and the People of God.