AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
In this heartfelt message, Pastor Lee A. Simpson shares insights from the church’s ongoing series on understanding and strengthening our relationship with the Holy Spirit. He recaps the Holy Spirit’s role throughout the Bible, from empowering Old Testament leaders to fulfilling Jesus’ promise at Pentecost. Pastor Simpson emphasizes the importance of cultivating an intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit, referred to as "koinonia," and encourages believers to seek His guidance and presence daily. He highlights the transformative fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit. Concluding with a prayer, Pastor Simpson urges the church family and supporters to embrace the Holy Spirit’s power and experience His profound love and wisdom, fostering lives of eternal purpose and Kingdom impact.
Dr. Lee A Simpson
9/16/20242 min read
"Deepening Our Friendship with the Holy Spirit"
A Message from Pastor Lee A. Simpson
Beloved Church Family & Supporters,
Over the last few weeks, our church has embarked on an exciting spiritual journey to deepen our understanding and relationship with the Holy Spirit. Allow me to briefly recap what we have learned so far before sharing an encouraging word.
We discovered that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity - fully God along with the Father and the Son. His presence has been actively involved since the creation of the world, guiding and empowering God's people throughout the ages (Genesis 1:2).
In the Old Testament, we saw how the Holy Spirit anointed prophets, kings, and leaders like Samson, equipping them with wisdom and supernatural strength to fulfill their divine callings (Judges 14:6). The Holy Spirit also inspired the writings of Scripture, such as the Psalms (2 Samuel 23:2).
When we explored the New Testament, we learned of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus at His baptism (Matthew 3:16). Christ also promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would come as a Helper and Guide (John 16:13). This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to preach the gospel boldly and perform miracles (Acts 2:1-4).
Most profound of all, we found that this same Holy Spirit now dwells within every believer, serving as our constant Counselor, Comforter and source of power to live godly lives. We began studying the rich meaning of the word "koinonia," which describes the intimate friendship and communion the Holy Spirit desires to have with each of us.
Our Journey Continues
Now that we have laid this foundation, I want to encourage you to lean more fully into this beautiful relationship with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Let us quiet our hearts to hear His still, small voice speaking wisdom and guidance. Let us open ourselves up daily to being filled anew with His power, presence and radiant holiness.
When we choose to walk in step with the Holy Spirit's leadership, He will draw us into deeper intimacy with the Father and the Son. He will empower us to live lives of eternal purpose and Kingdom impact. He will produce His wonderful fruit within us - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
I am praying for each member of our church family and our supporters, to experience the Holy Spirit in fresh, powerful ways throughout this series. May He fill you with supernatural wisdom, courage, joy and a profound revelation of God's immense love for you.
Please share this message with family and friends and don't hesitate to share testimonies of how the Spirit is moving - we grow stronger together!
Koinonia with the Spirit,
Pastor Lee A. Simpson