Extraordinary Gifts for Ordinary Humans

Sometimes we use the word "Pentecostal" to describe this church. There is one main reason for that. We believe that on the Jewish holiday of Pentecost that Christians were baptized in the Holy Spirit and were given supernatural gifts from Him.

Take a look at Acts 2:1-4. The gifts God give to us as ordinary Christ-followers are extraordinary, strengthening the church and helping us to reach the lost.

There’s an old saying that "More is better". As it relates to gifts, wouldn't you agree?! With very few exceptions, if we are given a choice to have more or less of something, we’ll choose ‘more’. With that in mind, take a moment to answer the following questions:

1. To be fair, sometimes more is not better. What are some examples where more is NOT better?

2. Still, most of the time, it’s true – more IS better. And one particular example of this is our relationship with God. The Bible tells us over and over again to seek God, and the natural result of seeking God is being filled with more of the Holy Spirit. What are some signs in our lives that we have more of God?

3. Read Acts 1:14 and Acts 2:1-4 again.

4. Being used by God in the gifts of the Holy Spirit can seem intimidating, but it really is as simple as wanting more of God in our lives. If we’re constantly seeking to be closer to Him, we will be filled with more and more of His Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit are the evidence of that. Do you think the people in the upper room knew what to expect when Jesus said they would receive the Holy Spirit?

5. What do you think they might have been more likely expecting?

Read Matthew 7:9-11. We can be confident that the "more" God has for us is in our best interest. Take a few minutes and make a list of good things God has given us. It can be a big step of faith to put the gifts of the spirit into practice in our lives, but if our focus is on having more of God in our lives, it will be a natural step, and will change our lives for the best. Having the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the only way to make an extraordinary difference in the world around us.