Sermon Notes
Follow along with the latest sermon with engaging
discussion questions and challenging truths.
discussion questions and challenging truths.
Raise The Sails
Sunday, June 15th
Summary:
This sermon uses the metaphor of a sailboat to illustrate how Christians often struggle with their
own efforts (rowing) rather than utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit (raising the sails). The
pastor addresses two main questions: who is the Holy Spirit (establishing Him as the third person
of the Trinity, not merely a force), and whether believers can trust they have the Holy Spirit. He
acknowledges the theological debate between those who believe the Holy Spirit is received at
baptism versus those who advocate for a second "baptism of the Holy Spirit," examining key
Acts passages used by both camps. While respecting both positions, he leans toward the view
that believers receive the Holy Spirit upon repentance and baptism, citing Peter's words in Acts
2:38-39 as the clearest biblical pattern. The sermon concludes by shifting focus from "Do I have
the Holy Spirit?" to the more crucial question: "Am I living in the power of the Holy Spirit and
cooperating with Him in my daily life?"
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some practical ways we can "raise the sails" in our personal lives to better co-
operate with the Holy Spirit rather than relying solely on our own efforts?
2. The pastor mentions five reasons why churches might neglect the Holy Spirit's power.
(The Devil’s influence, We don’t know what we don’t know, Bizarre and offensive
behavior by those claiming to be ‘spirit-filed’, Discomfort with mystery, and a desire for
control) Which of these resonates most with your experience? Is there anything else that
causes you to be reticent regarding the work of the Holy Spirit?
3. How does understanding the Holy Spirit as a person rather than a force change the way
we relate to Him in prayer, worship, and decision-making?
4. What are your thoughts on the theological debate about receiving the Holy Spirit at
baptism versus a second baptism experience? How might both camps learn from each
other?
5. Peter said, “This promise is for you and your children,” in Acts 2:39. Do you think the
children of believers are gifted with the Holy Spirit before they make their own
profession of faith?
6. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is "no less present and powerful today" than
in apostolic times. What evidence do you see (or hope to see) of the Spirit's active work
in our church and community today?
7. How can we help children and new believers better understand and experience the Holy
Spirit's presence in their lives?
This sermon uses the metaphor of a sailboat to illustrate how Christians often struggle with their
own efforts (rowing) rather than utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit (raising the sails). The
pastor addresses two main questions: who is the Holy Spirit (establishing Him as the third person
of the Trinity, not merely a force), and whether believers can trust they have the Holy Spirit. He
acknowledges the theological debate between those who believe the Holy Spirit is received at
baptism versus those who advocate for a second "baptism of the Holy Spirit," examining key
Acts passages used by both camps. While respecting both positions, he leans toward the view
that believers receive the Holy Spirit upon repentance and baptism, citing Peter's words in Acts
2:38-39 as the clearest biblical pattern. The sermon concludes by shifting focus from "Do I have
the Holy Spirit?" to the more crucial question: "Am I living in the power of the Holy Spirit and
cooperating with Him in my daily life?"
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some practical ways we can "raise the sails" in our personal lives to better co-
operate with the Holy Spirit rather than relying solely on our own efforts?
2. The pastor mentions five reasons why churches might neglect the Holy Spirit's power.
(The Devil’s influence, We don’t know what we don’t know, Bizarre and offensive
behavior by those claiming to be ‘spirit-filed’, Discomfort with mystery, and a desire for
control) Which of these resonates most with your experience? Is there anything else that
causes you to be reticent regarding the work of the Holy Spirit?
3. How does understanding the Holy Spirit as a person rather than a force change the way
we relate to Him in prayer, worship, and decision-making?
4. What are your thoughts on the theological debate about receiving the Holy Spirit at
baptism versus a second baptism experience? How might both camps learn from each
other?
5. Peter said, “This promise is for you and your children,” in Acts 2:39. Do you think the
children of believers are gifted with the Holy Spirit before they make their own
profession of faith?
6. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is "no less present and powerful today" than
in apostolic times. What evidence do you see (or hope to see) of the Spirit's active work
in our church and community today?
7. How can we help children and new believers better understand and experience the Holy
Spirit's presence in their lives?