Who Is the Holy Spirit? (Creed Part 3)
Sunday, May 17, 2026
John 14:15-17, 25-27
"If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Acts 2:1-4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Big Idea
God didn't leave a manual and disappear — he left himself.
The Discussion
- John 14 — The disciples are panicking. Jesus is leaving. He says: "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth." Key word: another. Not a different kind — another of the same kind. The Spirit is Jesus' presence continuing with them.
- Acts 2 — Pentecost. Wind. Fire. Languages. The Spirit shows up with power. 3,000 people believe. The church is born in one day. Same guys, same fears, different power. The Spirit doesn't draw attention to himself. He points to Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is a person, not a force. He grieves when you grieve. He convicts you when you're wrong. He comforts you when you're hurting. He's God, living inside you — not a mystical power you tap into.
What This Means for Us
- You have access to the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead.
- He's in you right now — not to make you weird, but to make you brave.
- The same power that started the church on Pentecost is available to you.
- Take what you do understand about God and focus on him for a minute once every hour. Your life will change.
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever felt like God was guiding you? What was that like?
- Why do you think the Spirit shows up as wind and fire in Acts 2, but as a gentle voice in other places?
- What's one situation in your life right now where you could use the Spirit's guidance?
This Week
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and Revelation 21:1-7 before next Sunday. Come with one note and one question.
Full Resources (Handout & Reflection) View Reflection GuideMissed This Week?
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