From Belief to Boldness: Building Unshakable Faith Through the Power of the Holy Ghost Expressed in Service, Unity, Worship, and Spiritual Action Within the Church.
This study explores the journey from initial belief to a life of unwavering faith, empowered by the Spirit, and actively demonstrated through service, unity, worship, and spiritual engagement within the community of believers.
1. The Foundation of Faith: Understanding the One God and His Plan
1.1 The Revelation of the One True God
Verses: Isaiah 45:5; John 14:9; Colossians 2:9
- God is one, the sole Creator and Redeemer.
- Jesus is the full manifestation of the one God in human flesh.
- All the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ.
1.2 The New Birth Experience
Verses: Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Romans 6:4
- Repentance, water baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Spirit are essential for salvation.
- Water baptism signifies burial with Christ and resurrection to new life.
- The Spirit empowers believers for a transformed life.
1.3 The Purpose of God's Spirit
Verses: Acts 1:8; John 16:13; Romans 8:14
- The Spirit provides power for effective witness and ministry.
- The Spirit guides believers into all truth and understanding.
- The Spirit leads and directs the children of God in their daily walk.
2. Empowerment for Action: Receiving and Living by the Spirit
2.1 The Promise and Evidence of the Spirit
Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:45-46; Acts 19:6
- The initial evidence of receiving the Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
- This experience is a fulfillment of prophecy and a promise for all believers.
- It signifies a divine indwelling and empowerment for spiritual life.
2.2 Walking in the Spirit
Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 5:18
- To walk in the Spirit means to be continually led and controlled by Him.
- The Spirit enables believers to overcome the desires of the flesh.
- We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit, living in His abundance.
2.3 The Spirit's Gifts for the Church
Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12
- The Spirit bestows various gifts for the edification and strengthening of the church.
- These gifts are for ministry, service, and building up the body of Christ.
- Every believer is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
3. Expressions of Unshakable Faith: Service and Unity
3.1 Serving with a Spirit-Empowered Heart
Verses: 1 Peter 4:10-11; Galatians 5:13; Matthew 25:40
- Use your spiritual gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God's grace.
- Serve in love, not for selfish gain, but out of devotion to Christ.
- Serving others, especially the least of these, is serving the Lord Himself.
3.2 The Call to Unity in the Body
Verses: Ephesians 4:3-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10; John 17:21
- Diligently endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, uniting all believers.
- Unity among believers reflects Christ's nature to the world.
3.3 Overcoming Division Through Love
Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12:10
- Love is the supreme virtue and the bond of perfectness that fosters unity.
- Put others' interests before your own, demonstrating humility.
- Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love.
4. Living Boldly: Worship and Spiritual Action
4.1 Worship in Spirit and Truth
Verses: John 4:23-24; Psalm 150:6; Hebrews 13:15
- True worship comes from a sincere heart, empowered by the Spirit and aligned with truth.
- All that has breath should praise the Lord with fervent adoration.
- Offer the sacrifice of praise continually, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.
4.2 Boldness in Witnessing
Verses: Acts 4:31; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:15
- The Spirit empowers believers to speak God's word with courage and conviction.
- We should not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation.
- Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
4.3 Spiritual Warfare and Victory
Verses: Ephesians 6:10-12; James 4:7; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
- We are engaged in a spiritual battle against unseen forces of darkness.
- Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- Our spiritual weapons are mighty through God to pull down strongholds.
4.4 Perseverance in Faith
Verses: Hebrews 10:35-36; Galatians 6:9; Revelation 2:10
- Do not cast away your confidence, which has great recompense of reward.
- Do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap.
- Be faithful unto death, and you will receive the crown of life.