Focus on the Promise!

This sermon reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not reserved for a select few, not symbolic, and not optional. The promise is personal, powerful, and purposeful. When we shift our attention from speculation to reception, we step into the power God intended for every believer.

Key Takeaways:

The Promise Is for YOU The Holy Spirit isn’t for an elite group—it’s for every believer. Throughout Acts, Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles, and imperfect disciples all received the Spirit. God wants to encounter you, fill you, help you, and empower you. “This promise is to you, to your children, and to all who are far off…” (Acts 2:38–39)
You Will Receive Receiving the Spirit is intentional. Just as we receive salvation, forgiveness, and God’s love by faith, we also receive the Holy Spirit by faith. The Spirit is available—our role is to believe and take hold of what God has promised.
The Promise Is POWER Jesus promised dunamis power—real, effective ability. This power brings personal transformation (victory over sin, love for others) and missional authority (boldness, clarity, and spiritual impact). The promise isn’t symbolic—it actually works.
When the Holy Spirit Comes Upon You The Spirit already works within us at salvation, but Jesus spoke of the Spirit coming upon believers—an experiential, empowering moment. This filling isn’t one-time; it happens repeatedly as God equips us for new seasons and assignments.
You Will Be My Witnesses Power always points outward. The Holy Spirit doesn’t come just for an experience, but for a mission. You don’t need to be a theologian—just a witness. Start where you are, and let God work outward through your everyday life.

Stop focusing on the timing.Stop worrying about what you don’t know.Focus on the promise—receive the Spirit, and let God work through you.

Series: Fresh Wind

Date: January 11, 2026

The Holy Spirit

Message Notes

Acts 1:6–8 (NLT) — 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

1. “YOU”

The promise is for YOU.
The Holy Spirit wants to Encounter YOU, Come upon YOU, Fill YOU, Help YOU!
Say this with me “THE PROMISE IS FOR ME”.

2. “WILL RECEIVE”

Focus on the promise.
First, Jesus is giving them a factual statement about what is coming. The Holy Spirit IS available.
Second, Receiving is something you DO.
Third, you receive by faith.
1. Just like you receive salvation.
2. Just like you receive forgiveness.
3. Just like you receive God’s love.

3. “POWER”

The Promise of POWER.
Personal Power - Stop sinning, transformation, love your enemy.
Missional Power - Fulfill the Great commission, have spiritual authority.

4. “HOLY SPIRIT COMES UPON YOU”

The Promise of Power is realized WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES UPON YOU!
The Holy Spirit lives in each of us. Salvation is impossible without the work of the Spirit in our hearts. So when you believe, the Holy Spirit is working in your life already.

5. “BE MY WITNESSES”

The purpose of power:
1. The Holy Spirit does not come upon us just for an experience.
2. He comes upon us for assignment.
3. Power always points outward.
A witness is not a theologian.
1. A witness tells what they have seen and experienced.
2. You don’t have to know everything.
3. You only have to be willing.
The Holy Spirit gives ability to speak.
1. Ability to be bold.
2. Ability to be clear.
3. Ability to speak with love and conviction.
Witness starts where you are.
This is why we are filled.
1. Filled people reach people.
2. Empowered believers advance the Kingdom.
3. The Spirit fills us so the world can know Jesus.

Someone to Lean On

Pastor Jonathan Stockstill

Pt. 2

Focus on the Promise!

Pastor Jonathan Stockstill

Pt. 3

The Holy Spirit: The Indwelling and the Baptism

Pastor Joakim Lundqvist