What the Holy Spirit does and brings to our lives is all about love.

Every Christian has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9) but not every Christian is filled with the Spirit.

Five categories of people:

1. Longing (Pentecost—Acts 2:2–4)

2. Receptive (Samaria—Acts 8:14–23) 

3. Hostile (Paul—Acts 8:1, 3; 9:1–2)

4. Uninformed (Ephesus—Acts 19:1–6) 

5. Unlikely (Gentiles—Acts 10:44–47)

What happened to Cornelius and his household when the Spirit came upon them? (Acts 10:44–46)

“... the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message....Then Peter said... ‘they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’” (Acts 10:44–47)

• There were physical manifestations.
• Everyone’s experience is different.
• What matters is God’s love being poured out into your heart.
• (Romans 5:5)
• Pursue the Person, not the experience. (Ephesians 3:14–19)

“For they heard them ... praising God.” (Acts 10:46)

Fear of emotion: emotion versus emotionalism

• Emotion is an important part of faith and love for God.
• Express with our whole bodies: raised hands; a traditional form of prayer.

“For they heard them speaking in tongues.” (Acts 10:46)

Not all Christians speak in tongues

• Not the mark of being a Christian.
• Not necessarily a mark of being filled with the Spirit.
• There are no first- or second-class Christians.
• It is not the most important gift.

What is the gift of tongues?

• Human or angelic language (1 Corinthians 13:1)
• A form of prayer (1 Corinthians 14:2)
• Builds up the individual
• Transcends the language barrier (1 Corinthians 14:14)
• The speaker is in full control.
• Public use requires an interpretation.

Why is it helpful?

• Worship (1 Corinthians 14:15)
• Praying for oneself (1 Corinthians 14:2,4)
• Praying for others

Why ask for the gift of tongues?

• Paul encourages its use (1 Corinthians 14:5,18,39)

What are the barriers to being filled with the Holy Spirit?

• Doubt: “I don’t think I will receive.”

• Fear: “What will happen to me?”

• Inadequacy: “I’m not good enough.”

But Jesus says:

“... how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

(Luke 11:13)

• The Mystery of Pentecost by Raniero Cantalamessa
• Sober Intoxication of the Spirit: Filled with the Fullness of God by Raniero Cantalamessa