The Spirit and mission

From Pentecost to gifts, prayer, witness, and the nations.

Reading scope: canonical.

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God present and active, not merely spiritual energy.

Look for: Notice personal agency, holiness, life, and mission.

The public turning point is Pentecost.

Pentecost marks the Spirit poured out on the gathered church.

Look for: Watch fulfillment, languages, witness, and new community.

That gift becomes indwelling presence.

Indwelling means God’s presence now lives with and in his people.

Look for: Trace temple language moving into believers and church.

The Spirit also seals future hope.

The Spirit is firstfruits and seal of the coming inheritance.

Look for: Look for assurance, belonging, and future glory.

Assured people receive gifts for service.

Spiritual gifts equip the body for love and common good.

Look for: Notice diversity, maturity, service, and discernment.

Gifts must grow the Spirit’s fruit.

The fruit of the Spirit names Christlike character formed over time.

Look for: Watch love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control as communal virtues.

Mission also requires prayer in the Spirit.

Prayer in the Spirit is dependent communion and Spirit-shaped intercession.

Look for: Look for weakness, help, boldness, and worship.

Prayer fuels witness to the nations.

Spirit and mission belong together: empowered witness moves outward.

Look for: Trace guidance, courage, suffering, and gospel crossing boundaries.

The Spirit sends the church into the world Christ loves.