What We Believe: Empowered By The Spirit
This series, What We Believe, explores our distinctive core beliefs about the Holy Spirit's work in the church today. Each message focuses on how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk in faith and mission.
Week 1: Gifts of the Spirit
11/03/24 | 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the common good. These gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy, are meant to glorify Jesus and guide us in our spiritual journey. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12, emphasizes the importance of being Spirit-led rather than just spiritual. The Assemblies of God, rooted in the Pentecostal movement, values these gifts and their role in the church. Applying these gifts in daily life helps us serve others and glorify God.
Week 2: Divine Healing
11/10/24 | Matthew 8:14-17
Divine healing is a wonderful privilege of having faith in Jesus. When it comes to a theology of healing, we must remember that Jesus is the healer. His miracles serve as signposts pointing to His authority and power to save. Healing can be physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or social, and can occur immediately or gradually. Trusting in God's timing and faithfulness is key, even when healing doesn't come as expected. Ultimately, all earthly healing is temporary, pointing us to the ultimate, eternal healing found in Jesus Christ.
Week 3: Speaking In Tongues
11/17/24 | 1 Corinthians 14
What is speaking in tongues? This biblical gift has often been misunderstood due to varying interpretations and occasional misuse. Pastor Matt explains what Scripture teaches about speaking in tongues, focusing on 1 Corinthians 14. He clarifies the difference between private tongues, which edify the individual, and public tongues, which build up the church. The message emphasizes the importance of order in worship, evaluating spiritual gifts by Scripture, and seeking the Spirit’s guidance for personal and corporate edification.
Week 4: NJMN Pastor Frank Reitzel
11/24/24 | Matthew 20:25-26
We are excited to welcome Pastor Frank Reitzel, the New Jersey Ministry Network Executive Secretary for the Assemblies of God, as our guest speaker. Pastor Frank shares an inspiring message on how Jesus calls us to live differently. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us and the Bible is our guide, our lives are meant to stand out. Using powerful examples of leadership from Scripture—both positive and negative—he challenges us to pray for our nation’s leaders, develop godly leadership within the church, and live lives that influence others for Christ.