You Have the Power!

Pastor Dale discusses the concept of Christian discipleship and the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. He emphasizes that not all who claim to be Christian are true disciples of Christ and encourage a deeper exploration of what it means to be a disciple. He discusses two approaches to studying the Bible: one that confirms preconceived beliefs and another that lets Scripture shape one’s understanding. Pastor believes true disciples should follow the latter, allowing their beliefs to be shaped by the Word of God.

The main focus is on understanding the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the difference between mere belief and being led by the Spirit, noting that receiving the Holy Spirit goes beyond the initial experience of salvation. They point out that the Holy Spirit, considered a "promise" or "down payment" of what is to come, initiates a process of growth and understanding in believers. The Spirit's role includes guiding, teaching, and transforming believers, which aligns with Jesus’ message in John 16 that the Holy Spirit is a powerful presence that can reveal divine wisdom beyond human understanding.

Addressing various Christian viewpoints, Pastor Dale acknowledges divisions among denominations on the Holy Spirit's role, especially around speaking in tongues as a sign of the Spirit. He describes personal experiences and scriptural insights, ultimately encouraging others to study the Bible deeply to understand the Spirit's transformative work in discipleship and the Christian life.