THE POWER YOU NEED

Part 1: The Promise of Power

April 12, 2026

John 20:22 (NIV) And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:4 (NIV) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:12-16 (NIV) Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.

What people say this is:

• Emotionalism.
• Weird.
• Demonic.
• Not for today.

This is What?

Acts 2:39 (NIV) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

 

Ruwach – a wind, breath, a violent exhalation, blast of breath. 

Genesis 1:2 (NIV) Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 

 

Pneuma – a current of air, blast of breath, a strong breeze. 

 

John 6:63 (NIV) The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 

• Wind is unseen. 

John 14:16-17 (NIV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 

• Wind is unpredictable. 

John 3:8 (NIV) Jesus answered…“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 

• Wind is powerful. 

Acts 1:8 (NIV) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” 

• Wind is refreshing. 

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV) No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”–but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. 

Take a Deep Breath

Ephesians 4:30 (MSG) Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.

1. Let go of fears and misperceptions. 

James 1:17 (NIV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

          2. Ask God to give me all that He has for me.

Ezekiel 47:3-5 (NIV) As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits[a] and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.

           3. Develop an intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 13:14 (MSG) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.