The Holy Spirit: Power for Kingdom Living, Week 7
John M. Wallace, Jr., PhD
October 12, 2025
Sermon in a Sentence
The Kingdom of God— the dynamic rule and reign of God, both present and future, where God's will is
done on earth [here] as it is in heaven [there], including peace, justice, righteousness, hope, healing, and
holistic well-being— (i.e., abundant life)
Kingdom Ambassadors—are appointed by God to serve as heaven’s spokespersons and representatives
on earth.
Review
1. Jesus came to advance the Kingdom of God
John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own
will.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
1 John 3:8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from
the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of
the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
Acts 10:37-38 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in
Galilee after the baptism that John preached—38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy
Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of
the devil, because God was with him.
John 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and
greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father
Sermon in a Sentence
The Holy Spirit instructs, equips, and empowers us to be effective ambassadors of the Kingdom of God
(i.e., to do good)
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s [the King’s] ambassadors, as though God were making his
appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-
discipline.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good
work.
1 Timothy 5:24-25 24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the
sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are
not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
1 Timothy 6:17-18 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put
their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with
everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be
generous and willing to share.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God
prepared in advance for us to do.
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who
belong to the family of believers.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone,
able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant
them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses
and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they
may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Make Room
Elder Gary Nelson
September 28, 2025
Key Scripture
2 Corinthians 13:14 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you
won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Sermon in a Sentence
Making room for The Holy Spirit in our hearts, demonstrated by our obedience to
God’s commands, positions us up to be blessed abundantly and enjoy unbroken
fellowship with God.
Key Terms
Fellowship - noun
1) a community of interest, activity, experience
2) companionship, company
The natural
● Despite social distancing guidelines folks still found a way to make room
at the table.
● We will make room on our plates to get some of “that”.
● Even after having dined sufficiently, many of us like Pastor John, always
miraculously have room for dessert!
We are accustomed to making room in our daily activities.
● In our public worship gathering, we’ll obey the request of the usher and
slide to the left (or right) to allow another worshiper to sit in our row.
● On the bus/train we’ll move our pocketbook or bookbag so another rider
can sit down.
The spiritual
The Holy Spirit teaches us to remain in fellowship with (make room for) Christ
1 John 2:27 - But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you
don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything
you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has
taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
We can gain and maintain fellowship with God when we obey his commandments
when and because of his Spirit that lives in us.
1 John 3:24 - Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him,
and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in
us.
What hinders us from making room for The Holy Spirit?
Willful Disobedience – Making a conscious decision to continue to live a lifestyle that
is contrary to God’s word and will.
1 John 1:6 - So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in
spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
Our will – Luke 22:42
Our way – Isaiah 55:8-9
Our plans – Proverbs 19:21
Our schedule -
Our ego -
What does God desire?
Revelation 3:20 - “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open
the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
The Solution
Galatians 5:16 - So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing
what your sinful nature craves.
We must yield to/make room for the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ
in our hearts, we must allow/permit it to consume all of our capacity.
Conclusion
Gospel Artist Jonathan McReynolds penned a song in 2018 entitled “Make Room.”
The lyrics of the song are a plea from this man of God as he asks the Lord to
move/re-order, and remove those things that block God from being his priority. They
distract our focus/attention, rob us of our time and gifts. They separate us from God
by destroying intimacy. They stunt our spiritual growth/development. They hinder us
from reaching our destiny. for fulfilling the good works and purpose he planned for
us.
I find space for what I treasure. I make time for what I want.
I choose my priorities, and Jesus, you're my number one.
So, I will make room for you. I will prepare for two.
So you don't feel that you can't live here, please live in me.
The Holy Spirit: Power for Kingdom Living, Week 5
John M. Wallace, Jr., PhD
September 21, 2025
Sermon in a Sentence
The Holy Spirit’s presence and power enables the church to successfully fulfill its assignment—to
advance the Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God— the dynamic rule and reign of God, both present and future, where God's will is
done on earth [here] as it is in heaven [there], including peace, justice, righteousness, hope, healing, and
holistic well-being— (i.e., abundant life)
Matthew 6:9-10 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your
name,10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:33-34 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given
to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each
day has enough trouble of its own.
3 Key Kingdom Truths about the Church
The Church—the community of people for whom Christ died, who acknowledge Him as their Lord and
Savior, who live their lives under His authority, and who are empowered by His Spirit to advance the
Kingdom of God on the earth.
1. Christ followers are Citizens of the Kingdom of God
Colossians 1:13–14 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the
kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Ephesians 2:18-19 18 For through him [King Jesus] we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and
also members of his household.
Philippians 3:17-20 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you
have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you
before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their
destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set
on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the
Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will
transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
2. The Church is the Embassy of the Kingdom of God
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal
through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
1 Peter 2:9-12 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special
possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had
not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and
exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives
among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and
glorify God on the day he visits us.
3. The Holy Spirit Teaches How to Live as Citizens and Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God
John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you
all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not
speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to
pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
1 Corinthians 2:10–16 10 These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches
all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit
within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What
we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may
understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human
wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.14 The
person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers
them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to
merely human judgments,16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But
we have the mind of Christ. How do we live as citizens of the Kingdom
The Naturalization Oath of the Kingdom of God
Romans 10:9-10 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God
raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
The Holy Spirit: Power for Kingdom Living, Week 5
John M. Wallace, Jr., PhD
September 14, 2025
Sermon in a Sentence
The Holy Spirit’s presence and power enables the church to successfully fulfill its assignment—to
advance the Kingdom of God
Kingdom Key Terms
- The Kingdom of God— the dynamic rule and reign of God, both present and future, where God's will is done on earth [here] as it is in heaven [there], including peace, justice, righteousness, hope, healing, and holistic well-being— (i.e., abundant life).
- The Church—the community of people for whom Christ died, who acknowledge Him as their Lord and Savior, who live their lives under His authority, and who are empowered by His Spirit to advance the Kingdom of God on the earth.
- Stewardship – We acknowledge and honor God as the creator and owner of everything, and we faithfully manage all that He entrusts to us (e.g., our time, talents, treasures, bodies, relationships, the gospel) for His glory and the good of others.
- Worship – To wholeheartedly revere, honor, serve, obey, and ascribe worth to God individually and corporately through our words, our works (e.g., prayer, song, instruments, dance, etc.), and our walk—how we live our daily lives.
- Fellowship – To do life together with other members of the body of Christ—to develop deep, authentic, Spirit-filled familial relationships, where we encourage, support, care for, and bear one another’s burdens in unity and love.
- Ministry – To serve others in Jesus’ name and to use our time, talents, and treasures to demonstrate God’s love to them by meeting their spiritual, emotional, physical needs, and other needs in practical ways.
- Discipleship –To strive to be apprentices of Jesus, who learn from and about Him, who imitate His way of life, obey His word, follow the leading of His Spirit and invite others to follow us as we follow Him.
- Evangelism – To actively share the good news (gospel) of God’s Kingdom, to show and tell others who we were before Christ, how we came to Him, and how He has changed our lives, and to challenge them to repent of their sins, to receive God’s love and forgiveness, and to accept the Spirit’s invitation to receive Christ as their Savior, Lord, and King.
The Two Assignments of the Church
1. To Obey the Great Commandment—Love God and Love People
Luke 10:25-28 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked,
“what must I do to inherit eternal life?”26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read
it?”27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”28 “You have answered
correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
We Love God Through Worship
Psalm 100: 1-2 1Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before
him with joyful songs. Psalm 150: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
We Love God Through Stewardship
1 Chronicles 29:13-14 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?
Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
We Love People Through Fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good
deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one
another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
We Love people through ministry (service)
Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went
around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who
belong to the family of believers. Luke 6:27-28 27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
2. To Execute the Great Commission—Live Like Jesus through Evangelism and Discipleship
Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We Live like Jesus Through Evangelism
Mark 1:14-15 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of
God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the
good news!” Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
We Live Like Jesus Through Discipleship
1 John 2:3-6 3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I
know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if
anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in
him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
The Portrait of the Spirit-Empowered Church—They Loved God, Loved People, and Lived Like Jesus
Acts 2:42-47 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching [discipleship] and to fellowship, to
the breaking of bread and to prayer [worship]. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders
and signs performed by the apostles [ministry]. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in
common [fellowship]. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need
[stewardship]. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts [worship]. They broke
bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts [fellowship], 47 praising God
[worship] and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved [evangelism].
The Holy Spirit: Power for Kingdom Living, Week 4
John M. Wallace, Jr., PhD
September 7, 2025
Sermon in a Sentence
The Holy Spirit’s presence and power enables the church to successfully fulfill its
assignment—to advance the Kingdom of God
The Church—ekklesia
- an assembly of citizens gathered to make decisions for the community,
- the community of people who acknowledge Jesus as their Savior and King, who live under His
lordship and reign, and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to advance His Kingdom
Biblical Metaphors for the Church
Christ’s Body
Ephesians 1:15-23 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and
your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in
my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give
you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the
eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has
called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably
great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted
when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not
only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet
and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness
of him who fills everything in every way.
Christ’s Household and Temple
Ephesians 2:18-22 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s
people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is
joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being
built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Christ’s Bride
Ephesians 5:25-32 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just
as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall
leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32
This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
The Assignment of the Church
1. To obey the Great Commandment
Matthew 22:36-40 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”37 Jesus
replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Love God:
Worship—to bow down, to worship, to kiss toward, show homage, honor, to serve or offer,
revere, and to ascribe worth to God
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Stewardship—To acknowledge and honor God as the creator and owner of everything, and to
faithfully fulfill our responsibility to manage of all of life (our time, talents, bodies, resources,
relationships, the gospel, etc.) for His service.
1 Chronicles 29:13-14 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?
Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who
is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a
price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Love People
Matthew 22:36-40 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law
and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Fellowship—koinonia, deep spiritual partnership and sharing life, among believers
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and
wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
Ministry—diakonia, service, serving others in Christ’s name
Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he
went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God
was with him.
2. To execute the Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth
has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age.”
Live Like Jesus
Evangelism—to proclaim the good news of the gospel of the Kingdom, and challenge people to
repent and respond to the invitation to accept Christ as their Savior and Lord
Mark 1:14-15 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good
news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent
and believe the good news!”
Discipleship—to be an apprentice of Jesus Christ—to learn from and about him, to imitate his
way of life and to continue His mission by making other disciples
Acts 2:42-47 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and
signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in
common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day
they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate
together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Holy Spirit
Surrendered to the Holy Spirit
August 31, 2025
Sis. Lelia Broughton
Mind
• Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
• Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
• Ephesians 4:23 And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.
Soul
Mark 8:36 “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?” Matthew 10:28 do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Heart
• Proverbs 4:23Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
• Ephesians 6 says put on your breastplate to guard your heart.
• Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
How this works together
• Body: vessel → interacts with the world.
• Mind: processor → interprets information and forms beliefs.
• Soul: chooser → decides based on mind, emotions, or spirit.
• Spirit: connector → links us to God.
Holy Spirit: divine power source → brings life, clarity, and transformation to the whole being.
Surrender
When surrendered to the Holy Spirit, the order flows:
Spirit → Soul → Mind → Body.
When you are not surrendered, the order flips:
Body → Mind → Soul (while the spirit lies dormant)
1 Corinthians 2:9-14 “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the human heart, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.14 But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Disclaimer: Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We believe and teach that the Bible is God’s Word — His opinion — and provides His instruction for how to live life under His rule (i.e., the Kingdom of God).
