This Sunday at True North we continued At the Core with A Spirit-Empowered Church. We saw that Pentecost wasn’t a one-time event—it launched a movement for today. Jesus saves us, calls us to water baptism, and baptizes us in the Holy Spirit to live on mission. Join us this Sunday as we seek the Spirit’s presence and power for everyday life.

+ Share a moment when you sensed the Holy Spirit’s help in everyday life.
+ What’s your baptism story (salvation, water, or Spirit)?
+ If you could ask the Holy Spirit one question today, what would it be?

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.

Acts 2:1–4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:38–39
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.”

Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:17
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:43–48
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts 19:1–6
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied.
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Galatians 5:22–25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Jesus saves, baptizes in water, and baptizes in the Holy Spirit—so we can live holy, empowered, missional lives.

Pastor taught that True North is a Spirit-Empowered Church—built not on charisma or strategy but on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost (Acts 2) is not a relic; it launched a movement that continues today. “Pentecostal” means substance over style: the Spirit fills believers for witness, not for hype.

Scripture reveals a consistent pattern of three baptisms in the believer’s journey. Baptism into Christ (Salvation): by the Spirit we are placed into Jesus’ Body (1 Corinthians 12:13); we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Baptism in Water (Obedience): we publicly identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Acts 2:38). It’s a line in the sand—outward sign of an inward covenant. Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Empowerment): Jesus promised power to witness (Acts 1:8). In Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19 believers are filled with the Spirit; tongues frequently appear as the initial evidence. The pattern is clear: salvation, water, empowerment.

The message emphasized that the gifts of the Spirit are for today and the fruit of the Spirit shapes who we are. We need both—power with character. Being Spirit-filled looks like bold, Christ-centered witness from Monday to Friday; Sunday is a sending ground. 

+ What part of Pentecost (substance over style) challenged or freed you?
+ Where do you see the three baptisms pattern in Acts, and why does it matter?
+ Have you been water baptized since believing? What’s your next step?
+ What fears or misconceptions about Spirit baptism do you want to surrender?
+ Where do you most need the Spirit’s power to be a witness this week?
 + How do gifts and fruit together shape a healthy Spirit-filled life?
+ What testimony could you share of the Spirit helping you in daily life?

Choose one:
+ schedule water baptism;
+ seek to be baptized in the Holy Spirit;
+ share Jesus with one person this week and pray with them.

+ Salvation, baptism, and Spirit-baptism responses.
+ Fresh filling of the Holy Spirit for bold witness.
+ Growth in both gifts and fruit.
+ Unity and expectancy across True North.

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