Let’s Talk! Ep. 12 | How Do You Know It's the Holy Spirit?
How do you know when it's really the Holy Spirit leading you? And what happens when you actually listen?
In Episode 12 of Let's Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Brian Krum and Pastor Dawson Oquist to continue the conversation from Dr. Allen Tennison's message, "Why God Gives Us the Holy Spirit," as we begin our new series, MORE: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God.
A lot of Christians believe in the Holy Spirit but aren't always sure what His presence and power should look like in everyday life.
How do we recognize His voice? What if we've never experienced certain spiritual gifts? What if we're afraid to share our faith? And how do we know whether something is actually God's leading or simply our own thoughts?
Billy shares a powerful personal testimony about taking an unexpected route home, encountering a stranger named Chris at a Tesla charging station, and seeing God use a simple conversation to help someone return to Jesus after years away from faith.
Together, they explore spiritual gifts, learning to recognize the Holy Spirit's leading, overcoming fear, and what it means to be available to God in our workplaces, homes, neighborhoods, and relationships.
They also revisit Dr. Tennison's challenge that Jesus isn't simply the founder, figurehead, or mascot of our faith.
He's our King.
The Holy Spirit isn't given simply so we can experience more of God for ourselves. He empowers us to become more like Jesus and help others encounter Him.
Scripture: Acts 1:4-8, Acts 2:32-39, John 14:26, Galatians 5:22-25
Series: MORE | The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God
Weekend Message: Why God Gives Us the Holy Spirit | Dr. Allen Tennison
People's Church | Fresno, California
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection:
-Pastor Brian talked about how we often try to follow Jesus through our own strength. Where in your life are you currently relying more on yourself than on the Holy Spirit?
-Have you ever compared your spiritual experiences or gifts to someone else's? How might that comparison keep you from recognizing what God is already doing in your life?
-Billy shared how he felt the Holy Spirit prompting him to take a different route and speak to someone he had never met. Have you ever sensed God leading you to do something unexpected? How did you respond?
-What fears or insecurities make it difficult for you to share Jesus with others? What would change if you focused less on having the perfect words and more on being available to God?
-Dr. Tennison challenged us not to treat Jesus as merely the founder or mascot of our faith. Are there areas of your life where you talk about following Jesus but still make decisions without seeking His direction?
-Pastor Brian shared how he begins each morning by committing his day to God. What could change in your relationships, work, family, and daily decisions if you began each day intentionally inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you?
TAKE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS TEST:
https://spiritualgiftstest.com/
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
One Prayer. One Person. One Step.
Begin each morning by asking the Holy Spirit to make you aware of what He's doing around you.
Think of one person who needs the love and hope of Jesus.
Then take one step. Encourage them, listen to their story, offer to pray, or share what Jesus has done in your life.
You don't need to have every answer. Start by being available.
Take a moment to pray:
Holy Spirit, thank You that we don't have to follow Jesus through our own strength. Help us recognize Your leading, trust Your direction, and become more like Jesus in every area of our lives. Give us courage when we're afraid, humility when we're wrong, and eyes to see the people around us who need Your love. Make us aware of the opportunities You place before us, and help us respond with faith and obedience. May everything You do in and through us point people back to Jesus. Amen.
LINKS
Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org
Watch Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online
Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next