I Believe in the Holy Spirit

Discussion Guide

October 25, 2026

Summary

This sermon focuses on the third section of the Apostles' Creed, beginning with "I believe in the Holy Spirit." The pastor unpacks what it means to believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. He clarifies that the word "Catholic" in the creed comes from a Greek word meaning "according to the whole," referring to the universal church of all Jesus followers, not the Roman Catholic institution. The core idea is that the Holy Spirit unites all disciples of Jesus into one family, empowers them to live out Christ's mission, and draws more people into God's family.

JMT draws from Acts 2 to show that the clearest evidence of Jesus being risen and reigning as Lord is the existence of a Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered church on earth. He challenges believers to examine whether their lives reflect genuine loyalty to Jesus, expressed through loving his people and inviting others into His family. The sermon also touches on the communion of saints as a call to intentional, humble community with other believers, and reminds the congregation that followers of Jesus are a forgiven family of forgivers who proclaim victory over death because of Christ's resurrection.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you today as your people, grateful for the gift of your Holy Spirit who unites us and empowers us. As we open your Word together, we ask that you would quiet our hearts and minds. Remove any distractions, any pride, or any preconceived ideas that might keep us from hearing what you want to say to us today. Holy Spirit, move among us in this group. Draw us closer to you and to one another. May this time together not simply be an exchange of ideas, but a genuine encounter with you. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our risen and reigning Lord. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one word you would use to describe your experience of Christian community, and why did that word come to mind?

Key Verses

  • Acts 2:32-38
  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • John 10:14-16
  • Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Questions

  • In Acts 2, Peter preaches that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is evidence that Jesus is risen and reigning.
    • What do you think it looks like today for a local church to be clear evidence that Jesus is Lord?
  • JMT described the church as 'a forgiven family of forgivers.'
    • How does receiving God's forgiveness personally shape the way you extend forgiveness to others in your church community?
  • Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers, yet the church has experienced many divisions throughout history.
    • What do you think are the biggest barriers to unity among believers today, and what can we do about them?
  • JMT said the Holy Spirit is 'transforming people to be the family of Jesus and drawing more people into Jesus' family.'
    • In what practical ways are you personally participating in what the Spirit is doing?
  • The communion of saints calls us to build and maintain real relationships with other believers.
    • What makes that difficult in your own life, and what steps could you take to invest more deeply in your church community?
  • The sermon emphasized that eternal life is an embodied, resurrected life in the new creation, not a disembodied existence.
    • How does that understanding of resurrection hope affect the way you live and face hardship today?
  • JMT asked, 'If you're not following him, why do you call him Lord?' That is a challenging question.
    • What is one area of your life where you sense the Holy Spirit calling you to more fully align your actions with your confession of faith?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your church community with whom you can intentionally invest time and build a deeper relationship. Reach out to them, share a meal, have a conversation, or simply pray together. Also, look for one opportunity to invite someone outside the church into a conversation about Jesus. These two actions reflect what the Holy Spirit is doing: building up the family of Jesus and drawing more people into it. Come back next week ready to share what happened.

Key Takeaways

  • The Holy Spirit unites all followers of Jesus into one universal church, and the word 'Catholic' in the Apostles' Creed simply means 'universal' or 'according to the whole,' not a reference to the Roman Catholic institution.
  • The clearest evidence that Jesus is risen and reigning as Lord is the existence of a Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered church actively following Him on earth.
  • The communion of saints is a call to intentional, humble, and ongoing community with other believers, rising to the level of who the Spirit has made us to be in Christ.
  • Followers of Jesus are a forgiven family of forgivers who also proclaim victory over death because Christ conquered the grave and promises resurrection to all who belong to Him.
  • The work of the Holy Spirit today is to transform people into the family of Jesus and to draw more people into that family, and every believer is called to participate in that mission.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for this time together around your Word. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who unites us, empowers us, and reminds us that we are not alone. As we leave this place, help us to carry with us a deeper commitment to your church, to one another, and to the mission you have given us. Where we have been slow to forgive, give us grace. Where we have been reluctant to invite others into your family, give us courage. Where we have been content to call you Lord without truly following you, convict us and change us. May our lives be clear evidence that you are risen and reigning. We ask this together in your name. Amen.