Sermon Notes:

‘A New Thing’ Series.

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19, NLT)

The Great Awakening and its results.

“Western society and its breakdown can only really be saved through another Great Awakening.”

Acts 1 describes the first Great Awakening.

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.

Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. (Acts 2:1–4, NLT)

What did the first Revival look like?

It began with seeking the Holy Spirit.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4–5, NLT)

Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is not an it.

He is co-equal with the Father and the Son.

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. (1 John 5:7, NKJV)

He is the source of spiritual power.

But as for me, I am filled with power— with the Spirit of the LORD. (Micah 3:8a, NLT)

He is everywhere present.

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! (Psalm 139:7, NLT)

He convicts of sin.

And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. (John 16:8, NLT)

He gives new life.

Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. (John 3:6, NLT)

So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3:7, NLT)

He dwells in you.

And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us. (1 John 3:24b, NLT)

He produces fruit in you.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22–23, NLT)

He gives you victory.

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:2, NLT)

He exalts Christ in you.

“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. (John 15:26, NLT)

Why do I both want and not want the Holy Spirit?

You can lie to the Holy Spirit.

See Acts 5.

You can resist the Holy Spirit.

“You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! (Acts 7:51, NLT)

You can blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. (Matthew 12:30, NLT)

“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. (Matthew 12:31, NLT)

Holy Spirit has the power you need.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NLT)

What if the next great revival starts with you?

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19, NLT)

What if the new thing you are craving in your life begins with a simple prayer, “Come Holy Spirit, help me.”

“But, dear family of Jacob, you refuse to ask for my help. (Isaiah 43:22a, NLT)

Four questions to ask yourself as you begin 2026.

Can you let go of the past?

Do you believe God has already begun it?

Can you see it?

Are you ready to embrace it?