The Forgotten God

Sermon Summary: This sermon addresses the often-overlooked role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. While believers affirm the Holy Spirit theologically, many fail to live in daily dependence on Him. Drawing from Francis Chan's concept of the "forgotten God," the message emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is essential, not optional, to Christian living. Jesus came not to improve us through behavior modification but to transform us through spiritual resurrection. The Christian life cannot be sustained through human willpower and discipline alone—it requires supernatural power. True Christianity means surrendering control to Christ and walking in intimate dependence on the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live the impossible supernatural life that Jesus calls us to.

Key Points:

- The Holy Spirit is often treated as optional or supplemental rather than essential to Christian living

- Jesus came to set captives free and transform hearts, not merely to improve behavior or make people more religious

- Many believers add Jesus to their lifestyle rather than surrendering complete control to Him

- The Christian life cannot be lived through human strength, willpower, or discipline alone

- Human strength can modify behavior temporarily, but only the Spirit can transform the heart

- Many believers are exhausted because they attempt supernatural living with natural strength

- Walking in the Spirit means intentional surrender and companionship, not mystical experience

- The process involves confession of self-reliance, surrender of control, and welcoming God's presence

- The Holy Spirit doesn't broadcast Himself but reflects Jesus and produces genuine love in believers

- The goal is not information or teaching but intimacy and encounter with God

Scripture Reference:

- Zechariah 4:2-7 (primary text about the lampstand vision and "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit")

- Luke 4:18-19 (Jesus' mission statement about bringing freedom to captives and sight to the blind)

- Romans 8:8 ("Those who are in the flesh cannot please God")

- John 14:16-18 (Jesus promising the Holy Spirit as Advocate who will never leave)

- Galatians 5:16 (walking in the Spirit to avoid fulfilling desires of the flesh)

Stories:

- Personal anecdote about communication challenges in the pastor's trilingual household, specifically the humorous "happy cookie" (fortune cookie) conversation with his wife, illustrating the importance of clear communication

- Reference to Star Wars and Obi-Wan's surrender as an interesting parallel to spiritual surrender

- Mention of writing a song using AI with the lyric "God didn't make bad men better, He made dead men alive"

- The worship song "Set My Spirit Free" sung as a prayer of surrender at the conclusion