Dig Deeper - Sunday 8th June 2025
Sermon Reflection Questions - We Believe: Exploring the Nicene Creed - The Holy Spirit
John 14:16-17
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 8th June service:
This Pentecost Sunday marks the beginning of our new sermon series, We Believe, which explores the Nicene Creed—an ancient declaration of Christian faith written 1,700 years ago. While not often said in our 10:30am service, the creed is a foundational statement used across global Christianity that unites us with believers past and present. More than words, the Creed is a bold, shared affirmation of who God is: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Today we focus on the Holy Spirit, beginning with the Creed’s words: “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life…”
First, the Holy Spirit is Lord. He’s not an optional extra or divine sidekick, but God himself—equal in majesty with the Father and the Son. At Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out not as an abstract idea but as God’s real and powerful presence, dwelling in our hearts. That means we are never alone—he is with us always, guiding, empowering, and comforting.
Second, the Holy Spirit is the giver of life. He is the breath of God who brings renewal and spiritual vitality. Like CPR breathes life into someone physically, the Spirit revives us when we are weary or dry. From the creation of Adam to Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones, and to the terrified disciples at Pentecost, the Spirit brings hope, power, and transformation.
Third, the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. He is not random or distant, but sent from the heart of the Trinity. The Spirit is God’s way of staying present with us—not just beside us, but within us. He draws us into relationship with the Father and Son, like being invited into a team huddle where we are welcomed and known.
Fourth, the Holy Spirit is worshipped and glorified. Sometimes forgotten in our worship, the Spirit is just as worthy of praise. He enables our worship, helps us pray, and ignites our joy. Without him, our worship would be like a car without fuel—beautiful on the outside but going nowhere. He brings it to life and connects us to the heart of God.
Fifth, the Holy Spirit has spoken through the prophets—and still speaks today. Through Scripture, prayer, and even through one another, the Spirit communicates God’s truth. When we listen and respond, we are transformed. The Spirit prompts love, joy, peace, and the fruit of God’s character in us.
In a world full of appearances and illusions—like the holograms of ABBA Voyage—what we truly long for is not something that looks real, but God’s actual presence. And the Holy Spirit is that presence. He is real, he is here, and he is for us.
So, as we begin this series and celebrate Pentecost, we are invited to believe that the Holy Spirit is real, to receive him as a gift, and to live as people who are alive in him.
Discussion Questions to reflect on:
Which part of the Nicene Creed's description of the Spirit resonates most with you—and why?
What do you think it means practically to call the Holy Spirit “Lord” in your life?
Where in your life do you long for the Spirit to bring fresh life or renewal?
How have you experienced the Spirit’s presence personally or in community?
In what ways do you find it hard to recognise the Spirit's activity?
How can the Church today be more open to the Spirit's leading, especially in mission?
What barriers might be stopping you from surrendering more fully to the Spirit?
How can we grow in both listening to and obeying the Spirit?
Closing Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people
All: and kindle in us the fire of your love.
All who are led by the Spirit of God
are children of God and fellow-heirs with Christ.
All: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people.
Renew the face of your creation, Lord,
pouring on us the gifts of your Spirit,
All: and kindle in us the fire of your love.
For the creation waits with eager longing
for the glorious liberty of the children of God.
All: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people
and kindle in us the fire of your love. Amen
