Pastor Allen Victor presented a message titled “Complete Reliance on the Holy Spirit” as part of The Afterglow series. He began by addressing the familiar statement that Christianity is a crutch for the weak, agreeing that we are all weak and broken and explaining that recognizing our weakness was the beginning of wisdom. Rather than relying on our own strength, understanding, or abilities, we needed to depend completely on the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent to be our Helper.

Pastor Allen explained the person and the work of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that He was not simply a force, a feeling, a vibe, or something to be harnessed for our personal benefit. The Holy Spirit was the third Person of the Trinity, fully God, possessing the same divine attributes as the Father and the Son. He demonstrated that the Holy Spirit had a personality, a will, and the ability to be grieved, and that Scripture clearly identified Him as God.

He then examined the work of the Holy Spirit in the world and in the lives of believers. Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, convince people of their need for Jesus, and bring about the transformation that took place when someone was born again. The Holy Spirit changed us from darkness into light and continually conformed us into the image of Christ.

Pastor Allen also described several important ways the Holy Spirit worked in the believer’s life. As our Helper and Advocate, He came alongside us, strengthened us in our weaknesses, and spoke on our behalf. He encouraged us not to become consumed with defending ourselves or responding to those who mistreated us, but instead to trust the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to work. As our Friend, He reminded us that we were never truly alone, even during difficult and painful circumstances. As our Teacher, He guided us into all truth, helping us understand God’s Word and discover the truths He wanted us to learn.

He further explained how the Holy Spirit supported us when we did not even know how to pray, interceding for us when our burdens were too great for words. As our Gardener, He gradually developed the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Through everyday circumstances, the Holy Spirit convicted Pastor Allen of areas where he needed to grow, reminding him that becoming more like Jesus required obedience and a willingness to be changed.

The message also addressed the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that these gifts were still available to believers today. The Holy Spirit could use us to bring healing, provide words of knowledge, encourage others, and minister to one another according to His will.

Pastor Allen concluded by challenging us to stop relying on ourselves, our own understanding, and our own

strength. Instead, we were to trust the Lord, depend on the Holy Spirit, and be willing to respond when He prompted us to speak, pray, or minister to someone. Our weakness was not something to be ashamed of because God’s strength was made perfect in our weakness. We were called to empty ourselves of ourselves, be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to work both in us and through us to impact the lives of others.

This message reminded us that complete reliance on the Holy Spirit was essential to our Christian walk. We were not expected to accomplish God’s work through our own abilities but were invited to depend on the Helper whom the Lord had given us. This message was presented at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor.

Scripture References: John 14:15-26; Genesis 1:1-2; Acts 5:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:30; John 16:5-11; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22-23; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 12:9.

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