Why Should You Go All In At Hope? 1. Transforming Lives By The Power Of The Holy Spirit Acts 1:4-5 The gift God the Father promised (Joel 2:28–29; Mt 3:11) is baptism in the Holy Spirit. The fulfillment of that promise is described as being “filled with the Holy Spirit.”  This means that being “baptized in the Spirit” and “filled with the Spirit” are sometimes used in place of one another in Acts. However, not every reference to being filled with the Spirit speaks of baptism in the Holy Spirit.  This baptism in the Holy Spirit is not the same as receiving the Holy Spirit, which happens at the point when a person accepts Christ’s forgiveness, yields his or her life to him, and becomes spiritually “saved.” God’s desire is for you to be filled with his Spirit. Many of us stop at being saved, and we miss out on the fullness of God’s promise. We miss out because we consider it strange, and we let some strange experiences or negative things people have said about it dictate how we view it. 2. Growing Individuals In A Deeper Walk With God Acts 2:42-43 Many churches today desire to pattern themselves after the NT church in hopes of experiencing the same power, growth, and effectiveness that it had. This passage gives a general overview of what allowed the NT church to experience God’s miraculous power and consistent growth. Remarkably, these things were quite plain and practical. (1) Apostles’ Teaching: The first Christians were deeply devoted to Christ’s message. Therefore, they paid close attention to those Jesus had directly commissioned to deliver his original message and establish the church. Some of these teachings later became a part of our NT Scriptures. (2) Fellowship: Not only were Christ’s followers in the early church devoted to their primary relationship with God, but they were also committed to building open, honest, and spiritually encouraging relationships with God’s people. They spent much time together and depended on one another. They were unified in love and purpose. They were a relationship-building church. (3) Breaking of Bread: This common expression in Acts and the early church has several applications. It could refer simply to sharing meals in one another’s homes. It could also refer to the agape love meal or the Lord’s Supper (i.e., communion). This was simply a means of expressing thankfulness toward God and each other. They enjoyed each other’s company and were a caring and sharing community. They were people of gratitude and hospitality. (4) Prayer: Prayer was a high priority and a significant part of life for the early church. In Acts, where there is much prayer, there is much activity of the Holy Spirit, and where there is much activity of the Holy Spirit, there is much prayer.  3. Reaching Our Community With The Love Of God Acts 2:44-47  As a result of the Christian disciplines mentioned above, the early church experienced the following powerful and effective ministry results: (1) Miraculous Signs and Wonders: Miracles were an important aspect of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit among God’s people. These supernatural signs often accompanied their mission to spread Christ’s message to those who did not know him. (2) Community and Generosity: God created people to function and thrive in a community environment—in the right relationship with him and others. The early church in Jerusalem experienced a sense of community and purpose experienced by only a few people on the earth. They practiced selfless generosity by sharing their possessions and caring for one another’s practical needs. Their actions showed their love and gratitude to God. (3) Growth and Discipleship: As a result of the early Christians’ faithful devotion to Christ and one another, God honored and blessed them with spiritual and numerical growth. People were coming to know Jesus, growing in their faith, and becoming active participants in the church. They actively and effectively fulfilled Christ’s Great Commission to “go and make disciples.” Will you go ALL IN? All in with your Giving?  All in with your serving?  All in your connection points?