Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 1076B recorded on April 13, 1986 teaching from John 20:19-23; Acts 2:1-13 – Receive the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens emphasizes that receiving the Holy Spirit is a new beginning and the restoration of divine life, akin to God breathing life into Adam. He highlights that this isn’t merely an intellectual concept or a set of spiritual gifts, but an indwelling presence that empowers believers and transforms their lives from a state of enmity with God to one of divine connection. Pastor Stevens draws a parallel between Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit upon His disciples and the vibrant, undeniable manifestation of the Spirit seen at Pentecost, urging listeners to move beyond theoretical understanding to an active, undeniable experience of God’s presence, which centers on uplifting Jesus.