11.3 Holy Spirit

🔹 Story 1: The Holy Spirit at Creation

Main Characters: God (Trinity), Holy Spirit
Story Summary: In the beginning, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters during creation, actively participating in the formation of the world.
Key Verses: Genesis 1:1–2
Theme Connection: The Holy Spirit is eternal and active from the very beginning—bringing order, life, and divine presence.

🔹 Story 2: The Spirit Empowered Bezalel for Artistic Work

Main Characters: Bezalel, Moses, Holy Spirit
Story Summary: God filled Bezalel with the Spirit to skilfully craft the tabernacle and its furnishings—an early example of the Spirit empowering someone for creative excellence.
Key Verses: Exodus 31:1–5
Theme Connection: The Holy Spirit equips people not just for preaching or miracles—but for all work done unto the Lord.

🔹 Story 3: The Spirit Came Powerfully Upon the Judges

Main Characters: Othniel, Gideon, Samson
Story Summary: In Israel’s early history, the Spirit came upon judges like Othniel, Gideon, and Samson, giving them strength, boldness, and leadership in times of crisis.
Key Verses: Judges 3:10; 6:34; 14:6
Theme Connection: The Spirit empowers ordinary people for extraordinary missions when God raises them up.

🔹 Story 4: The Spirit Inspired Prophets to Speak God’s Word

Main Characters: Isaiah, Ezekiel, other prophets
Story Summary: The Spirit of the Lord came upon prophets, giving them visions, messages, and boldness to confront kings, call for repentance, and reveal God’s plans.
Key Verses: Isaiah 61:1; Ezekiel 2:1–2
Theme Connection: The Holy Spirit speaks God’s truth with clarity, authority, and purpose—even in hostile times.

🔹 Story 5: Jesus Was Anointed by the Holy Spirit

Main Characters: Jesus, Holy Spirit, John the Baptist
Story Summary: After Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit descended on Him like a dove, anointing Him for His public ministry of teaching, healing, and casting out demons.
Key Verses: Matthew 3:16–17; Luke 4:1, 18–19
Theme Connection: Jesus ministered in the power of the Spirit, modelling Spirit-filled life for every believer.

🔹 Story 6: Pentecost – The Spirit Filled the Church

Main Characters: Holy Spirit, apostles, early believers
Story Summary: On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on the apostles, enabling them to speak in tongues and preach boldly, leading to thousands being saved.
Key Verses: Acts 2:1–4, 14–41
Theme Connection: The Spirit empowers the church for witness, unity, and supernatural ministry across all nations.

🔹 Story 7: The Spirit Guided Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch

Main Characters: Philip, Holy Spirit, Ethiopian eunuch
Story Summary: The Spirit told Philip to approach a chariot on a desert road, leading to the conversion and baptism of an Ethiopian official.
Key Verses: Acts 8:26–39
Theme Connection: The Holy Spirit leads believers to divine appointments, making the Gospel personal and powerful.

🔹 Story 8: The Spirit Transformed Saul into Paul

Main Characters: Saul (Paul), Ananias, Holy Spirit
Story Summary: After encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul was filled with the Spirit and immediately began preaching about Christ—becoming the apostle Paul.
Key Verses: Acts 9:17–20
Theme Connection: The Holy Spirit changes hearts, renews purpose, and empowers former enemies to become bold witnesses.

🔹 Story 9: The Spirit Gave Spiritual Gifts to the Church

Main Characters: Early believers, Paul
Story Summary: The Spirit distributes various gifts to believers—wisdom, healing, prophecy, tongues—for the building up of the body of Christ.
Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4–11
Theme Connection: The Holy Spirit equips every believer uniquely for service, unity, and edification in the church.

🔹 Story 10: The Spirit Bears Fruit in Believers’ Lives

Main Characters: Paul (teacher), church members
Story Summary: Paul taught that those who walk by the Spirit will bear spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, and more—that reflects the character of Christ.
Key Verses: Galatians 5:22–25
Theme Connection: The presence of the Spirit leads to transformed character and godly living that honours Christ.


🔹 Key Bible Passages for the Theme

  • Genesis 1:1–2
  • Exodus 31:1–5
  • Judges 3:10; 6:34; 14:6
  • Isaiah 61:1
  • Ezekiel 2:1–2
  • Matthew 3:16–17
  • Acts 2:1–4
  • Acts 8:26–39
  • Acts 9:17–20
  • 1 Corinthians 12:4–11
  • Galatians 5:22–25
  • Romans 8:9–16
  • John 14:16–17
  • Titus 3:5–6

The Holy Spirit is not just a force but the living presence of God, actively working in creation, in Christ, and now within every believer to guide, empower, convict, comfort, and transform.