Spirit Led Movements - Movements to Jesus
Sermon June 15, 2025 John 16:12–15
Spirit Led Movements- Movements to Jesus!
Reverend Fred Okello
This morning feels like a lovely blend of things. We honor Fathers, the men in our lives who have guided, safeguarded, provided, and prayed for us. On the other hand, we come from days full of conference sessions, which were great times with other servants of the Lord, listening to sermons and testimonies that moved us and reminded us of how God is working in His church.
The topic of this year’s conference was “Conference in Three Movements-Movement of the Heart.” What I heard repeatedly as the Lord spoke through the speakers was that a lot of us are trapped in the past. We think back to how things used to be. “We used to have potlucks.” “Kids used to sit in the pews.” “There were choir festivals and community luncheons.” And yeah, those were great times.
But here’s something we often forget: those days were full of faithful United Methodist congregations. Yes, but many of the people who are now leading new churches and speaking out for new denominations were trained and developed in our churches. They are part of what we leave behind! The gospel doesn’t stay where it is; it moves, spreads, and multiplies.
Looking back can be tempting. However, we need to start working from the future, trusting in what God is still doing, aligning ourselves with His vision for the future, and getting the next generation of believers ready. The church is not done with the Holy Spirit. He is telling us not to go back to the past, but to go on with our mission.
Last Sunday we reflected on the amazing moment in Acts 2. This was a movement of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. The Holy Spirit falling on the disciples wasn’t for the public show, it was the power that Jesus said would. That power was the Spirit of Truth, the ability to tell right from wrong, and the ability for direction.
The Holy Spirit is more than just a feeling, friends. He is our supernatural Counselor and our Guide through the problems and risks of life. And I know this not just from the Bible, but also from experience.
Some years ago, after the elections in Kenya, there was bloodshed. People were killing one other, and many of them went into a church building in a panic. At that time, a relative called us, scared and not sure what to do. She asked if she should also run to the church for safety. We prayed and told her to stay in her house. Few moments later in tears, she told us that the church she had hoped to run had been burned down and all people dead! That was so horrible! And it left us wondering that a mere statement would make someone live or die!
The Holy Spirit leads us in every part of our lives. The Spirit leads us to what God wants us to do. He helps us grasp the Bible and figure out what’s good and wrong, which is extremely important in a world full of misunderstanding and false teaching.
The Spirit guides our hearts in prayer and worship, speaks for us when we don’t know what to say, and brings us closer to God. He also helps us make choices every day, like what to do for a living, how to deal with relationships, and how to manage our money and family.
The Spirit convicts us, helps us fight sin, and enhances our character with the fruit of the Spirit, including patience, kindness, and self-control, when we are tempted or in conflict. When we go through hard times, fear, or doubt, He offers us strength and peace, which helps us be good witnesses for Christ.
The Spirit shows us our God-given mission and calling, giving us the spiritual gifts we need to serve others and do our part in God’s kingdom. Knowing that He is guiding us in all of these areas gives us confidence because we know we are never alone and are being tenderly led by the Spirit of truth.
The Holy Spirit honors Christ by making Him known, honored, and loved in our lives and in our testimony. He achieves this by always bringing us back to Jesus, reminding us of what He taught, showing us who He is, and making us love Him more. As we grow in faith, the Spirit makes us more like Christ by making us humble, gracious, and truthful. This way, other people can recognize Jesus in how we act and think.
He also shows us the fullness of God and the riches of Christ by providing us access to divine understanding, spiritual talents, and the knowledge that God loves us and is always with us. The Spirit gives us the strength to walk in peace, hope, and holiness, showing the world the infinite grace of Christ, whether we are happy or sad. The Spirit makes us living examples of how rich God is—His mercy, strength, and purpose—so that others can see the glory of Christ alive in us.
Are you in a season of confusion or danger? Are you facing a difficult decision or emotional turmoil?
The Spirit of Truth is here to guide you. Trust Him. Ask Him. Follow Him.