Teaching summary
In "Led by the Spirit," Pastor Chris Scarinzi unpacks what it truly means to be a son of God by being led by His Spirit. He distinguishes between the Spirit within for salvation and the Spirit upon for empowerment. The message highlights humanity’s spiritual origin, fall, and restoration through Jesus, emphasizing that eternity is embedded in our hearts. Pastor Chris challenges common theological misinterpretations and encourages believers to recognize their divine nature and walk in the reality of God’s indwelling Spirit. This teaching is a call to rediscover the original image and purpose God intended for His children.
Bible verses referenced
Romans 8:14- "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
Ecclesiastes 3:11- "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
Mark 11:23- "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."
Genesis 1:26- "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and the cattle, and all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."
Genesis 2:16- "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat."
Genesis 3:22- "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever."
Acts 2:1 2- "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting."
Colossians 1:27- "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction by Pastor Leonard Rola
- Sons Are Led by the Spirit
- Understanding God’s Spirit and Nature
- The Spirit Within vs. The Spirit Upon
- Eternity Is in Our Hearts
- The Garden, the Fall, and False Imagery
- Redemptive Mercy and the Tree of Life
- Religion vs. Restoration
- Acts 2 and the Puzzle of the Kingdom
- Christ in You: Manifesting the Eternal
Introduction by Pastor Leonard Rola
Pastor Leonard Rola introduces Pastor Chris Scarinzi as a longtime friend, mentor, and apostolic leader of United With Christ International. He explains that Pastor Chris is well-known across the U.S. and the world, and that he will be visiting New Life Church soon. To give the congregation a preview of his ministry, Pastor Leonard plays a recent teaching from Pastor Chris.
Sons Are Led by the Spirit
Pastor Chris opens with Romans 8:14:
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
He explains that being led by the Spirit is the defining trait of a true child of God. This doesn’t mean momentary perfection, but a life consistently directed by God's Spirit. Even when we stumble, if we continue to follow the Spirit, we remain sons. The direction of our life matters more than isolated mistakes.
Understanding God’s Spirit and Nature
He addresses common misunderstandings of the Holy Spirit, including false mental images from Genesis. The Spirit hovering over the waters in Genesis is not separate from God; it is His very nature. Pastor Chris compares this to describing a dog’s spirit—not a separate being, but its temperament. Similarly, the Spirit of God is God’s nature actively working. He explains that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are unified in purpose and being.
The Spirit Within vs. The Spirit Upon
All who are born again have the Spirit within them—this is how salvation happens. But there is a second work: the Spirit upon. Jesus, though sinless, did no miracles until the Spirit came upon Him at the Jordan River. Pastor Chris draws attention to Mark 11:23:
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed… he shall have whatsoever he saith."
He encourages believers to believe that the Spirit upon them gives power to move mountains, just as Jesus said.
Eternity Is in Our Hearts
Quoting Ecclesiastes 3:11,
"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart…",
Pastor Chris illustrates how the eternal is placed inside humans—not in the earth, sky, or universe. This eternal capacity is why God desires to dwell within man rather than in temples made with hands. Understanding this truth shifts believers from begging God to realizing His Spirit already resides in them.
The Garden, the Fall, and False Imagery
Genesis 1:26 says:
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…"
Humanity was made in God's image and likeness—not inferior, but like Him. Pastor Chris critiques how Western art has distorted our image of God and ourselves, citing Michelangelo’s depictions. He emphasizes that mistranslations and cultural overlays have altered how people see the Father.
Redemptive Mercy and the Tree of Life
God's command in Genesis 2:16:
"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:"
is contrasted with the command not to eat from the tree of knowledge. The issue wasn’t fruit—it was alternate knowledge. The fall separated man from his eternal nature.
Genesis 3:22 says:
"And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil…"
God expelled man from Eden not in anger, but mercy—to prevent him from living forever in a fallen state.
Religion vs. Restoration
After the fall, man hid behind fig leaves—creating religion to cover sin instead of seeking restoration. Pastor Chris compares this to the torn veil in the temple that was sewn back up by religious leaders. Despite God's invitation into intimacy, many still try to maintain outer appearances instead of welcoming inner transformation.
Acts 2 and the Puzzle of the Kingdom
Reading from Acts 2,
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come… it filled all the house where they were sitting.",
he shows how the Spirit came to unify and empower. Pastor Chris compares theology to puzzle pieces: worship, evangelism, prayer. Each is true but incomplete alone. Apostolic leadership helps put the full picture together—revealing that God's true aim is relationship and partnership with His lineage.
Christ in You: Manifesting the Eternal
Quoting Colossians 1:27,
"To whom God would make known… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"
Pastor Chris calls believers to stop identifying with what others have spoken over them and start agreeing with what God says about them. He illustrates how Gideon rose from hiding to deliverance by finally believing God’s word. The Spirit restores connection with the eternal and empowers believers to fulfill their divine purpose.
We hope this article blessed you. Pastor Chris Scarinzi's message calls us back to our true identity as sons and daughters led by the Spirit of God. May you be reminded of the eternity placed within your heart and the power upon you to fulfill your calling. Share this teaching with others who need to hear that they are not ordinary—they are filled with the eternal Spirit of God.