POWER FOR ALL

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Seeking the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
2. Truth Produces Freedom
3. Looking Back at Titus 3
4. Discovering the Power Hidden in One Verse
5. "He Generously Poured Out the Spirit"
6. What Does "Poured Out" Really Mean?
7. Living as Those Led by the Holy Spirit
8. Awareness Instead of Striving
9. Jesus as the Example of Spirit-Led Living
10. Bringing the Holy Spirit into Everyday Life
11. Choosing Scripture Over Feelings
12. Closing Encouragement

Introduction: Seeking the Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Pastor Leonard opens the teaching by warmly greeting the audience alongside Pastor Lori and expressing how grateful they are for another opportunity to minister God's Word. He describes it as a privilege to spend time with those watching and an even greater privilege to share the truth of Scripture. Before discussing the day's topic, he explains that every message begins long before the camera starts recording. He and Pastor Lori intentionally spend time praying and seeking the Holy Spirit's direction so that what they share will not be merely personal opinions or human ideas.

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that their purpose in teaching is never to elevate themselves. They desire to exalt God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit by faithfully presenting the truth found in Scripture. He explains that only God's truth has the power to transform lives, and because of that, they strive to ensure every message is led by the Holy Spirit rather than by personal preference or tradition.

Truth Produces Freedom

Having established the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Leonard reminds the audience that Jesus connected truth with freedom. The goal of biblical teaching is not simply to increase knowledge or provide interesting information. Rather, it is to bring believers into the freedom that Jesus Himself promised.

He quotes Jesus' words:

John 8:32- "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Pastor Leonard explains that freedom comes from knowing and believing God's truth. As believers grow in their understanding of what God has accomplished through Christ, they experience greater liberty from fear, guilt, condemnation, and religious striving. He immediately reinforces this promise by recalling another statement made by Jesus.

John 8:36- "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

He explains that this is the freedom both he and Pastor Lori desire—not only for everyone listening but also for themselves. Their goal is to continually share Holy Spirit-inspired truths so that they, along with every believer, may increasingly experience the abundant life and freedom that Jesus came to provide.

Looking Back at Titus 3

Pastor Leonard explains that today's teaching serves as an extension of the previous Sunday's message. He notes that there is only so much that can be covered during a single sermon, and often the Holy Spirit continues revealing additional insight after the message has been delivered. He encourages viewers who may have missed Sunday's teaching to go back and listen to it because it provides the foundation for everything being discussed today. The previous message focused on Titus chapter 3, specifically verses 3 through 7, where the Apostle Paul describes God's mercy, kindness, compassion, and love toward sinners. Pastor Leonard briefly reviews the passage by reminding listeners that salvation is completely the work of God. Humanity was not saved because of righteous deeds or religious effort but because of God's mercy. Righteousness is presented as a gift that comes entirely through God's grace.

He then reads the foundational passage again.

Titus 3:3–7- "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Pastor Leonard explains that Sunday's message centered on God's mercy, forgiveness, righteousness apart from works, and the gracious gift of salvation. However, while preparing that sermon, one particular statement within this passage continued to capture his attention in a way it never had before.

Discovering the Power Hidden in One Verse

As Pastor Leonard continued studying Titus 3 after finishing his sermon preparation, one verse repeatedly drew his attention. He describes it as a verse that seemed to "jump out" at him while reading the passage. The wording was so striking that after completing his preparation, he returned to examine it more closely. His immediate response was one of amazement. He wondered whether what he was reading could really mean what it appeared to say. Rather than assuming his first impression was correct, he carefully verified the wording by comparing approximately twenty different Bible translations.

To his surprise, every translation communicated the same essential truth. That confirmation convinced him that this was not merely an unusual translation choice but an intentional statement made by the Apostle Paul. Pastor Leonard then shares the conclusion that settled in his heart: if Scripture truly declares this reality, then he wants that truth to become active in his own life. He expresses the desire for both himself and Pastor Lori to experience this truth personally and for every believer listening to experience it as well.

%22He Generously Poured Out the Spirit%22

As Pastor Leonard continues the teaching, he explains that while Sunday's message focused primarily on God's mercy, forgiveness, and righteousness apart from works, one particular phrase from Titus 3 continued to capture his attention long after his sermon preparation was complete. Although he had briefly mentioned the verse during Sunday's message, he realized he had moved past it too quickly. He turns to Pastor Lori and asks her to read Titus 3:6 from the New Living Translation because of the way it expresses Paul's thought. As she reads, one phrase becomes the center of the entire teaching:

"He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Pastor Leonard immediately begins repeating the phrase.
"Poured out."
Then he says it again.
"Poured out."
The repetition is intentional. He wants everyone listening to stop and truly think about what Paul is saying. He explains that even the words "poured out" alone would describe an abundant gift. Yet the translation adds another descriptive word—"generously."
He pauses on that word.
"Generously poured out."

To him, that wording paints a picture of abundance rather than limitation. It is not the image of God giving only a small measure of His Spirit. Instead, Paul describes God lavishing His Spirit upon believers through Jesus Christ. Returning to the King James Version, the passage reads:

Titus 3:3–7- "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Pastor Leonard points out that while the New Living Translation says "generously poured out," the King James Version declares that God "shed on us abundantly" the Holy Ghost through Jesus Christ. Although the wording differs slightly, the truth remains the same. God did not reluctantly give His Spirit. He abundantly gave Him through Christ. He emphasizes that this is not a future promise. Paul is not saying that God will someday pour out His Spirit if believers become worthy enough. Instead, the verse speaks of something that has already taken place. It is a completed act accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Leonard begins repeating the phrase. "It has been poured out upon us."
"Poured out upon us." "There is no doubt about it." If Scripture says this is true, then believers can confidently embrace it as a present reality rather than continually wondering whether they have received enough of the Holy Spirit.

What Does %22Poured Out%22 Really Mean?

Pastor Leonard now slows the conversation even further. Rather than simply accepting the words at face value, he asks an important question. "What does poured mean?"
Pastor Lori answers by sharing the definitions she discovered while studying the original Greek word. She explains that the word carries the idea of:

• To pour forth.
• To bestow.
• To gush.

As she reads these definitions, Pastor Leonard immediately focuses on the word "gush."
"Gush."
"Gushed out."

The imagery captures his attention because it communicates abundance. A gush is not slow or hesitant. It overflows. It pours freely. Another definition she mentions also stands out to him—the idea of something being abundantly bestowed. Together, these definitions reinforce what Paul has already communicated in Titus 3: God has not been stingy with the Holy Spirit. His gift has been lavish and overflowing.

Pastor Leonard begins applying this personally. If God has truly poured out His Spirit in this manner, then that truth should affect the way believers live every day. He says that he wants this reality to operate in his own life. He wants to walk in the fullness of what God has already provided. He wants to live under the leadership of the Holy Spirit rather than merely believing that the Holy Spirit exists. This becomes one of the central ideas of the message. The issue is no longer whether God has given His Spirit. According to Scripture, He has. The challenge is learning to live in conscious dependence upon the One who has already been abundantly given.

What Does %22Poured Out%22 Really Mean?

As Pastor Leonard reflects on what it means for the Holy Spirit to have been abundantly poured out, another passage of Scripture comes to his mind. He recalls Paul's words from Romans concerning the identity of God's children.

Romans 8:14- "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

He explains that this verse naturally connects with what he has been reading in Titus. If the Holy Spirit has truly been abundantly poured out upon believers through Jesus Christ, then it follows that believers should live under His leadership. Pastor Leonard repeatedly expresses his own desire. "I want to be led by Him." "I want to walk under His leading." "I want to operate in His fullness." He is not presenting this as something reserved for pastors or ministry leaders. Instead, he believes this is God's desire for every child of God.

Pastor Lori agrees, adding that this awareness should continue increasing throughout the Christian life. Believers are not meant to remain spiritually stagnant. Rather, they should become increasingly aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and leadership "more and more and more."

Pastor Leonard then makes an honest confession. Although Scripture declares these truths, he admits that there are many times when he does not feel as though he is being led by the Holy Spirit. There are moments when he does not feel the overflowing abundance that Titus describes. Yet he quickly recognizes that feelings are not the measure of truth. Whether he feels it or not, Scripture declares that God has already abundantly poured out His Spirit through Jesus Christ. Because of that, he wants his daily experience to become increasingly aligned with what God's Word already says is true.

Awareness Instead of Striving

After honestly admitting that there are times when he does not feel as though he is being led by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Leonard pauses and allows Pastor Lori to share what has been on her heart. Rather than questioning whether the Holy Spirit has been poured out, she offers a practical explanation for why believers sometimes fail to experience His leadership in everyday life.

Pastor Lori observes that modern life is often filled with activity. People become busy with work, family responsibilities, household chores, schedules, and countless daily obligations. She is careful to point out that these responsibilities are not wrong. Going to work, caring for children, managing a household, and fulfilling everyday duties are all necessary parts of life. The problem is not busyness itself, but how easily those responsibilities can consume a person's attention.

She explains that believers can become so occupied with what they are doing that they stop consciously thinking about the Holy Spirit's presence. There is always time during the day to acknowledge Him, yet it is possible to become distracted by life's demands and lose that awareness.

Pastor Leonard immediately recognizes the significance of her observation. He begins asking questions to make sure he understands what she is saying. Is she referring to interruptions? Is she talking about priorities that slowly take believers off course?

Pastor Lori agrees, but she clarifies her point. She is not saying that responsibilities are the problem. Rather, she is talking about remaining conscious of the Holy Spirit who has already been abundantly poured out into every believer. The issue is not whether God is present. The issue is whether believers remain mindful of His presence throughout the ordinary events of the day. This becomes an important transition in the teaching. The discussion moves away from striving to receive more of the Holy Spirit and toward becoming increasingly aware of the Holy Spirit who already lives within every believer.

Pastor Leonard reflects on this personally. He admits that he has often used busyness as an excuse. Work, responsibilities, paying bills, and other daily activities can easily occupy his attention. Yet, as he listens to Pastor Lori, he realizes that those circumstances do not actually prevent him from walking with the Holy Spirit. Instead, they reveal the importance of intentionally remembering God's presence even while carrying out ordinary responsibilities.

Jesus as the Example of Spirit-Led Living

As Pastor Leonard thinks about what Pastor Lori has shared, his mind turns to the earthly ministry of Jesus. He begins considering how Jesus handled the constant interruptions that filled His daily life.

He points out that Jesus rarely experienced an uninterrupted schedule. As He traveled from place to place, people continually approached Him with urgent needs. A woman reached out and touched Him. A centurion came seeking help. Jairus pleaded for his daughter. Crowds surrounded Him. Even when He tried to rest, the disciples awakened Him because of the storm on the Sea of Galilee. From a human perspective, Jesus' ministry appeared to be filled with constant interruptions. Yet Pastor Leonard observes something remarkable. None of those interruptions ever caused Jesus to lose sight of His Father's purpose.

Jesus never became distracted from walking in fellowship with the Father. Every interruption became another opportunity for God to reveal His love, power, mercy, and compassion. This realization speaks directly to Pastor Leonard's own life. If Jesus could remain conscious of the Father's will despite constant interruptions, then everyday responsibilities do not have to pull believers away from walking with the Holy Spirit either. He applies the lesson personally. Being at work does not mean he has stopped walking with God. Working a job does not separate him from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is present at work just as surely as He is during worship or Bible study.

Pastor Leonard shares that there have been many occasions while working when the Holy Spirit has given him answers, direction, and insight simply because he remained mindful of God's presence. Those experiences remind him that the Holy Spirit is not limited to church services or special spiritual moments. He is actively involved in every area of a believer's life.

The conclusion becomes clear. Daily occurrences do not determine whether believers can be led by the Holy Spirit. Rather, believers can intentionally include Him in every circumstance they encounter. The more they remain conscious of His presence, the more naturally they experience His guidance throughout the day.

Bringing the Holy Spirit into Everyday Life

Pastor Lori builds upon this practical application by emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is already present within every believer. She reminds the audience that His power is not something distant or reserved for special occasions. He lives within God's people every moment of every day. She explains that remaining mindful of His presence changes the way believers approach ordinary life. Whether someone is working, caring for children, driving, preparing meals, handling finances, or facing unexpected challenges, the Holy Spirit remains present.

Pastor Leonard summarizes her point by observing that believers can lose their awareness of God's presence. Not because the Holy Spirit leaves them, but because their thoughts become consumed with circumstances, emotions, pressures, or distractions. He explains that believers have the ability to bring their thoughts back. They can intentionally "reel" their thinking back toward the truth of God's Word. They can regain perspective by remembering what Scripture has already declared.
Again, the foundation remains Paul's words in Titus:

Titus 3:3–7- "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Pastor Leonard explains that nothing about a difficult day changes what God has already accomplished. Whether someone is successful or struggling, whether the day is peaceful or stressful, the Holy Spirit has still been abundantly poured out through Jesus Christ.

He gives several ordinary examples. A meal may spill while cooking. Paint may accidentally fall while working on a home project. Unexpected frustrations may arise. Those situations do not remove the Holy Spirit from a believer's life. Instead, every circumstance becomes another opportunity to yield to His leadership rather than reacting according to natural emotions.
Pastor Lori answers with one simple word describing the result of living this way:"Peace."

Pastor Leonard agrees wholeheartedly. He explains that if believers consistently yielded to the Holy Spirit instead of reacting through anger, frustration, discouragement, or emotional outbursts, they would discover a much greater sense of peace throughout everyday life. The Holy Spirit was never meant to be an occasional influence. He was meant to become the governing influence within the believer's daily walk.

Choosing Scripture Over Feelings

As the teaching begins to draw to a close, Pastor Leonard returns to the verse that first captured his attention during his study of Titus. Throughout the message, he has repeatedly emphasized that God has already abundantly poured out the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Now he explains what the proper response to that truth should be. He says that if God has already done this, then the next step belongs to the believer. The issue is no longer whether God has given His Spirit. Scripture has already answered that question. The challenge is whether believers will choose to believe what God has said. Once again, he points the audience back to the foundational passage.

Titus 3:3–7- "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another;

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Pastor Leonard explains that these words are not merely beautiful theology. They describe a present reality for every believer. God has already acted. The Holy Spirit has already been abundantly given. Therefore, Christians are invited to live from that completed work rather than continually wondering whether God is willing to give more. At this point, Pastor Leonard becomes especially transparent. He tells the audience that he has not always fully believed this truth in the practical sense. He immediately clarifies what he means. He is not saying that Scripture is false. Quite the opposite. He knows God's Word is true.

Instead, he admits that there have been many occasions when he has allowed his circumstances, emotions, or natural senses to become more convincing than what Scripture says.

He asks a pointed question.
"Is it because it's not true?"
His answer comes immediately.
"No."
The problem is not God's Word.

The problem is that he has sometimes chosen to let his feelings govern his thinking instead of allowing God's truth to govern his life. He encourages listeners to examine themselves in the same way. Every believer faces moments when circumstances appear louder than Scripture. Difficult situations, disappointments, stress, discouragement, or emotional struggles can easily become the dominant influence over a person's thinking. Yet God's truth remains unchanged regardless of what a believer may be feeling at that moment.

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that Christians must intentionally choose to allow the truth of Scripture to rule over their lives rather than allowing circumstances to determine what they believe. Feelings change. Situations change. God's Word does not. Earlier in the message, he quoted Jesus' promise concerning truth, and that promise now takes on even greater significance.

John 8:32- "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Freedom comes when believers continue trusting what God has declared, even during moments when their emotions suggest otherwise. Likewise, Jesus' second promise remains just as powerful.

John 8:36- "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Pastor Leonard explains that this freedom includes freedom from allowing feelings and circumstances to become the highest authority. Instead, believers are invited to rest in what Christ has already accomplished and in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit who has been abundantly poured out through Him.

Before ending the session, Pastor Leonard asks Pastor Lori if she would like to share any final thoughts. She responds by refocusing on the Holy Spirit. She reminds everyone that the Holy Spirit continually leads, guides, and directs God's people. The invitation is not to strive harder but to become increasingly aware of His presence throughout the day.

Pastor Lori explains that when believers intentionally place the Holy Spirit at the forefront of their thoughts, they become more conscious of who they are in Christ. This growing awareness produces peace because it reminds them that they are holy through Jesus Christ, accepted by the Father, and one with the Lord. As these truths become increasingly real, life becomes "better and better and better," not because every circumstance changes immediately, but because believers begin living from the reality of their identity in Christ rather than from the uncertainty of their circumstances.

She reminds listeners that they are not merely physical beings. They are spirits living in physical bodies. Understanding this identity helps believers appreciate the significance of the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.

Pastor Leonard then offers an important clarification. Throughout the discussion, they have repeatedly encouraged believers to become mindful of the Holy Spirit. He does not want anyone to misunderstand this emphasis as another form of religious work. He carefully explains that this message is not about earning God's favor or obtaining more of the Holy Spirit through personal effort. The Gospel of Grace remains entirely free from works. Becoming mindful of the Holy Spirit is simply choosing to think about who believers already are because of Christ. Once again, the foundation remains Paul's words.

Titus 3:3–7- "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another; But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Pastor Lori summarizes the heart of the teaching in a simple phrase: "Think about who you really are."She repeats that believers should think about who they are in Christ and who lives within them. This is not an exercise in self-effort but an invitation to continually remember the truth of God's finished work.

As the conversation concludes, Pastor Leonard briefly mentions that another verse has already begun speaking to his heart as a continuation of today's discussion. Rather than extending the session, he announces that they will continue the conversation in the next teaching.

Finally, both pastors express sincere gratitude to everyone who supports the ministry through prayers, encouraging letters, and financial gifts. Pastor Leonard shares how much a recent handwritten letter encouraged him and thanks those who partner with the ministry in spreading the message of God's grace. He explains that those who wish to give can do so through the various options available on the ministry's website.

Closing Encouragement