Trouble: How do we describe the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost, as Wesley would say)

• Describe the wind – usually think about effects or impact
• Let’s do the same with the Spirit 
• The Bible uses words like Breath and Wind to describe her

For Wesley, Holy Spirit and Grace were interchangeable

• Experience Grace or the Spirit in three ways

1. 1. 1. Before we know God – prevenient 
      2. When we accept a relationship with God – justifying
      3. As we grow more fully into the image of God – sanctifying

Paul gives the FRUIT of the Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control

1. All together one fruit
2. Defined by the life, teaching, death, & resurrection of Jesus
3. Also serves as a test for what we hear/experience from other Christians – If the words/actions/teachings don’t increase the FRUIT then it’s not powered by the Holy Spirit 

Good news! Fake it ‘til you make it is VERY Methodist 

• “Preach faith until you have it, then you’ll preach faith because you have it.” Wesley. – John and Charles Wesley experienced the Spirit’s assurance (justification) AFTER they started Methodism
• Outward actions of fruit probably come first in our journey and that is great – Sanctification brings our feelings in line with the action

ALL of this is made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit