Alpha Resources - Our Lady of Fatima Parish

Alpha Day Away Videos

Here are the videos that we watched together at Alpha Day Away. Click below to watch.

Introduction

When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about me. (John 15:26)

The Holy Spirit is a person. He thinks, speaks, acts and guides people. He can be grieved and saddened. He has a will, he loves. He loves you.

The Holy Spirit is also called the Counsellor, from the Greek word Parakletos, meaning ‘the one called alongside’. Other names are the Advocate, the Encourager, the Comforter, the Helper. Alpha Day Away is all about the Holy Spirit drawing alongside you and pointing you to Jesus.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit has been present from the very beginning - when God created the universe, oceans, skies, all living things and creatures. God then created man and woman in His image and breathed life into them.

In the Old Testament, God sent His Spirit upon His chosen people to guide them and give them gifts for particular times and purposes to fulfil God’s work on earth.

In the Gospels, everyone surrounding the birth of Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit – Mary, Elizabeth, John the Baptist. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, began to teach, heal the sick, bring freedom to captives, heal the broken-hearted.

Often what happened in the Old Testament in a physical way happens in the New Testament in a spiritual way. The Holy Spirit:

Brings new attitudes, new desires, new ways of worship
Wants to fill you with skill, ability and creativity in your workplace
Brings freedom to break the habits, the addictions, the things that keep people spiritually bound
Takes away our hearts of stone and gives us hearts of flesh

The Holy Spirit is for all people. We are all meant to be full of the Holy Spirit.

What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:14-15)

The Holy Spirit transforms our identity and makes us children of God. It is the Holy Spirit living in us who helps us grow in our relationship with God, who helps us experience an intimate relationship with Jesus and so be transformed into His likeness.

Fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)

Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11)

The Holy Spirit gives each one of us gifts. It is when we all use our gifts that the Church comes alive, and when we tell other people what we have experienced that the Church grows. An evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives is an increasing love for God and for others.

How Can I Be Filled With the Holy Spirit?

Every Christian has the Holy Spirit living within them. But not every Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit.

3 barriers that can hinder us from receiving the Holy Spirit are:

Doubt – "I don’t think if I asked I would receive"
Fear – "Okay, I believe I would receive. But I’m not sure I want it"
Inadequacy – "I’m not worthy. You don’t know what my life is like" or "I’m not mature enough. I haven’t been a Christian long enough"

In Luke 11:9-13, Jesus says:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

There may be physical manifestations of being filled with the Holy Spirit, but what matters more is what happens in your heart, the experience of God’s love for you, being poured out into your heart.

We pray - Come Holy Spirit

Bible Reading Apps & Tools

Here is a list of Bible reading apps and tools that we have tried and use! We hope you find one that works for you. If there is a site or app that you use - please share it with us. If you need any help with any of these sites or apps, please email oloffaith@gmail.com