Happy birthday, Faith! Today, it’s a joy and privilege to look back at our church’s 80-year history and celebrate God’s blessings. Eight decades ago, the Spirit of God led a small group of believers to begin a new worshipping community of Christ-followers here in Oakville. As we continue our series called The Familiar Stranger, we are asking, "Is the Holy Spirit still leading?” How does the Spirit actually lead believers in Christ today? May the Holy Spirit give us understanding, discernment, and a revived passion to be sensitive to His leading. 

Romans 8:12-17

Heirs with Christ

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Icebreaker Question: Who is the oldest person you know? What sort of changes have they experienced in their lifetime? What changes will we see in the next 80 years? It’s okay to guess! 

2. See John 3:5-8, Acts 2:38, and 1 Corinthians 12:3. What do we learn about the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives from these verses? 

3. Read Romans 8:1-17. What do these verses tell us about God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)? Ourselves? The world in which we live?

4. Led by the flesh (See Galatians 5:16-21)or the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25)? What kinds of struggles between the flesh and the Spirit do you see people struggling with today? What changes when God’s Spirit is present? 

5. Sunday’s application was simply to SURRENDER and SHINE. Take a brief time of stillness and ask the Holy Spirit to share with you areas in your life you need to surrender to the Spirit’s leading. What places might God’s Spirit be calling you to “shine” the light of Christ this week? 

For Families with Kids

1. Read John 3:5-8 together. 

2. Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to the wind. What is something you can’t see, but you know is there? How is the Holy Spirit like the wind?

3. In this Bible passage, Jesus isn’t talking about being a baby all over again. He’s talking about a new kind of birth - a spiritual one - when God’s Holy Spirit gives us a brand new heart and makes us part of God’s family. What do you think it means to be born into God’s family and have a new spiritual life? 

4. Our church (Faith Oakville) has been a family for 80 years! You are a part of it. Thank Jesus together for making us a family here. Ask Him to help us remain a family and to continue multiplying this church family.