There is a difference between experiencing the Holy Spirit’s power and allowing Him to transform how we live.
In a powerful message that concluded his “Breaking Up With the Lies” sermon series, Alive Church Pastor Ken Claytor challenged believers to recognize three essential dimensions of the Holy Spirit: being baptized in the Spirit, being continually filled with the Spirit, and yielding to His leadership.
Drawing from Scripture, Claytor explained that the Holy Spirit is not merely an emotional experience or a supernatural force, but the third person of the Trinity who empowers believers to live for Christ.
“The Holy Spirit is God,” Claytor said. “Not a force, not an energy, not goosebumps, not just an emotional experience you get in worship.”
1. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Brings Power
Referencing Acts 1:8, Claytor explained that the baptism of the Holy Spirit equips believers with supernatural power to carry out God’s work.
While the Holy Spirit dwells within believers at salvation, Claytor taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience through which Christians receive power for ministry.
He pointed to Acts 19, where believers received the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
As Claytor points out, these spiritual gifts serve important purposes in the body of Christ. Speaking in tongues strengthens the individual believer, while prophecy builds up the church.
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“One builds up yourself and the other builds up the church,” he said. “And we need them both.”
Claytor urged Christians not to dismiss these supernatural gifts as strange or unnecessary, but to embrace the Holy Spirit’s work as part of New Testament Christianity.
2. Being Filled With the Holy Spirit Must Be Continual
Claytor then turned to Ephesians 5:18, emphasizing that being filled with the Holy Spirit is not supposed to be a one-time encounter.
Instead, believers must continually seek God’s presence, power and wisdom to navigate the challenges of everyday life.
“One baptism, many fillings,” Claytor declared.
He explained that Christians cannot rely on an experience from years ago. Every new season brings challenges requiring fresh grace, spiritual strength and dependence on God.
For Claytor, living a Spirit-filled life means remaining under the Holy Spirit’s influence rather than treating His presence as something reserved for special church services.
3. Spiritual Gifts Must Be Accompanied by Godly Character
Perhaps Claytor’s strongest warning came when he addressed the danger of pursuing supernatural gifts without developing the fruit of the Spirit.
Drawing from Romans 8:14 and Galatians 5, he explained that being yielded to the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to shape a believer’s decisions, behavior and character.
“You can be baptized in the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues, experience his presence, and still choose to live according to your flesh,” Claytor warned.
He challenged believers who demonstrate spiritual gifts but lack faithfulness, kindness and integrity in their personal lives.
“I am not impressed with your tongue-talking if you ain’t got character,” he said.
Claytor also addressed the divide among Christians who emphasize either the gifts or the fruit of the Spirit while neglecting the other.
“I believe God wants us in this last day to hold up the gifts and also the fruit,” he said.
His message was clear: The church needs believers who not only operate in supernatural power but also demonstrate Christ’s character.
The Holy Spirit was never intended to be merely an experience believers encounter during a worship service. His presence is meant to transform how they live, love, serve and walk with God.
The church does not have to choose between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. It needs both. A truly Spirit-led life must make room for both God’s supernatural power and His transforming work in the human heart.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
