Reference

Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist, pgs 52-54
Bible Study - Week 11

Pastor Ron leads a powerful, no-holds-barred Bible study on one of the biggest questions in the Christian faith: Can you be saved apart from the work of the Holy Spirit? Spoiler—the answer is a resounding NO. Dive deep into pages 52-54 of the study (Questions 23-24) as the group wrestles with John 3, Romans 8, Ephesians 2, Titus 3, and more.

What You’ll Discover in This Session:

  • Born Again? Jesus drops a bomb on Nicodemus: Flesh can’t save you—only the Spirit gives life (John 3:3-6).
  • Why trying to “law-keep” your way to heaven is impossible—and why we still arrogantly think we can (hello, original sin!).
  • The Holy Spirit isn’t optional—He quickens, renews, sustains, empowers, and guides us from the first nudge of grace all the way to glory.
  • The Church = God’s dwelling place built by the Spirit—why lone-ranger Christianity in your barn just doesn’t cut it.
  • Spiritual gifts vs. spiritual fruit: Why love, joy, peace, patience is greater than dramatic signs every time. - Even the thief on the cross got it—salvation is Spirit-worked faith, not rituals or perfect attendance.
  • The Spirit’s job description: Comforter, Sustainer, Empowerer, Guide into ALL truth—and He glorifies Jesus, never Himself.

This isn’t just theology class—this is real-talk about pride, control, legalism, and the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit in every single step of the Christian life.

Favorite Quotes from the Study:

  • “We want to be God. That’s why we think we can save ourselves.”
  • “Spiritual gifts can be mimicked. Spiritual fruit lasts.”
  • “The man on the middle cross said I could come.”

Perfect for anyone asking:

  • Can I earn my salvation?
  • Do I really need the church?
  • What does the Holy Spirit actually DO in my life?