Signs of the Spirit: The Dove
Signs of the Spirit: Dove
Peace and New Creation
Text: John 1:29–34 and Genesis 8:6–12
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: May 25, 2025
Tagline:
The Spirit of peace and new creation descended and remained on Jesus—and now remains on us.
Sermon Summary:
Alex opened the message with a metaphor of obsession—home renovations taking over his thoughts—and used it to point to the relentless creativity of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit, like a dove, is always moving, brooding, hovering, and building. This first message in the “Signs of the Spirit” series focused on the dove descending at Jesus’ baptism as a sign of both peace and new creation.
He tied John 1:29–34 to the story of the dove in Genesis 8, where Noah sends out a raven and a dove after the flood. The dove returns twice, but on the third time, it finds new land and remains. Likewise, the Spirit of God had gone out into the chaos of the world through prophets and promises—but at the baptism of Jesus, He finally remained. Jesus is the sign of new creation.
Alex then explored how this dove imagery isn't a quaint symbol but a theological revelation: the Spirit who hovered over the waters of creation now remains on Jesus, and through Jesus, comes to remain on us. The Spirit is not visiting—He is indwelling, making a nest in us. The same Spirit who descended on Christ now rests in believers. We are, astonishingly, perches for the Spirit.
The message ended with a call to wonder: if the Spirit of God dwells in us, how can we not stop and marvel? Let us admit the chaos within and invite the Spirit to brood, hover, and bring peace. Our lives then become signs of new creation for the world.
Group Discussion Guide
Icebreaker Questions
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Have you ever been “obsessed” with a creative project? What did it reveal about you?
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What’s a symbol or image that has always spoken deeply to you?
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If you had to pick an animal to describe your spiritual life lately, what would it be?
Read John 1:29–34 and Genesis 8:6–12 together and discuss any questions that arise from the passage. Then use a few of these questions for further reflection.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think all four gospel writers preserved the image of the Spirit descending “like a dove”? What does that image communicate to you personally?
- John emphasizes the word “remained” twice, and the idea seems to be in Genesis as well. What’s the significance of the Spirit not just visiting, but remaining on Jesus?
- If the Spirit’s presence in you means you are already part of God’s new creation, how does that affect how you view your identity, purpose, or calling in daily life?
- “We are perches for the Holy Spirit.” What does that image stir in you? How does it affect the way you see yourself?
- When in your life have you most clearly sensed the Spirit “brooding” over chaos to bring about peace or change? What did that look like?
For Further Study
- John 1:29–34 – The Lamb of God and the Spirit’s descent
- Genesis 8:6–12 – The dove sent out after the flood
- Genesis 1:1–2 – The Spirit hovering over the waters
- Luke 3:21–22 – The baptism of Jesus
- Isaiah 42:1 – God’s Spirit upon the servant
- Titus 3:4–6 – The Spirit poured out through Jesus Christ
- Romans 8:9–11 – The Spirit dwells in believers
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit
- Psalm 51:11 – “Take not your Holy Spirit from me”
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Being transformed by the Spirit’s presence
Gospel Connections
Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus
- God: How does the Spirit’s presence help you experience the love and initiative of the Father more fully?
- The Church: What would it look like for our church to live as a “nest” for the Spirit—a place of peace and new creation?
- Our Group: How can we help each other notice and welcome the brooding work of the Spirit in our lives?
- Our City: In what ways can we be signs of new creation to a world still submerged in chaos?
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Location