I may seem "liberal" on this issue compared to some Reformed brothers and sisters, but I have found that Scripture shows that without an "experience" with the Holy Spirit, we can't be saved. And as far as I can tell, Scripture holds that after this "salvation experience" that we experience the workings of God in and through our lives, or we should.
There is a danger to this, though. In an attempt to avoid appearing Charismatic, some people have turned Christianity into mere intellectual mind games and brain teasers. And, of course, others have become obsessed with silly experiences. Somewhere in between those is a proper understanding. It appears as though, from the quotes, that is where your pastor was going with his thoughts.
