SPIRITUAL FOOD JUNKY

A thought for the day - Are you a spiritual fast food junky?

You are hearing and reading other people's teaching, but not taking the time in your personal devotions to eat the meat and potatoes in the Bible.

Are you running by goblin up the morsels of God's truth (maybe untruth on social media), not knowing the difference because you haven't taken time to study God's Word?

We all know fast food is junk food and not healthy for us.

It is all about the Body of Christ

I have been reflecting on the body of Christ, His church today. Apostle Paul put great importance on the body of Christ.

Romans 12:4-5 - "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

I see that many people in the church have gone to individualism. It is all about them and their relationship with Christ with little or no connection with the body of believers, and often no genuine commitment to the whole body, Christ's church.

I love how Paul says it here, "each member belongs to all the others." I am not my own master".

It is not me and Christ. It is us and Christ. Yes, I am part of the us, but it is not about me. It is about Christ's body (church) and Christ's purposes for His church in the world. Yes, I am a member of the body, and I should care for the health of me the member. Yet, the member must be connected, and the purpose of being healthy spiritually is to be a strength to the rest of the body to fulfill the purposes of Christ who is the head.

The apostle Paul believed so much in the body of Christ (the church), that he made great personal sacrifices for the benefit of the whole.

Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church."

Are you coming together on a regular basis with other believers to strengthen one another and work together for the furthering of God's purposes?

What sacrifices are you making for the betterment (well being) of the body of Christ?

Know the Seasons

I Chronicles 12:32 - from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do ....

- God does not change, but he brings change to everything.
- The God of old bring forth new things.
- Know the seasons.

- Question to be asked.
1) What must never change?
2) What is negotiable?
3) What must change?

Seeking No Reward

Luke 17:7-10 is an illustration that is totally foreign to us in our society where we believe our service or work is to be rewarded and we are to be honored for this. When we aren't, we feel that we are wronged and often hold a grudge.

Luke 17:10 - "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty."

Yet, Christ says, the attitude we are to have is one of responsibility, humility and not doing it be honored or rewarded. We do it because this is what our master Christ asks us to do. We are not to serve or work with the attitude of receiving from man or God. Yet, we do it out of love, obedience and duty, not expecting anything in return.

This does not mean that we should not reward or honor those who serve, but the one who is serving should not expect it.

Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"

Your motive for serving or working will be revealed when you are not rewarded. Are you offended? Are you hurt? Do you quit? Do you work less? Are you not as faithful? Do you hold a grudge?

If you say yes to any of these, this shows that we weren't fully serving or working for the Lord. This is a hard word because it goes against our sinful nature and all that we have been taught.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT #2

The last article that I wrote on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I taught on the three main works of the Holy Spirit: re-birth, sanctification and endowment with power from on high.
I am now going to look into more detail on the endowment with power, “baptism of the Holy Spirit”. If you recall what I said last time was, when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we do not receive more of the Holy Spirit, but we receive more of the Holy Spirit’s power.
Let us look at several examples in the Bible where people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and see what we can learn from them.
The first reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the immediate following of the Holy Spirit is in Acts 2:3-4 – “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Take note that ALL who were waiting on the coming promise of the Holy Spirit received Him. It wasn’t only a few, but ALL. Not only did they all receive the Holy Spirit, but they ALL spoke in other tongues.
The second place we see people baptized in the Holy Spirit is Acts 8:12-19.
Here we see a group of Christians who have already been baptized in water and then the apostles send Peter and John to pray for them and lay hands on them that they might receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Now in the passage it does not say that they put their hands on them to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but to receive the Holy Spirit. Yet, we know the apostles did not lay their hands on them to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit because they were already born again believers, and the Scripture clearly teaches that one cannot be born again without the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. Also, the Scripture does not teach that someone needs to lay hands on you receive the Holy Spirit in the conversion experience. Also, there is no teaching in the Word that says we are to ask the Holy Spirit to come live inside of us. Therefore, it is clear that the apostles did not leave Jerusalem and go to the Samariten believers that they might receive the indwelling of the Spirit, but that they might receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
It is important to note that Simon sees an immediate and visible evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture does not tell us what evidence it was, but we can be sure that it was the evidence of speaking in tongues. We know this because it was an immediate sign and this is what took place on the day of Pentecost. The apostles would not have expected or accepted any other sign because this was the only sign they knew. This is what they had experienced. Take note again, there was a considerable lapse of time between the believers water baptism and being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
The third place we see people baptized in the Holy Spirit is in Acts 10:44-46.
Here we see that they receive Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the same moment, and that everyone in Cornelius’ household received it. In Acts 11:15-18, Peter testifies that it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We see as evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit that they spoke in tongues even as they did on the day of Pentecost. Here we see that the baptism of the Holy Spirit can come on the same day as salvation. It was after they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit that they were baptized in water. This shows us that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a progressive thing as sanctification, and that you don’t have to have a level of spiritual maturity or holiness to receive it.
The fourth place we see the baptism of the Holy Spirit is in Acts 19:1-6.
We see here that Paul laid his hands on the Christians that they might receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We see speaking in tongues and prophecy as evidence of their baptism experience. There are some who might question if they were even believers before Paul arrived. Yes, without a doubt, because the Bible says, Paul found disciples, and understood they already believed in the Messiah, Christ. The Bible would not have used the term disciples or believers in this context if they were not genuinely saved. Despite being saved, they had received no teaching on the Holy Spirit because they were saved under Apollos teaching. (Acts 18:18-25) Yet, though Apollos was a zealous evangelist at the time and was preaching the Gospel in Ephesus, he did not have a full understanding of the work of the Gospel; therefore, he was taken aside by Aquila and Priscilla to be taught more thoroughly on the way of Christ.
What is most important to see is that in three out of four stories of the saints being baptized in the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues and in one case prophesied. The one case where it is not stated, we can be assured that this happened. Therefore, it is clear in God’s Word that the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues which normally takes place at the moment of the Spirit’s baptism. The evidence that is seen over the long term is one of the 9 spiritual gifts found in I Corinthians 12:7-10, and the working power of God in the person’s life to bring spiritual change in others.
Finally, why are some not baptized in the Holy Spirit if this is the plan of God for all to be baptized in His Spirit, which I believe the Bible teaches?
There are five basic reasons. First, the person does not believe in a third work of the Holy Spirit which the Bible calls the baptism of the Holy Spirit or baptism of power. Secondly, they don’t believe God intends to baptize all in the Spirit. Thirdly, the person may lack faith that it is for them. Fourthly, the person may not see its great importance or have a great desire to receive it. Fifthly, the person may fear it and be afraid to give the Spirit control of their body.
My prayer for you is that God stirs up a desire and belief in you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Don’t be discouraged if you have sought it and have not yet received it. You must continue to seek it and believe it is for you.

BAPTIMS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT #1

Before we can delve into the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must lay some ground work.
First we must understand that there are three main works of the Holy Spirit: re-birth, sanctification and endowment with power from on high.
We are born into the family of God by the Holy Spirit. (re-birth)
John 3:3-7 - "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
After we have been born again, the Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us to sanctify us.
John 14:16-20 - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."
Jesus announces the coming of the Holy Spirit as a counselor or advocate to help us. The Holy Spirit is there to help us understand Christ and help us to walk in obedience to Christ.
John. 16:12-13 - "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. ¹³ But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. "
The third work of the Holy Spirit is to give us power to be witnesses for Christ and accomplish His work on earth.
Jesus announces the future coming of the Holy Spirit to empower us in Luke 24:49. We must understand that this is not a prophecy concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit in believers to work out their salvation. The purpose or objective is not one and the same as that of John 16.
Luke 24:49 - "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
John 4:17 says that "He will be in you". While Luke 24:49 says you "will be clothed with power". These are two separate works with different objective. One is a work within and the other is a work from without.
Also see Matthew 3:11 and Acts 1:4-8
To help us see that these are two different works let us look at John 20:22.
" And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit."
After Christ had risen from the dead and been glorified, he appeared before His disciples who believed on Him and said, "receive the Holy Spirit". It is that very moment they received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The word "breathed" is "Emphusao". It is the same word used in the Septuagint  (Greek word in O.T.) that was used is Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life into man. Also, we find it in Ezekiel 37:9, where God breathes life into dry bones. In other words, in that very moment, the disciples who were present received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and received the life giving Spirit of God. They were born again and became a new creation in Christ Jesus. These are the same disciples who were later, on the day of Pentecost, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These disciples were indued with power on the day of Pentecost to be witnesses for him and establish Christ church. It is after the day of Pentecost that wee see those same disciples who were afraid, and not witnessing for Christ, boldly and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.
III. After the day of Pentecost, everyone who accepts Christ as their savior, receives the Holy Spirit in its entirety.
Romans 5:5 -"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
I Corinthians 6:19 - "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
The New Testament makes a distinction between the baptism of the Holy Spirit, baptism of Jesus and the baptism of John.
Matthew 3:11 - "“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:16; Mark 1:8)
Baptism in water is a sign of repentance. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a baptism of power with the objective of being witnesses and establishing God's kingdom on earth.
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Keep in mind this prophecy, in Acts chapter one, was spoken after the disciples of Jesus had already received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
When we say the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we speak of one being immersed in the power of God.
To more fully understand the term “baptism of the Holy Spirit” one must understand the word baptism.
In Greek “baptisma” signifies immersion/submersion which comes from the root word “bapto” that means “plunge or dip”.  The Greek verb is “baptizo” which they used to describe dying cloth in colored water. Therefore, when we speak of being “baptized in the Spirit”, we are speaking of one who has been immersed into the power of God or enveloped in His power. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we do not receive more of the Holy Spirit, but receive more of the Holy Spirit's power.  At salvation we receive the Holy Spirit to work in us to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit’s power envelopes us and equips us for works of power.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:3-4 - "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

Take note that ALL who were waiting on the coming promise of the Holy Spirit received Him. It wasn't only a few, but ALL. Not only did they all receive the Holy Spirit, but they a ALL spoke in other tongues.
The next article I write, we will delve more deeply into the baptism and/or filling of the Holy Spirit.

SPIRIT LED LIFE #2

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRIT FILLED CHURCH

The last article I wrote was on the Spirit led life as an individual in Christ. This time I want to look at the Spirit led life in relation to the church. Is your church Spirit filled? How can we know if a church is Spirit filled? How can we know if a church is led by the Spirit of God?

Like all things, we will know by the work and fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, let us look at some characteristics of a church that is led by the Holy Spirit and Spirit filled.

First and foremost, the church will show the love they have for God and others.

Galatians 5:13-14 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love for God and others is the foundation of our faith. If we love, God we will not indulge the flesh. We will live holy lives. If we love others, we will walk humbly. We will not be proud or self-centered.

See to Matthew 22:37-40.

I Corinthians 10:24 – “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

Secondly, a Spirit filled church will put great importance on praise and worship.

Ephesian 5:18-20 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This verse is speaking about praise and worship and how through this we are able to encourage one another in Christ. This is the result of a Spirit filled life and congregation. A church that doesn’t give adequate time (large amounts) in worshiping the Lord lacks the Spirit of God in their midst. Of course it must be true worship from the heart, and worship directed by the Holy Spirit.  Heaven will be a place of continual worship. The angels and the heavenly host never cease praising God. Remember, when we speak of the church, we are not only speaking of what happens within the four walls of the church, but also the life the believer lives outside the church. One of the greatest joys of a Spirit filled believer is praising and worshiping God. A church that is fired up about worship is a Spirit filled church.

Thirdly, a Spirit filled church will put great importance on teaching, fellowship, and prayer.

Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

A Spirit filled believer and a Spirit filled church will give priority to solid teaching. It will consider the Bible as the infallible Word of God for us today. Therefore, they will give much place for teaching and studying the Word of God together. Along with anointed teaching, there will be precious fellowship among the saints, not only Sunday fellowship, but fellowship during the week. The saints will covet times of Spirit led fellowship. Last but not least, the believers will put great emphasis on prayer. Prayer will be one of the pillars of the church. A Spirit filled church will love to spend time in prayer, seeking the Lord.

Fourthly, a Spirit filled church will be full of the power of God and function in the spiritual gifts.

Acts 2:17-18 – “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”

Prophecy is the key idea in this text. A Spirit filled church will give place for prophecy. What is prophecy? It is simply speaking the Word of God in a given situation under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Often this doesn’t happen in the church because we don’t teach this or give place for it to happen.

Acts 2:43 – “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”

We see the New Testament church was full of the power of God. Many healings and miracles took place. God is able and wants to do the same today.  It is through this display of power that many needs were met and many came to the Lord.

Fifthly, a Spirit filled church will have respect in the community and many will come to Christ through them.

Acts 5:12-16 – “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹³ No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ¹⁵ As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ¹⁶ Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.”

Non-believers will have a holy fear of the church because they will see the power of the Holy Spirit in their midst. As a result, many will come to Christ. A Spirit filled church will be well known in their community, but not through advertising or going door to door. They will be known for God’s power and holiness. A Spirit filled church will have a great sphere of influence.

There are many more characteristics of a Spirit filled church which I will share in our next teaching. I hope these teachings are a blessing to you and help you in your spiritual walk.