Results of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

Results of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Eph_5:18-21)

When a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, what will the results be in his life? What evidences will develop to validate the work of the Spirit in fullness? In some church traditions, which give considerable attention to the fullness of the Spirit, limited evidences are stressed (such as those mentioned often in Acts: tongues, prophecy, or boldness).

The full biblical picture is much larger than this viewpoint.

Eph_5:18-21 is a classic example of the scriptures broad perspective on this subject.

In Eph_5:18, the command is given to "be filled with the Spirit."

The subsequent verses (Eph_5:19-21) list the spiritual consequences that will follow in a life that is characteristically Spirit filled.

When a believer in Jesus Christ is living in the fullness of the Spirit, he will be led and empowered unto fellowship with, and ministry to, others: "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." These words fit those times when believers gather together for spiritual celebration through music. Some of the music of the church is directed toward other believers in the form of exhortation and edification. A Spirit filled Christian will be involved in "one another life" in the body of Christ.

Closely related to this, however, is the essential presence of a worshiping heart: "singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Genuine fellowship and effective ministry flows forth from an inner life focused in adoration upon the Lord Himself. A Spirit filled Christian will be a worshiper of the true and living God.

Further, when a disciple of Jesus is filled with the Spirit, his life will typically overflow with thanksgiving: "giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." The world and the flesh produce complaints and dissatisfaction. The Spirit of the Lord stirs gratitude and appreciation.

Additionally, servanthood submission is a common attribute of one who is Spirit filled: "submitting to one another in the fear of God." Natural humanity wants to control people and exercise mastery over them. The Spirit of Christ, the servant of all (Mat_20:28), brings forth humble service from those who revere the Lord.

Father, I bow before Your command to be filled with the Spirit. This I need; this I desire. Lord, forgive me for times of isolation and selfishness. Flood me with Your Spirit unto fellowship and ministry. Forgive any lifeless religion in me and fill me unto true worship. Forgive my griping and complaining and inundate me unto thanksgiving. Forgive my desires to rule and fill me unto servanthood, through Christ, I pray, Amen.

Author: Hoekstra
Source: e-sword

A Tribute to the Bible

Source: www.youneedjesus.net

A Tribute to the Bible

The Bible is not a magic amulet, a good luck charm, or some fairy tale from the mind of men. Nor is it a book that will work wonders by its very presence.

The Bible is a book that will work wonders in every life, here and hereafter, if acted upon and obeyed in faith and sincerity.

The Bible is God's inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things, written in the simplest human language possible so that the most unlearned can understand and obey its teachings. It is self-interpreting and covers every subject of human knowledge and need now and forever.

As a literary composition, the Bible is the most remarkable book ever made. It is a divine library of 66 books, some of considerable size, and others no larger than a tract. These books include various forms of literature - history, biography, poetry, proverbial sayings, hymns, letters, directions for elaborate ritualistic worship, laws, parables, riddles, allegories, prophecy, drama, and others. They embrace all manner of literary styles in human expression.

It is the book that reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of Salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are Holy, its precepts binding, its histories true, and its decisions immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

The Bible contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the travelers map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilots compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Jesus Christ is its grand subject, our good is its design, and the Glory of God its end. It should fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your feet in true righteousness and true holiness.

Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully, meditatively, searchingly, devotionally, and study it constantly, perseveringly, and industriously. Read it through and through until it becomes a part of your being and generates faith that will move mountains.

The Bible is a mine of wealth, the source of health, and a world of pleasure. It is given to you in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and will stand forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the least to the greatest of labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Author Unknown

In the beginning...

When I was 18 some friends of mine and I were at a local shopping mall in Suburban New Orleans (Can anyone say sin-city?).

An oriental lady came up to us and began to witness to my friend... of all the words she shared, the ones that stood out to me the most were, "You Need Jesus".

When she was finished, my friend turned to me and said, "Did you see that? She just attacked me!".

More like Jesus attacking the powers of darkness that had already enslaved our lives.

The Holy Spirit took the words and witness of that precious soul winner and began to work on me.

It didn't happen over night, but eventually I came to realize my absolute NEED for Jesus and I gave my life to Him.

I hope you will do the same...