Whatever the Holy Ghost was or wasn't I did not want any part of it. I've never liked scary movies. What is the point of intentionally trying to scare yourself. The thought of some ghost related to the church and God coming to infect me scared the daylights out of me.
Now I am saved and God assures me that I am sealed with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 (NASB)
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
I have spent the past three decades studying the Bible and I have come to a conclusion. Many churches are scared of the Holy Spirit. They grieve and quench the Holy Spirit in worship services. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NASB)
19
Do not quench the Spirit;
He is quenched by over planning and leaving no room for His spontaneous movement in a service. Many churches are scared to let him have control. To keep that from happening services are planned to the last minute. Every song, every minute, every participant, every musician, and every facet of the service. Should a worship leader feel led to add an extra song is there freedom in that church to do so? Should the invitation go longer than expected is there freedom for the Lord to have His way when the parishioners begin to shift in the pews because they are ready to go. The Spirit is quenched when He directs the pastor to preach a different message than the one he prepared all week but the pastor rebels and preaches the message he prepared. The Holy Ghost is muzzled when He prompts someone to testify but they remain silent tight lipped and tangled in religious fear.
The Holy Ghost is quenched all the time. People refuse to submit to Him. They refuse to walk in the Spirit, yield themselves to Him or to minister and operate in His power. It feels easier to take matters into our own hands.
People have used the Holy Ghost as an excuse for weird and outlandish behavior. In reaction many in the mainstream church produce and predictable and safe religion without risk of losing control. This kind of ministry is devoid of life. Ministry without the Holy Spirit is powerless.
Why are so many so scared? If you read the book of Acts you see the exciting and dynamic work of the Holy Ghost through ordinary people. Lives are changed. Whole communities and regions are changed. The New Testament church is birthed.
Acts 2:41-47 (NASB)
41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Does anybody long for that church and minister with that kind of power. That is what our world needs. Our world also needs people who are willing to be surrendered to the Holy Ghost walking in Him and obeying His leadership. Will courageous men and women operate in the power of the Holy Ghost. Will followers of Christ refuse to be afraid anymore.
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