The high praises of God in our mouth . . .
9. ASSIST US TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
To be filled with the Holy Spirit releases praise and worship. It is one thing to be known as a Christian family, but another thing to be known as a Holy Spirit-filled Christian family.
For many centuries the church put much value on religious, academia, and theological doctorates. We now suffer a mass exodus from many of the established mainline churches.
People flocked to hear Jesus and the early church, not because of their excellent speech, academic qualifications, or religious traditions. The multitudes came because the preaching was anointed with life and power. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:1-4: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”
Every born again Christian receives the spirit of sonship (Romans 8:9). However, there is much more of the Holy Spirit for every born again child of God to experience. It is imperative that every child of God be filled with the Spirit. Any ordinary man, filled with the Spirit, can impact the world.
Zechariah 4:6 states: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the LORD of hosts.” Verse 7 tells us that this is the only way mountains become plains. It is interesting to note that the headstone of the restored temple was to be laid with “Shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it” (Zechariah 4:7). The Holy Spirit inhabits the praises of His people. He loves it when the church raises anthems of God’s amazing grace.
Men, treat your family to more and more Spirit-filled teaching and preaching, coupled with Holy Spirit-filled worship and praise.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell