The Mark of a Spirit-filled Church

The Mark of a Spirit filled Church

by Pastor Jeremy
Read Acts 1:4-8 this message is linked with the first and second coming of Christ that we have toucched upon last week….

The church’s greatest need has always been the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of her people. This is true for both pulpit and pew. ( Quoting from “The Divine Dimension” by By Ralph I. Tilley)

1 - The Spirit Filled Church
What are the missing dimensions?
Our need of the Holy Spirit
• It is the Spirit that convicts and quickens
• It is the Word that feeds and nourishes
• "Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction."( 1 Thes 1:5)

2 - THE MARKS OF A SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN
• Looking at the Early church in Acts, Spirit filled Christians were
• 1. God hungry -
• 2. Christ-centered, not self-centered
• 3. Love inspired - for both God and man ( See John 21 – what did Jesus asked Peter?
• 4. Witnessing boldly
• 5. Open and teachable

3 - Are Spiritual Gifts evident in Our midst?
• Gifts of the Father – Romans 12:6-8
• Gifts of the Spirit – 1 Cor 12:4-11
• Gifts of the Son – Ephesians 4:11

4 Gifts of the Father - Romans 12:6-8 The 7 Ministry gifts
• Prophecy,
• Ministry,
• Teaching,
• Exhortation,
• Giving,
• Leading & leadership,
• Showing Mercy
5 Gifts of the Spirit – 1 Cor 12:4-11The 9 spiritual gifts or “Charismatic” gifts
• Word of Wisdom
• Word of Knowledge
• Faith
• Healings
• Working of miracles
• Prophecy
• Discernment of spirits
• Speaking in tongues
• Interpretation of tongues
• Note: Cessationists such as B.B. Warfield believes that these gifts have ceased.

6 - Gifts of the Son – Ephesians 4:11 The “5 fold ministry” – like 5 fingers
• Apostles,
• Prophets,
• Evangelists,
• Pastors,
• Teachers

7 -We got to start where we are
• How do I allow the Holy Spirit to have greater role in my life?
• First, focus your spirit on what brings glory to God, allowing yourself to be led by his Spirit. ( Galatians 5:17-18)
• Second, focus your mind on God's agenda, not your own agenda or that of someone else. (Romans 8:5-6).
• Third, focus your body on what pleases God: Feed it with the Word of God (Romans 8:13).
• Rugby player Nick Farr-Jones said, "Losers make promises; winners make commitments."
• "Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14)

8 - Just a final picture
• If you just have the spirit and not the word, you burn up quickly like hay.
• If you just have the word and no spirit, you are cold and legalistic
• When you have the Word and infilling of the Spirit, you will burn long and bright like a log, even your embers will last through the long dark night …..