Are You Filled With The Spirit?

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Are You Filled With The Spirit?"  He used Ephesians 5:17-21 as his reference scriptures.

"Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him. Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Honor Christ by submitting to each other." Ephesians 5:17-21 (Living Bible)

Bishop keeps us laughing!  He reminded us there are some questions that should never be asked.  We should never ask a woman, "Is that your real hair?"  We should never ask a woman her age, or her weight!  We should never ask a man "Is your hair thinning?" And wives should never ask your husband, "Does this dress make me look fat?"  All these questions are funny, but there is a question we always wanted to ask, but never could. Why?  Back in the day, children were supposed to be seen and not heard.  We couldn't ask why. But Father God doesn't cringe when we ask why!  He even encouraged us to ask in the Bible, "If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought." James 1:5 (Message)

The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians, wanted them to have their questions answered.  He wanted them to have the necessary information to succeed!  He used an interesting comparison.  He encouraged them to be filled with the Spirit and compared it to drunkenness.  Maybe, you've never been drunk, but I know you've seen a drunk person at some point in your life. A drunk person doesn't care what you think about them, they don't care what you think about there clothing, or lack of clothing!  They aren't afraid to talk to strangers, and they break into song even if they can't hold a tune.  

When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we won't care what people think, Matthew 10:28 says, "Don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell." (Common English Version)  When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we won't have any problem pulling out of sin, "Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him." Romans 12:2 (Common English Version)  When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we won't be afraid to share our testimony with strangers!  Jesus said, "Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19 (Message)

How will others know that we are filled with the Spirit?  Good question!  They will see our "Mutual Submission", our "Thanksgiving", and they will hear our "Singing". Even Jesus said, "Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others." John 13:35 (Voice)

Are you filled with the Spirit?

Love and prayers, Cynthia