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Hiscoming Ministries

Sunday 20th May 2018

 

PENTECOST

 

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Acts 1:8

 

Today the Church celebrates Pentecost. It's the day that the true Church was born when Jesus fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Ghost upon His disciples.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST is something that has been misused and abused down through the ages, especially the accompanying gifts. It is so abused in some Churches, that it has been instrumental in causing many to reject the gifts rather than get caught up in the excesses.

 

We need to look closely at the biblical text to see God's intended purpose for the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the gifts. Jesus makes it clear in the verse quoted above, that the major outcome of this experience should be power to witness.

 

Always remember that the gifts of the Holy Ghost are TOOLS to be used not TOYS to play with! They are definitely not EGO boosters! They will make our witnessing to the lost far more effective if we use them rightly. Never abuse the gifts of the Holy Ghost, because the Holy Spirit, as a person, can be grieved.

 

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” Ephesians 4:30

 

If we continually grieve the Holy Spirit, we may well end up quenching Him.

 

Quench not the Spirit” 1Thess. 5:19

 

If we quench the Spirit, the fire goes out!

 

Let's go back to our text and the subject of witnessing by the power of the Spirit. I want you to notice the progression in witnessing.

 

Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem....” They were to start right where they were! Have you started witnessing right where you are? To family & friends? It's usually the hardest place to witness, right among people who know us well. But that is where we are to start!

 

And in all Judea” We are to spread out from our immediate circle, but keep witnessing.

 

And in Samaria” Why did Jesus single out Samaria? Because they had long been the enemies of the Jews! So, don't forget those people who don't get on too well with you. Perhaps those who you are aware of that you don't get along with too well! They are still to hear the GOSPEL from your lips!

 

And unto the uttermost part of the earth” Go, wherever God leads you and spread the glorious message of the gospel! Remember, He has empowered you by His Holy Spirit to do just that.

 

Sometimes we can get too comfortable in our little circle, it's time to spread out, taking the life changing message of the gospel with us.

 

That is exactly what happened to the early Church. That's what the book of Acts is all about. It's the journey that the early Church took in spreading the word. They saw wonderful miracles as the power of the Holy Spirit worked through them. We too would see the hand of God at work through us if we put the GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT to their proper use instead of playing around with them as if we are in some way clever or super righteous because God has empowered us with them.

 

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are our LORD'S GIFTS TO HIS BRIDE. Use them to bring glory to His wonderful name and not to further our own position.

 

And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:20

 

Brotherly love....Pastor Keith

 

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The Sunday Thought · Southend Full Gospel Church · St Anns Road · Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5AT · United Kingdom

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