Introduction
Noah sent out a dove and it returned with an olive branch indicating peace and restoration. Jesus came for peace on earth and good will toward man, to restore mankind to relationship with God, and to usher in the kingdom of God. He came to restore that on earth as it is in heaven. The Spirit came upon Jesus like a dove for this purpose. The early church had the Spirit come upon them to continue the purpose of Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are presently in the age of the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God is not flesh and blood. It is righteousness, peace and joy in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is peace and joy emanating from the righteous victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over sin, sickness and Satan. It is the house of God being built for His habitation by the power of the Holy Spirit— “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6-10
By My Spirit—Filled
John the Baptist Filled Luke 1:15
John’s ministry Filled Luke 1:17 (Spirit/Power of Elijah)
Mary (Spirit comes upon) Filled Luke 1:35
Elisabeth Filled Luke 1:41
Babe (John leaped) Filled Luke 1:44
Zacharias Filled Luke 1:67 (Prophesied)
Simeon (Spirit upon) Filled Luke 2:25-26 (Revelation by Spirit)
Anna (prophetess) Filled Luke 2:36-39 (Preached Jesus)
John preached Jesus/Spirit Filled Luke 3:16 (John 1:29,33)
Jesus (Spirit upon) Filled Luke 3:22
Jesus (wilderness) Filled Luke 4:1
Jesus (ministry) Filled Luke 4:14-32 Word with power
Early church (30 years) Filled Acts 2:4; 4:31; 5:32; 6:5; 7:55; 8:17; 9:17; 10:37-48; 11:15-24; 13:9,52; 15:8; 19:1-6
It is clearly evident that God builds His house by His Spirit, yet there are many people who teach that we get it all when we believe and are born again. They teach that there is no subsequent experience of receiving the Holy Spirit.
Paul writes that by one Spirit we are all (1) “baptized into one body” and (2) have been all made to “drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). There is an immersion into the Body of Christ by the Spirit, and a drinking into that Spirit. Christ means “anointed Messiah,” so it is an immersion into the Anointed One and His anointing.
Paul writes that there is a receiving of the Spirit by the “hearing of faith,” and that there is a baptism (1) “into Christ,” and there is a (2) “putting on Christ.” It all operates by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:2,27
Jesus Himself taught that believers are to (1) come to Him and (2) drink. By this, they will have rivers of living water flowing out of them. He was speaking of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive. John 7:37-39
This is the normal experience of believers throughout the Bible, in the old and new testaments. This is the pattern throughout the Bible. That pattern is, believe on God; commune with and drink of God; be filled with and led by God; speak the words of God and do the works of God. It is all by the Spirit.
This is the Question for Each of Us Today
Does my life follow this pattern, or, am I experiencing a form of godliness with no power of godliness (2 Timothy 3:1-5)? It is time to get real. It is time for the powerless religious games to be over.
There are two kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. There are two maidens. One is “wise,” who has a vessel with her lamp, with oil in it. The other one is “foolish,” who has no oil in the vessel with her lamp. The foolish one came up short and was denied entrance to the marriage feast. Oil, in the scriptures, symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Matthew 25:1-13
There are those who say, “Lord, Lord, look what I have done,” instead of just doing the will of the Father. These, too, are denied entrance into the kingdom of heaven. They are focused on themselves, on what they did, instead of on what Christ has done and God’s will. Matthew 7:21-23
There shall be two working side-by-side; one taken the other left. Jesus predicted that many will be living only for self. Jesus said to watch, pay attention, and pray and do what you need to do to be ready. He will come when not expected. Those not ready will be cut off and given their portion with the hypocrites, with those who are not living in the reality of His presence. Matthew 24:36-51
We need to ask ourselves these questions: Where do I really stand with the Lord? Am I filled, or not filled? Am I hungry and thirsty for all God has for me? If not, why not? Am I hearing God’s voice on a daily basis? Am I spiritually blind and unaware that I might be in a trap of living only for self?
Conclusion
Today is the day of salvation. Today we have a window of opportunity to prepare to meet the Lord. Don’t miss out! The trumpet call is sounding forth: “Prepare to meet the Lord!” Let us welcome the Spirit of God to come and rest upon our life in His fullness with all His gifts and power. He only wants to bring blessing in every way and make us a supernatural blessing to others, all to the glory of God.
All that Jesus accomplished is ours to walk in and enjoy and share freely with others. But it takes (1) being washed from our sins in the blood of Jesus, and (2) filled with the Holy Spirit in the anointing of Jesus. Filled. That is God’s way. It is plain to see throughout the Word.
Prayer:
“Lord, may we believe the Word of promise, surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ fresh and new, and act on that Word of promise for the infilling of the Holy Spirit just the way they experienced it in the Bible. May we truly let You have Your way in our life today.” Luke 11:9-13; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:4