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By Mike Riley
- The Lord is my Shepherd (That’s Relationship!)
- I shall not want (That’s Supply!)
- He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (That’s Rest!)
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By Mike Riley
There is a scriptural way of determining whether or not a person is “filled with the Spirit” and it is not by observing how much emotions are openly displayed. Being “filled with the Spirit” is not a “high” that one reaches that puts him above others who are not so emotional.
Key Phrases In Parallel Epistles
The result of being “filled with the Spirit” is related in Ephesians 5:17-21. Paul describes the person “filled with the Spirit” as one who “understands what the will of the Lord is,” (vs. 17). He is not drunk with wine, (vs. 18); he sings and makes melody in his heart, (vs. 19); he gives thanks always to God, (vs. 20); and he submits to others (vs. 21).
The parallel epistle, Colossians, expresses the command to be filled with the Spirit as “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). How much one is filled with the Spirit is directly proportional to how richly God’s Word dwells in him – the Word is the means by which the Holy Spirit reaches, directs and fills our hearts (John 17:17; 1 John 5:6; 2 John 1-2).
“Filled With The Spirit” vs. “Fruit Of The Spirit”
There is also a direct correlation between “being filled with the Spirit” and having the “fruit of the Spirit”. By looking at the Christian who bears the fruit of the Spirit, one can observe to what degree the Spirit dwells in him (Gal. 5:22-25).
(1) How much does he love? God-like love always actively seeks the well being of others; (2) How happy is he?; (3) How much peace with himself and others is evidenced in his manner of life?; (4) Does he suffer long with his brethren?; (5) Is he willing to hold his temper and restrain his tongue In the face of provocation?; (6) Is he a gentle, kind person?; (7) Is he characterized by things that are good?; (8) Is there in him a strong, unyielding trust in God?; (9) Is he the kind of person who is submissive, or is he rebellious?; (10) And is he a person who is in control of himself?
To the degree that a Christian bears the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22), he is “filled with the Spirit”. And if he will “Walk in the Spirit,” he will “not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (vs. 16). Also note verses 17-21 in context. The admonition by Paul is, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit,” (vs. 25). As a Christian allows the word of Christ to dwell in and control him, he is letting the Spirit dwell in him and is walking in the Spirit. There are those who claim to be filled with the Spirit and to have experienced Holy Spirit baptism, who walk after the flesh. Though they offer as proof of a Spirit-filled life their uncontrolled emotional high, the scriptural evidence of Spirit controlled behavior is lacking.
Conclusion
True spirituality is evidenced in a person’s life! It is inherently associated with feelings but emotions are not the only “proof” of the Spirit’s influence.
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By Mike Riley
One of the most wonderful things God does is join two people in marriage. But not everyone’s marriage is so wonderful! There are problems in marriage! Sometimes devastating, seemingly unbearable problems! If we do not deal with our problems, they will destroy our marriage.
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By Mike Riley
James gives us the definition of what pure religion is in James 1:27, “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (NASV)
Since God has stated that pure religion is essential to please Him (Matthew 7:21-24; Hebrews 11:6; Revelation 22:14), how then can we be sure our religion is pure?
Pure Religion Must Have A “Pure Object of Worship”
God is light without darkness (1 John 1:5). Jesus in fending the temptations of Satan said, “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve” (Matthew 4:10). God himself condemned the worship of idols and false gods (Exodus 20:3-6).
Pure Religion Must Have a “Pure Sacrifice”
Under the Old Testament system, animal sacrifices were to be pure, unspotted and in excellent condition. Christ, in giving of His life, is the perfect sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Pure Religion Must Have “Pure Doctrine”
Paul stated that the gospel was “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16). In Galatians 1:6-9, we are warned not to preach any gospel except that which is received from God or we will be “accursed”. Paul exhorted Timothy to “preach the Word” because the time would come when many would not endure “sound” or healthy doctrine (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
Pure Religion Must Contain “Pure Worship”
We are to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). In other words, we are to worship with the right heart and in the right way. We are to worship God according to His commands (1 John 2:3-5) and not according to our desires (Colossians 2:19-23).
Pure Religion Must Have A “Pure Institution”
That institution is the church of our Lord. This is the church that Christ promised to build (Matthew 16:18-19). This is the church that Christ purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28). This is the church that has Christ as its only head (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:22-32). This is the church that one is added to through obedience to the gospel of Christ (Acts 2:41-47).
Pure Religion Must Have A “Pure Membership”
Pure members have their sins washed away (Acts 22:16). Pure members purpose in their hearts not to sin (Daniel 1:8). Pure members abstain from all forms of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Pure members meditate on that which is pure and heavenly (Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-2). Pure members show love for Christ by keeping His commandments (John 14:15).
The pure religion of Jesus teaches us to be:
(1) pure in heart (Matthew 5:8; 1 Timothy 5:22).
(2) pure in speech (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8-9; 1 Peter 4:11).
(3) pure in conduct (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 1:27).
(4) pure in service (Matthew 20:26-28; Matthew 23:11; James 1:27).
Do we practice pure religion? If not, why not? Our Lord has given us an example to follow (1 Peter 2:21-24). Will we follow?
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By Mike Riley
In the account of the Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion to Christ by Philip the evangelist (Acts 8:27-39 – KJV), we see at least six remarkable “openings.” In this short study, let us consider these “openings,” as we teach others the saving gospel of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
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Colbert church of Christ