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By God's grace, still presenting the same old message from the same old Book...

It is shown in Romans 14:17-19 that what we are to seek is not just a personal experience, but a serving of other people to their edification. The term edify means to build up, figuratively or literally. The Scriptures speak telling how Christ made peace through the blood of His cross for the purpose of reconciliation (Col. 1:20). The believer is given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21) and are themselves made the righteousness of God in Him. This looks beyond self and considers others (1Cor. 14:11-12). I hope you will give time to read Matthew 5:1-48 and on. There is where the poor in spirit and those that mourn are at. They see their inability and sinful nature. Here is where being filled with the Spirit comes in. The particular events of that day of Pentecost are not repeated, but individual believers are yet filled with the Spirit to realize the power for service. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him (Rom. 8:9).

Romans 14:17-19
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

As regards the standard set forth it is the Bible, an open book, and no man can close it. As for adding to the Book, that is closed and no man can add to it. The Bible is the Lord's Book.

This is what I refer to as for service and for the testimony of Christ. This does not refer to any special manifestation of an experience as some might want, but is manifest by service and increased awareness of Christ, with our being concerned with the building up of others. We are not to seek new revelation (Luke 16:31; 2 Tim 3:7; John 17:17; Deut 4:2; Isa 30:20-21).

The Spirit testifies of Christ through the instrumentality of the word of God. When a person is filled with the Spirit the testimony of Christ and Him Crucified is the emphasis in what they have to say or in their thinking.

John 15:26 (KJV) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Psalms 25:5 (KJV) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 14:26 (KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:13 (KJV) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Being Filled with the Spirit is so we might receive power for living and witnessing and is not to be expected as some experience that leaves us with only an experience. We are to be witnesses, workers together and our love for one another is an identifying mark of disciples.

The filling with the Spirit is not just for a private and personal experience. No manifestation of any special language or sounds is required. Seeking such an experience leads one away from the Scriptural teaching and order called for in the Christian life. A person filled with the Spirit will find a place of service. Personal comfort and experiences are not what the filling of the Spirit is about.

An experience is not the end of the matter we are to seek. Many seek an experience and with that miss the close walk with the Lord. To know Him, Christ and the power of His resurrection should be our goal and not just an experience that is transitory in nature. Our message of hope is not of an experience that is transitory but is of Christ and Him Crucified.

God has spoken, and we find that recorded in the written word of God. If any will not hear that (2 Thess 2:13), neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Luke 16:31 (KJV) And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

We don't have to go through experiences to be saved. Christ is the one that experienced death for us that we might live. What is our hope but Christ and Him Crucified?

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The following is adapted from The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary

Acts 1:8 shows the Holy Spirit to be a power, and an influence. But He is a Person, as the New Testament makes clear in detail:

A. He dwells with us  John 14:17
B. Teaches and brings to remembrance  John 14:26
C. Tells of Jesus  John 15:26
D. Convinces of sin  John 16:8
E. Guides, speaks, declares  John 16:13,15
F. Inspires the Scriptures and speaks through them  Ac 1:16; 2Pe 1:21
G. Spoke to Philip  Ac 8:29
H. Calls ministers  Ac 13:2
I. Sends out workers  Ac 13:4
J. Forbids certain actions  Ac 16:6,7
K. Intercedes  Ro 8:26
L. Etc.

He has the attributes of personality:

A. Will  1Co 12:11
B. Mind  Ro 8:27
C. Thought, knowledge, words  1Co 2:10-13
D. Love  Ro 15:30

The Holy Spirit can be treated as a person:

A. Lied to and tempted  Ac 5:3-4,9
B. Resisted  Ac 7:51
C. Grieved  Eph 4:30
D. Stifled and suppressed  1Th 5:19
E. Outraged  Heb 10:29
F. Blasphemed against  Mt 12:31

The Holy Spirit is God; equated with the Father and the Son (Mt 28:19; 2Co 13:14). To have the Spirit of God is to have Christ (Ro 8:9-12; 1Jo 5:12; John 14:6) [End of adaptation from The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary; © 1967 Zondervan Publishing House; 21st printing.]

Bible Study Letters

A message of comfort from the Scriptures,
that we through patience and comfort
of the scriptures might have hope.

Come and hear, all ye that fear God,
and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
Psalms 66:16

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Bob Krajcik
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