I have been reading an older book called "Baptism & Fullness" by John R. W. Stott. It is about the work of the Holy Spirit. I am really enjoying what I am reading. While reading, I am doing my best to take principles from the book (which are basically scripture) and apply them in my life.
Over the next few weeks I will probably be blogging about some of these principles that I am learning. Before I do that, I would love to hear some opinions from my readers. (lol, what readers?) What does it mean to live in the Spirit? What does this life look like? Can you tell if someone is living in the Spirit? Do you think that someone can be filled with the Spirit at one point and empty at another?
I hope that these questions stir up thoughts in your mind and make you analyze what you believe and why. I want to hear your opinions, but I would love it if you use scripture to support those opinions. Feel free to comment as little or as much as you would like.
- T-Dub
- Riverside, California
- Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that is may give grace to those who hear.
The Love of My Life
Ain't she a beauty
14 comments:
Many people point out that Paul gives an indicator of being filled with the Spirit in Eph 5:19. A praising/worshipful/joyful person is Spirit-filled. Someone who is not a praising/worshipful/joyful person is not Spirit-filled.
I just heard Voddie Baucham say that submitting to proper authorities (I assume he means consistently and with the right attitude) is evidence of being filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:22; Eph 6:1,5; cf. 1Cor 11:3; 1Pet 2:13f). Voddie actually states it in the negative ... a person who is not submitting to proper authorities is not Spirit-filled.
Here's something to think about...
The Holy Who?
Kesster,
I totally agree with you that Scripture is crystal clear. Why do you think it is so many professing Christians don't live it?
Could I ask the question this way -- since it is so "obvious and easy", why do so many Christians apparently not get it?
What does it mean to say that a question is easy? Is the answer easy to say? Is it easy to live out?
Sometimes the easiest parts of life get left out because we think they're too easy to deal with. I hope to put those "easy questions" back into our minds so that we don't forget our identity in Christ.
I don't think that the point of every question is to get the definite answer. Many times questions are asked simply to spark thought. This is why I ask my questions. If we are able to arrive at a clear, scripture based answer, that's great. If we only have opinions and thoughts based on our experiences and what we see in the word, that's still great. I hope that through these questions we will either learn new truths or affirm our current beliefs.
Kesster, I am not offended by your answer. However, it did feel a bit "high and mighty". It seemed as if my questions were not worthy. Your answer was very precise and was solely scripture...except for the preface. My first thoughts after reading that preface changed the way that I viewed your answer. I am very appreciative that you quoted the word. Thank you for that.
Kesster, if you don't mind I would like to ask you another question on your response to Steve. Are pastors responsible for our relationship with God or are we responsible for ourselves? I know there are arguments for both sides, so I would love to hear both of them from you. Thanks
If we know what Life in the Spirit looks like, why don't we live it? Let's try to encourage each other and hold each other accountable in every way we can. "A chord of three strands is not easily broken" Eccl 4:12
I pray that we will build each other up through our discussions and involvement in each others' lives.
"Cumbaya, my Lord, Cumbaya."
Kumbaya, meaning “come by here”, is a standard campfire song associated with unity and closeness. However it is now usually referenced in a satirical context-as you see above. I’ll admit I have laughed at some jokes associated with the song, but I pray that we as believers would not demoralize its meaning.
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
Ephesians 4:12-15
"...you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:26-29
"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many."
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Jason, what was kesster's reaction? That life in the spirit is easy? It is my desire to be filled with the Spirit and live accordingly, but regretfully my desires aren't always fulfilled. If you could share any advice about how it became easy for you, I'd greatly appreciate it. I am trying to die to myself, but it is an every day process.
This discussion is getting kind of intense.
I think Tim's intent with his blog is to be able to share what he is studying on, learning, and making an effort to grow in. Which is great and I appreciate his efforts and his openness.
Kesster's posts sound like he is a little bit bitter or frustrated about something other than what is being talked about(pastor's or other Christians maybe). It sounds like this is also getting Tim a little bit heated.
It may be time to let this discussion go and try to move on to something else, maybe revisit this at a later time.
Post a Comment