Filled with the Holy Ghost

Act 2:4 … And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost..

The idea of being filled implies there is an indwelling presence of something. We say that we are filled with joy and running over, or filled with excitement and can’t contain it. Such fillings are emotions that are created by experiences and situations in our lives that cause us to express an outward manifestation of happiness. The day of Pentecost was more that just a day of great joy and expression of emotions of happiness. The coming of the Holy Ghost into the heart of believers was a spiritual experience that transcended the mind and emotions. The Father sent the Comforter, the Holy Ghost to fill the heart to those who were praying in the upper room. They gathered for one purpose, seeking God for power and purity. Power to stand boldly in the face of opposition, and purity to live a life holy and acceptable to God. The Holy Spirit dwelling in the believer is what caused the world to turn upside down. The church of Jesus Christ was born, built on the foundation of Christ alone, His Spirit empowered His church to spread the news of His love, grace and mercy.

The Promise of Jesus

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

The promise of Jesus given to believers that there will be one that will not only be with us, but “shall be in you” Such was the case on the day of Pentecost. The day that believers gathered together in the upper room united together in prayer. The Holy Spirit came, purifying their heart’s by faith, filling their heart with burning love, gave them power over the works of darkness and sin. As believers, we need the Holy Spirit to come into our lives and lead us and direct our path. He is the source of truth who will not lead us astray. Believers in Christ are still human vessels subject to the temptation of Satan. It is essential that we have the Holy Spirit in us to be all that God wants us to be. The Holy Spirit want to work in our lives, but we must submit ourselves, our will, our desires to His will. Let the Spirit of Truth be our standard of living. We are never alone, and He will go before us.

Called Unto Holiness

1 Thess 5:23,24 “ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you; He also will do it.

Called unto holiness is more than just a song we sing in church. It is more than just a doctrine that is held by many churches that hold to the teachings of John Wesley. It is a Bible experience that every Christian can have. We strive daily to live in holiness, but God calls us not only to strive but to obtain the experience of being blameless before God. To be sanctify wholly is an experience of God’s grace by shedding in our hearts the Holy Spirit who purges out the carnal sinful nature. The whole of our body, soul and spirit can be made pure by the indwelling presence of God. This is the prayer that Paul gives to those who have come to Christ for salvation and forgiveness. He prayed to God that our hearts would be remain pure and holy until we see Christ face to face. The God who called us to holiness is faithful to answer prayer to anyone who is willing to let God sanctify them wholly.