July 31, 2012 Spirit-Filled Church

Spirit Filled Churches Matt 13:1-2 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. DO YOU marvel at the huge crowds that followed Jesus and listened to him speak? What marvelous events they must have been for those who participated—to be part of something special, to know that here is a preacher, a teacher, a rabbi who has something profound to tell, one who talks about loving God and loving each other. This must have been amazing teaching to hear. In churches, we are often happy to have 40, 50, 100, 200, 300 or more. But thousands are rare. Why would we be pleased with these low numbers? Certainly no pastor is Jesus, but wait a minute; who truly draws the people to the Son of God? Of course, it was the Spirit of God. There was such a profound movement in the hearts of the Jews and Gentiles in Israel at the time that they had to go hear Jesus. The Holy Spirit anointed his teaching and opened people’s hearts and minds to the truth. What must we do to grow the church? We must pray for the Spirit to anoint people with a desire to hear God’s Word. That he will send people, and God’s Word is spoken in the Spirit’s power. Now, will you pray to the Holy Spirit? Will you pray he will open hearts and minds in to hear and know God’s Word? Pray for hearts to be full of Jesus. Pray we have to worship outside, that our walls will not hold all who come. Pray the Spirit moves to save. It’s True! The Holy Spirit is a filling, growing Spirit of truth.