"Thou shalt command the children of Israel that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lam to burn always" (Ex. 27:20). Though obviously the oil was essential to cause the light to burn, God said, "Command the children of Israel" to bring the oil. This is a picture of the Christian being filled with the Holy Spirit, so filling of the Holy Spirit is a command of God. Ephesians 5:18 says, "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit." This is not optional; it is a divine imperative. How? "If we ask anything according to His will ...we know, we have the petitions that we desired of him" 1 John 5:16. "Present your body" for the Holy Spirit to control or as I like to say, "get in the driver's seat and control us". Rom 12:1, 6:13.
Too many today are totally oblivious to the Holy Spirit in their lives. They know nothing of His work in and through them. Some time ago, I made a study and found there are 60 ministries of the Holy Spirit to and through believers. Then, many of you will remember I did a series teaching these. Many do not want to pay the price of a Spirit filled life. It means giving up too much of self and the desires of the flesh and they treat this command as though they have an option to refuse to yield to the Holy Spirit. As God admonished Moses to command the children of Israel, so we as God's ministers are to command the children of God to be filled with the Holy Spirit. For us not to do so is rebellion.
God's gift of salvation did not come cheap. Christ suffered and died for our sins, paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds. Trust He paid yours and receive Him
Obey me..."so shalt thou find favor...in the sight of God and man" Prov 3:1-4. WOW
PRAY FOR CELESTE. The Dr. found fluid on her lungs. She is weak. SHE NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS and so do I. We love you and need YOU. ABC Sumner & Celeste
