Last time we looked at the first 3 evidences of a Spirit-controlled church, being a Unified body, that is characterized by fellowship and worship. Today we continue that discussion, but looking at the next three. 4. A Spirit-Controlled church is one that is involved in Winning others to Christ. The Holy Spirit is the true instrument of every conversion, and a church that is responsive to Him lives and shares their faith in a way to draw others to Christ. And are excited about the opportunity that God gives them to reach out to people who long to find purpose in their lives. 5. The Spirit-controlled church is loving. It is an assembly of people who care and help others, and the people around them. The are willing to give of themselves selflessly, and sacrifice their time and energy to help and assist those around them. 6. The Spirit-Controlled church is marked by those who attempt to be obedient to the Word of God. They walk in the path that God prescribes, and choose to obey not out of compulsion, but out of their appreciation and love for what God has done for them. As we approach today, may we … READ MORE

 It has been said that if the Holy Spirit left today, much of what happens in many churches would go on without interruption. This is a condemnation to churches who are relying on personal talent and ability and not on spirit directed gifts. I want to suggest 8 evidences of a spirit controlled church this week. 1. The Spirit- controlled church is unified. The Holy Spirit the source and preserver of unity (Ephesians 4), and that unity does not equal uniformity, but individuality. Yet in the midst of the differences of the people that are apart of the church there is a unity of purpose to glorify God by knowing Him and making Him known. 2. The Spirit-controlled church is characterized by fellowship. This fellowship is deep and wide, honest and intimate, inclusive of every believer who cares and participates. The is usually seen by how long the people linger at the church after the services (the longer the more fellowship), and what they do together outside the confines of the regular services. This fellowship leads to a family atmosphere. 3. The Spirit-controlled church is worshipful. That means its worship is meaningful, genuine, God-centered, and shared by all, as it … READ MORE

1 Corinthians 12:11 reminds us that it is the Holy Spirit that divides the gifts of God for the church to every person as He chooses. This verse summarizes verses 4-10 and Paul continues to stress that each gifts, through different in many ways from the others, is supernaturally given to each member of the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit as He chooses to give. There is no indication here that gifts should be sought. In God’s sovereignty He has give gifts to be the fulfillment of His divine purpose, they are not a smorgasbord from which believers may choose. The fact that they are given by the Holy Spirit is also a reminder that they are not given for our importance but for the church local and universal. As such they must never be used to exalt the person, but to be to exalt and glorify the Lord, Himself. When the Spirit of God rules and energizes a church at least eight evidences will be manifested, and I want to take this week to review those evidences starting tomorrow. For today, I want to remind you of two things. One, the gifts that the Spirit has given … READ MORE