Pastor Andy Grossman shared this beautiful true story from the ministry of the great evangelist, D.L. Moody.
In one of his meetings, D.L. Moody was explaining to his audience the truth that we cannot bring about spiritual changes in our lives by our own strength. He demonstrated the principal like this: “Tell me,” he said to his audience, “how can I get the air out of the glass I have in my hand?”
One man said, “Suck it out with a pump.” But Moody replied, “That would create a vacuum and shatter it.”
Finally after many suggestions, Moody picked up a pitcher and quietly filled the glass with water. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.” He then explained that victory for the child of God does not come solely by working hard to eliminate sinful habits, but rather by allowing Christ to take full possession.
A lot of people work hard to remove bad habits from their lives. Just look at all the self-help books out there…. But sin is like cutting down one of those old cottonwood trees that we used to have in the front yard. All the trees were cut down – but for years the roots would send out suckers and little trees would pop up in the most unusual and inconvenient places. It wasn’t until all the roots were removed that they stopped coming up.
If we try to remove the results without doing anything about the cause, we only frustrate ourselves. The need is to remove the root and replace it with the Holy Spirit.
Moody was once asked why he urged Christians to be filled constantly with the Holy Spirit. “Well,” he said, “I need a continual infilling because I leak!” He pointed to a water tank which had sprung a leak. “I’m like that!” he said. It’s a fact that living in this sinful world we do need to be replenished by the Spirit.
Another evangelist was asked if he believed in the “second blessing”, meaning Holy Spirit baptism. “Of course I do,” he replied, “and in the 3rd, 4th, 5th blessing, and so on.”
Yes, it is true. We leak and therefore need to be continually filled and constantly refilled with the Holy Spirit. We see the pattern in the book of Acts. The Holy Spirit was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. That was only the beginning as the Lord knows our need to be full to overflowing of the Holy Spirit. For example, the believers were filled again with the Holy Spirit in chapter 4:31, “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Paul commands us, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Not once but continually!
Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? If not, now is the time for you! Begin today to seek the Lord that He would pour out His Spirit upon you. It can happen any place and any time – in your home or even during this Sunday’s service. Have you already received the baptism in the Holy Spirit? Don’t let it be “one and done”. Ask Jesus to fill you over and over and over, because you leak and need to continually be refilled. And pray that the Holy Spirit would not only fill you up but also overflow from you to others. May others see the presence and power of the Holy Spirit filling you and spilling over to those around you.
This Sunday, June 5, is Pentecost Sunday and we will conclude our teaching series, “AND”, by focusing on the Holy Spirit AND Spirit Baptism with four questions: What is Spirit Baptism? Who can receive Spirit Baptism? How can I be Sure that I have received Spirit Baptism? How do I receive Spirit Baptism? We will also share in Holy Communion. Please join us at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HonoluluAG/).
Coming Up: 1. This Saturday is our monthly Drive Thru Prayer outreach from 1-3pm. What will the Lord do this time? Come and see! 2. June 19 is Father’s Day. All Dads in attendance will receive a free gift. 3. If you are interested in being baptized in water, please let me know. It is coming up soon.
Aloha ke Akua!