Outside And Inside (Mt. 23:25-28)

Read Matthew 23:25-28.

1. Just because things look good on the outside doesn't mean they are good on the inside.  People easily live in duplicity.

2. Most attention goes into preserving the outside instead of cultivating the inside. It's hard work focusing upon the interior!

3. It is appalling what can live inside of you! (Mt. 15:16-20; Prov. 4:23)

4. So, what's in your heart?  Yours, not someone else's.  Ask the Holy Spirit to flesh out any toxicity (Psa. 19:14; 139:23-24; 1 Cor. 11:28; 2 Cor. 13:5).

My Thoughts Inexactly (02/20/16)

NOTES:

1. The subject of this episode is reverence.
2. We live in an informal culture.  We want people to relax and feel at home.  Have we gotten too relaxed in church?
3. Is God still the Guest of Honor in His own House?
4. The Holy Spirit is powerful, yet He allows Himself to be grieved easily.
5. To reverence the Holy Spirit, let us minimize distractions so we can maximize attention.
6. What might happen if the Holy Spirit believed that we believe He is the Guest of Honor?

Challenges & Conversations (1/26/16)

The past two Sundays, we've enjoyed God's presence in an unusual way.  I say "unusual" not because the altar time was weird or unruly but because it is rare.  Regretfully, times such as these have been rare.  God has given us a "taste" of what every Sunday can be like!  I've gleaned some things I want to share with you.  These aren't new revelations, just "old" truths that need dusting off.

• You shouldn't rush the altar time.  God is not in a hurry.  While there might be an initial urgency to respond, there is no benefit in rushing things after that.  High-impact altar ministry is a slow-cook experience, not a high-heat gas grill charring.  Don't be afraid to "simmer" in His presence.
• The Holy Spirit moves whenever and wherever the name of Jesus is exalted.  If you want a more powerful altar experience, drop the "selfish songs."  Talk about Jesus. Sing about Jesus. Testify about Jesus  Shout the name of Jesus!  Celebrate the name of Jesus. 
• Don't be afraid of silence.  It doesn't mean God is done.  You might be uncomfortable, but this is an opportune time to reflect and anticipate.  During a time of silence, people begin to leave. You know what happens next?  Another "wave" of God's presence begins!  During any silence, God gets to talk to you.  It isn't fair to ask God to speak to you and then disengage during the time He is most likely to do that.
• Don't allow times of refreshing at the altar to replace the preaching of God's Word.  The last two Sundays, the altar time happened before the sermon.  That's okay, but I could feel a subtle "pressure" when I looked at the clock and it showed 11:40 A.M.  People had enjoyed a great time in God's presence, but they were aware the hour was getting late.  I preached as if it were only 11:15.  The Bible must always be elevated above experience.
• What "kills" an altar time isn't silence but non-participation.  When it is clear that people are sitting there doing nothing -- not praying, not meditating, not worshiping, not even waiting -- just the deer-in-the-headlights-what's-next look -- it is time to transition.  You do not want to keep pressing them and risk leaving a bad taste.

The Holy Spirit and Obedience (Ac. 5:32)

"And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Ac. 5:32, NASB).

You have to do more than want the Holy Spirit, ask for Him or merely enjoy seeing Him move.  The Holy Spirit is given in response to obedience.  To obey the Holy Spirit, you first must know what He says.

Assuming a willingness to obey Him, the great need of the hour is men and women who recognize the voice of the Spirit.  I'm wondering if it is possible to speak in tongues and have little sensitivity?  It is possible to grow up in the church and become accustomed to someone else hearing and obeying the Spirit. You just go along to enjoy the ride.

Invest time learning to hear the Spirit for yourself.  Anointing requires this.  You cannot remain filled with the Spirit if you don't hear Him and obey Him.