A Prayer for Unity in the SBC by the HOLY SPIRIT.

Some Food for Thought from one of God’s most humble Servants that I have known.

Dr. John M. Frame
Prof. of Systematic Theology and Philosophy
Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida

An Unrealistic Dream

1. That Reformed thinkers continue to have bright, fresh ideas, but that they present these ideas with humility and treat with grace and patience those who are not immediately convinced.
2. That Reformed thinkers with bright ideas discourage the rapid formation of parties to contend for those ideas.
3. That those initially opposed to those bright ideas allow some time for gentle, thoughtful discussion before declaring the bright ideas to be heresy.
4. That these opponents also discourage the rapid formation of partisan groups.
5. That those contending for various doctrinal positions accept the burden of proof, willing to bear the difficulty of serious biblical exegesis.
6. That we try much harder to guard our tongues (Jas. 3:1-12), saving the strongest language of condemnation (e.g., “denying the gospel”) for those who have been declared heretics by the judicial processes of the church.
7. That Reformed churches, ministries, and institutions be open to a wider range of opinions than they are now—within limits, of course.
8. That we honor one another as much for character and witness as we do for agreement with our theological positions.
9. That occasionally we smile and jest about our relatively minor differences, while praying, worshiping, and working together in the love of Christ.

FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-4

[They] were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:4
One of the best strategies the devil uses to distract Christians is to get them involved in fruitless theological squabbles. One of those discussions concerns signs that can accompany being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Some argue that all Christians filled with the Holy Spirit must speak in tongues. Others argue that speaking in tongues is just one of the many gifts that the Spirit gives to believers.

But what is the main message of Acts 2:1-4? Our reading for today speaks of the faithful followers of Christ who stayed where he wanted them to stay and received whom he said they would receive. As a result of their obedience to the command Jesus had given them—"Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised" (Acts 1:4)—they all were filled with the Holy Spirit.

The question for each of us is whether we live daily in obedience to Jesus Christ: Have I received the fullness of the Holy Spirit so that I may become a powerful witness of the gospel?

We will not tire of saying that effective Christian living and ministry are impossible if believers are not filled with the Holy Spirit.

Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit? Does that filling reveal itself through your obedience?

Prayer
Lord, please, forgive all my sins. Come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may become a powerful witness of your good news in this world. Amen.

Today is a ministry of The Back to God Hour
http://www.BacktoGod.net/
email: btgh@crcna.org
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Eph 4:30 -
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God - This is addressed to Christians, and it proves that it is possible for them to grieve the Holy Spirit. The word used here - λυπεῖτε lupeite - means properly to afflict with sorrow; to make sad or sorrowful. It is rendered to make sorry, or sorrowful, Mat_14:9; Mat_17:23; Mat_18:31; Mat_19:22; Mat_26:22, Mat_26:37; Mar_14:19; Joh_16:20; 2Co_2:2; 2Co_6:10; 2Co_7:8-9, 2Co_7:11; 1Th_4:13. It is rendered "grieved," Mar_10:22; Joh_21:17; Rom_14:15; 2Co_2:4-5; Eph_4:20; and once. "in heaviness," 1Pe_1:6. The verb does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. The common meaning is, to treat others so as to cause grief. We are not to suppose that the Holy Spirit literally endures "grief, or pain," at the conduct of people. The language is such as is suited to describe what "men" endure, and is applied to him to denote that kind of conduct which is "suited" to cause grief; and the meaning here is, "do not pursue such a course as is "suited" in its own nature, to pain the benevolent heart of a holy being. Do not act toward the Holy Spirit in a manner which would produce pain in the bosom of a friend who loves you. There is a course of conduct which will drive that Spirit from the mind as if he were grieved and pained - as a course of ingratitude and sin would pain the heart of an earthly friend, and cause him to leave you." If asked what that conduct is, we may reply:
(1) Open and gross sins. They are particularly referred to here; and the meaning of Paul is. that theft, falsehood, anger, and kindred vices, would grieve the Holy Spirit and cause him to depart.
(2) anger, in all its forms. Nothing is more suited to drive away all serious and tender impressions from the mind, than the indulgence of anger.
(3) Licentious thoughts and desires. The Spirit of God is pure, and he dwells not in a soul that is filled with corrupt imaginings.
(4) Ingratitude. "We" feel ingratitude more than almost anything else; and why should we suppose that the Holy Spirit would not feel it also?
(5) neglect. The Spirit of God is grieved by that. Often he prompts us to pray; he disposes the mind to seriousness, to the perusal of the Bible, to tenderness and penitence. We neglect those favored moments of our piety, and lose those happy seasons for becoming like God.
(6) Resistance. Christians often resist the Holy Spirit. He would lead them to be dead to the world; yet they drive on their plans Of gain. He would teach them the folly of fashion and vanity; yet they deck themselves in the most frivolous apparel. He would keep them from the splendid party, the theater, and the ballroom; yet they go there. A l that is needful for a Christian to do in order to be eminent in piety, is to yield to the gentle influences which would draw him to prayer and to heaven.
Whereby ye are sealed - see the notes on 2Co_1:22.
Unto the day of redemption - see the notes on Eph_1:14.