Daily Bread – August 29, 2023 (The Third Day – Genesis 1:9-13) Ephesians 5:18 – And be not intoxicated with wine as one unsaved, but be continually filled with the Spirit. Being Filled With The Spirit The meaning of being “filled with the Spirit” was established in the first two chapters of Acts. On the day of Pentecost when the disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Scripture says they were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). By virtue that the exact same thing happened at the house of Cornelius, we also know we can equate being “filled with the Holy Spirit” to the “gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 11:15, 10:45). The sign of “being filled with the Spirit”, or the “gift of God” was tongues. Now, being “filled with the Spirit” is not a one-time event as indicated by both this passage of Scripture and other facts presented by the experiences of the Apostles. When the Apostles were in need of boldness because of the threats of the elders, they prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit again (Acts 4:31). Also, if being filled with the Spirit is the means by which tongues is uttered, then the life of Paul exemplifies a continual filling by the fact that Paul was someone who evidently spoke in tongues continually as he said to the Corinthian Church, “I speak with tongues more than you all” (1 Corinthians 14:18). The expression of being filled with the Spirit was active in Paul both in prayer and singing (1 Corinthians 14:15). Tongues are established as the utterance of the Spirit in Acts 2:4. Also, tongues can only be spoken as the Holy Spirit gives the utterance. As a supernatural gift, tongues must be given the same status as miracles or signs and wonders. The only possible way to turn water into wine or to walk on the water is by the miracle power of the Holy Spirit. Although these are gifts given to the believer, yet it is only by the will and power of the Spirit of God that they operate. Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 8/29/2023
