Filled - for a purpose

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1.8

Yesterday was Holy Spirit day on our church Alpha Course. Nothing immediately dramatic happened, though there was a significant degree of emotion expressed in the small groups, as people shared their experiences and prayed for each other. "Come Holy Spirit and fills us afresh with your love and power" was the overarching theme of these prayers and we trust that is exactly what happened. I say that based on my personal conviction that God is true to his word when he commands: Ask.. Seek.. Knock,,, and you will receive!.

God blesses us freely and generously but not gratuitously. God blesses us for a purpose: to be his witnesses. And we become such in two ways: by sharing our faith with others, patiently and gently; and by backing up what we say with how we live, so that there is evidence and integrity to what we profess.

The fruit of yesterday and today will be a church - that is to say, a community of believers - who are filled with the Spirit, joyfully serving the needs of our neighbours, ever alert to their deepest need - of a Saviour - and therefore ready to seize any opportunity to introduce them to Jesus. One obvious example would be to offer a non-believing friend, relative or work colleague an invitation to our next Alpha Course...