14 September 2016

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (3)

By John Ollis

I understand the adult  male human body is 60% water, and this is one major reason why we must keep up our fluids or we begin to dehydrate, if we don’t keep up our fluids this can cause medical problems and could eventually be fatal.

HOW MUCH MORE WE NEED SPIRITUAL WATER TO SUSTAIN US

In John 3: 5 Jesus says, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. There is a Hermeneutics   (Principles of Biblical Interpretation) principle called Hendyadus  (meaning two for one) so this verse can be translated “unless one is born of spiritual water he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

As the Bible interprets itself we can turn to John 7: 38  we read, He who believes in me as the Scriptures has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

The moment we are born again the Holy Spirit (spiritual water) comes into our spirit, and when we surrender ourselves to the Lord (Rom.12:1) as the Holy Spirit fills us out of our spirit flows living water. For this spiritual water is not just for ourselves, it must be shared, and the more we share the more it flows. We must learn the life of complete surrender to the Lord and letting the Holy Spirit (spiritual water) do His perfect work in us and through us.

There are two aspects of truth  in this symbol of water speaking of the Holy Spirit, the symbol speaks of a life-giving flow which refreshes and satisfies, it also speaks of washing, cleansing and fruitfulness.

At this time in our State we are experiencing very heavy “spring rains” that is causing rivers to rise and causing flooding over the roads and countryside. I am reminded of the numerous mentions of the Former and Latter Rains  spoken by some of the Old testament Prophets. Paul reminds us, first the natural, then the spiritual. The New Testament teaches us that on the Day of Pentecost (at the birth of the Church) the Former rain was poured out and the 120 disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. At the beginning of the 2oth century there came fresh outpourings of the Holy Spirit (many call it the Latter Rain outpourings). that has so impacted the Christian Church around the world.

If ever there was a time in Church History that we need the power of the Holy Spirit (spiritual water) it is NOW. I love the song written and sung by the Christian group called Delirious.

Looks like tonight, the sky is heavy
feels like the winds, are gonna change
Beneath my feet, the Earth is ready
I know it’s time, for heavens rain.
It’s gonna rain, yeah yeah
Cause living water we desire,
to flood our hearts with holy fire
Rain down, all around the world we’re singing
Rain down, can you hear the Earth is singing
Rain down, my heart is dry but still i’m singing
Rain down, rain it down on me.
Back to the start, my heart is heavy
Feels like it’s time, to dream again
I see the clouds, and yes i’m ready
To dance upon, this barren land
Hope in my hands, yeah yeah
Cause living water we desire,
to flood our hearts with holy fire
Rain down, all around the world we’re singing
Rain down, can you hear the Earth is singing
Rain down,… 
In John 7:37 Jesus says, If anyone thirsts,let him come to Me and drink. I am not thirsty enough, so I regularly pray LORD INCREAS MY THIRST.
Do you remember this old song and especially the chorus?
Like the woman at the well, I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy.
And then I heard my Saviour speaking—
“Draw from My well that never shall run dry.”
Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.
2
There are millions in this world who are seeking
For pleasures earthly goods afford.
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.
3
So my brother if the things that this world gives you
Leave hungers that won’t pass away,
My blessed Lord will come and save you
If you kneel to Him and humbly pray