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| PentecostalTheology.com
EVEN SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCHES
LIMIT THE HOLY SPIRIT – NOT GOOD – Ray E Horton
“The real problem in the spirit-filled church isn’t abuse or misuse of the gifts (which can be addressed and remedied with teaching), but the quenching of their use, and the lack of encouragement of their use by leadership. People will hesitate, even when the Lord wants to do something through them, unless encouraged.”
Many churches play church with predicable programs that limit the Holy Spirit. I love it when occasionally the service is unpredictable, and God does something different. Due the fear of misuse, many churches do not allow the gifts of the spirit to operate at all. But, because we are afraid something wrong might be said, do we ignore God’s Word concerning the operation of spiritual gifts?
We are to seek after spiritual gifts
When Holy Spirit is allowed to manifest, it softens hearts to receive the preaching of God’s Word, and to be transformed
God’s Word tells us: “Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1). We are told here that right after love, the spiritual gifts, especially prophesy, are to be sought after.
When we disobey in this individually, and even more-so as a church, the Holy Spirit is grieved. And, when Holy Spirit is grieved, you will find less anointing. When the Holy Spirit is allowed to manifest, it softens hearts to receive the preaching of God’s Word, and to be transformed.
The way to avoid misuse of the gifts is to teach on it. It is clear in 1 Cor. 14 how to operate in proper order and to judge prophecy. Also, if taught on, the Holy Spirit won’t be limited to choose from just the several people bold enough to step out. It can be hard to be one of the few who are used because one doesn’t want to be seen as someone special when it’s about God, who will use whoever is available and Baptized in the Holy Spirit, if they have the confidence.
The Real Problem
Most people will hesitate, even when the Lord wants to do something through them, unless encouraged
The real problem in the church is not abuse or misuse of the gifts (which can be addressed and remedied), but the quenching of their use, and the lack of encouragement of their use by leadership. People will hesitate, even when the Lord wants to do something through them, unless encouraged.
The church needs the spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ. Additionally, people have been created with a place in their hearts for the supernatural. When the real is not quenched, people won’t seek out the fake. But, when they are not experiencing the supernatural through the Holy Spirit, immature believers can be vulnerable to alternate sources, which are all on the dark side, like the occult or new age.
It may be comfortable for church leadership to be complacent and settle for “safe,” routine services. But God desires to move in our midst. So, let the churches encourage believers in the use of the gifts, including in the church services, ordered according to 1 Cor. 14, teaching on their proper use, so that believers are edified, strengthened, and better prepared to serve.
