THE HOLY GHOST, OUR DIVINE OVERFLOW

Joshua Generation BLCI

Scripture - Joel 2:24 NIV, Joel 2:28-29 NIV , Acts 4:31 NKJV

THE HOLY GHOST, OUR DIVINE OVERFLOW

God promised to pour out (not just to give) the Holy Ghost on everyone. This is a promise of divine overflow. Pouring means something will not just be given - it will given in abundance. Scripture informs us that God intends to give us the Spirit in abundance;

- John 3:34 NIV

Apart from this statement of intention, God informs us that we can receive the Holy Ghost through asking;

- Luke 11:13 NKJV

1. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER MUST EXPERIENCE

In relation to the Holy Ghost, the following at the three things you must encounter as a believer;

- You must be baptized by the Holy Ghost into the body of Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 12:13

This nature of baptism happens when you give your life to Christ. The Spirit baptizes you into the body of Christ, which is the Church.

- You must be baptized in the Holy Ghost.

- Acts 1:8

The Lord Jesus Christ baptizes us with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16). According to the Lord Jesus Christ, this baptism is necessary for us to carry out His assignment on earth. It is usually evidenced by speaking in tongues, prophesying, dreaming dreams and seeing visions among others.

"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: Acts 1:4-5 NIV

- You must daily be filled with the Holy Ghost

2. BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST

You get baptized in the Holy Ghost once but you must be filled everyday. Acts 2:1-4, 4:31. The Lord instructs us that being filled with the Holy Ghost is an order, not an option;

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit," - Ephesians 5:18

Being filled with the Holy Ghost is very important because;

* Being filled with the Holy Ghost reveals and preserves the greatness that God has set upon your life.

"for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb." Luke 1:15

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 9:17

* You only fulfill the desires of the one you are filled with

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" - Galatians 5:16 KJV

- Being filled with the Holy Ghost should be a regular encounter because as we serve, we are giving what received and so we need to be filled again.

- Each infilling of the Holy Ghost introduces a new power surge of God into and for your life. Spiritual power surges are necessary for the new dimensions.

The book of Acts reveals multiple instances on which people were filled with the Holy Ghost. In each of or following these instances, there was a unique supernatural dimension that was introduced to the church. For example, in Acts 4:31, a surge of boldness was introduced, in Acts 9:17, Paul's ministry was launched, in Acts 13:9 a surge of authority can be seen.

In short, you will remain the same or even become worse if you are not regularly being filled with the Holy Ghost.

3. HOW THEN DO YOU MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST?

Being filled with the Holy Ghost does not happen automatically. Though it is freely given by God's grace, we must make ourselves available for it. This is done when we consistently practice the following disciplines;

- Holiness. Matthew 5:8

- Prayer. Luke 11:13

- Fasting. Acts 13:1-2, 9

- The Word of God. John 6:63, 2 Peter 2:21

- Pray in tongues a lot.

- Be part of godly fellowships where the real gospel is taught and people are praying genuinely, like the services we have.