We like the idea of being in the presence of the Holy Spirit, but often draw the line at wanting His presence in US. But the filling of the Holy Spirit that takes place in Acts 2:3-4 is a complete and total permeation and saturation of the Spirit--there was fire in the house AND in those waiting in the upper room! And just like it is with smoked meat, where the evidence of a fire (smoke) is soaked up by the meat and not just on the surface like it is with imitation smoke, you can't cover up the real thing! Are you wanting God to simply fill the room? Or to fill YOU? The difference is critical...and a fire is burning for those who would seek it.
Throughout scripture, God often reveals himself and His power through fire--from His conversation with Moses in the burning bush to the pillar of fire as He led the Israelites through the wilderness, or from answering Elijah’s prayer by sending fire from heaven to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness.
Jesus then tells of a new expression of God’s presence in the form of the Holy Spirit. This gift--this promised counselor--shows up at Pentecost, and we are given the assurance that God is always with us. Our heart burns within us as did the hearts of those on the road to Emmaus. What remains is a Holy Smoke. And where there is smoke there is fire!
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Naz Chats (from the Archives!)
We believe discipleship occurs in the midst of conversation, and hope the discussions we’ve pulled from the archives not only help you dig a little deeper into your own faith, but that they’ll inspire further dialogue with those you do life with in your homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces.
Click the box below to access these discussions on YouTube:
To access our playlist of sermon discussion videos, click here.
For the “Getting to Know You” Naz Chats from our quarantine days, click here.