Receiving the Spirit, Serving the Body

Summary

This midweek service began with worship and a prayer to enter God's presence, then continued the church's ongoing study of the book of Acts, reaching Paul's ministry in Ephesus. The preacher recalled how Paul asked the believers there whether they had received the Holy Spirit, how about twelve men were filled, and how Paul taught in the synagogue and then daily for roughly two years until everyone in the region had heard the word of the Lord.

From there the message turned to the meaning of life, warning, as the Apostle Paul did, that true purpose is found only in union with Jesus Christ. The pastor reminded the congregation that God has given every believer gifts and talents to serve the whole body, and that staying away from the gathering and withholding that service is a real loss, even a sin, before the Lord.

The service ended with warm, extended prayer: thanksgiving for healing and answered prayer, intercession for the sick and for young families traveling, and a blessing over the church for the week ahead.

Key Points

• Paul asked the Ephesian believers whether they had received the Holy Spirit - God still longs to fill His people.
• Through Paul's patient teaching the word of the Lord reached the whole region; the gospel advances through faithful witness.
• Real purpose in life is found only in living united with Jesus Christ.
• God gives every believer gifts and talents to build up the whole body of Christ.
• Skipping the gathering and withholding your service is a loss to you and to others.
• Answered prayer and healing call us to thanksgiving and to keep bringing every need to God.