This post is a follow-up message from Pastor Ben's sermon entitled "A Life of Fullness". [Watch video]

More on the filling of the Spirit... Certainly, when the Holy Spirit is working unabated there will be realization that God is doing something unique and supernatural. J.I. Packer in his excellent book, Keep in Step With the Spirit, tells of how God has worked in the lives of God’s people in spiritual renewal. He said, “Scripture points to a recurring process whereby, following upon coldness, carelessness, and unfaithfulness among God’s people, God himself acts in sovereignty to restore what was ready to perish.” Packer then lists these means by which God has worked to renew His people.

1. God comes down. God makes His presence known in such a way that God’s people humble themselves and exalt Him in worship.

2. God’s Word comes home. The Bible, as Christ’s message to believers is once again regarded as the ultimate authority and that power and is “felt afresh.”

3. God’s purity comes through. God’s Spirit uses the Word to quicken us once again to the sinfulness of sin and kindles anew our desire to live holy lives.

4. God’s people come alive. There is a renewed life of faith among God’s people characterized by repentance, faith, love, joy, praise and prayer, meeting one another’s needs and boldness in testimony.

While all this is happening, says Packer, outsiders come in. They are drawn by a genuine movement of God’s Sprit in God’s people as Christ is lifted up. Would that we would be such a church!