The Message

A woman bought a parrot from a pet store.  The bird was chattering away in the store, but was quiet at home.  The next day she returned to the pet store; as the bird still was not talking.  So the pet store attendant asked, "How about a ladder? Parrots love ladders.  A happy parrot is a talkative parrot."  So the woman bought a ladder.  She returned the next day, the parrot still was not talking.  "Does your parrot have a swing?"  She responded, "No!"  The attendant said, "Well if you get a swing and that bird will talk up a storm!!"  The woman reluctantly bought a swing and left.  She returned the next day, but her countenance had changed.  The attendant asked, "What is wrong?"  She responded, "My parrot died."  The Pet store attendant shocked said, "I'm so sorry. Tell me, did he ever say a word?  She responded, "In a weak voice, the parrot asked, 'Don't they sell food at that pet store?'"  Sometimes people forget the main thing?  

 

When it come to our faith in Christ, do we forget the main thing?  Sidetracked?  Caught up in the day?  In Rev 2:4-5, the church of Ephesus forgot the main thing.  They forgot their first love - meaning they didn't maintain strong affection for God and the sacred things which they had when they first were brought to the knowledge of truth and pardoned by Jesus Christ.  So he warned them that he would remove the lamp stand - the very presence of God.  This is bloodcurdling, yet a reminder and warning to us.  Don't forget the main thing!

 

Remember in the gospel of Mark, the people had come to recognize they had burdens, burdens to heavy for them to carry, then they had to confess it, John the Baptist points out the gift that we will receive.  It is called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  As I was meditating in my study for this weeks sermon, I felt that we have amputated the value of our birthplace.  Our reborn life.  In Mark 1:4-5, I envision all these people coming in multitudes to see John speak, walking 20 miles or more to see him, with a 4000 foot descent to the Jordan River.  They wanted to be there!!  The Spirit of God was moving these people!!  I visualize an intense revival. The one that John would point too!!  The one who would Baptize with the Holy Spirit.  Words echo from Ezekiel - And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.  How exciting it would have been to observe or participate!!  Don't forget the main thing!

 

In reference to the main thing, have you ever thought about what you receive from the Holy Spirit?  Have you ever pondered, what is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?  Many people have denied God the Father, Jesus the son and the Holy Spirit, because they have needed proof!  They have invested all their efforts in their senses!!  Which I cannot blame them, we are influenced by what we see, hear, smell and touch.  So it is hard to get our minds wrapped around this thing called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit - God's spirit in us. 

 

Would a starving man decline to eat because he doesn't understand the process of nutrition in the food?  Would a man reject a lifeboat because he didn't understand how the boat floats?  Just like many want proof before they embrace God in their lives.  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a mystery.

 

Through various acts of participation we can experience and realize evidence of the Holy Spirit in and through us!

 

1.  Hearing a sermon or reading the Bible -  can and should stir our soul (causes a reaction - negative or positive), people repent,  people become holy, men and women who came oppose Christ leave believing in Christ.

2.  Being Baptized or taking the Lord's Supper - reminds us of God's grace.  Things like water, wine, and bread that normally have no significant value, now have divine power because of a divine Spirit.  Because now we feel God's presence through recognition and participation

3.  Jesus - The blood of Jesus means nothing to you, until you receive the Spirit of Grace in your life.  The Spirit of God leads many to the cross for salvation.

4.  You and I - Have you ever found it hard to bend a knee to something.  We are naturally a proud people!  Before you accepted Christ into your life, did you ever think that you would ask God for mercy or confess your sins to him or ask God to restore in you a new heart.

 

All these acts validate the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the lives of many people, every moment of everyday!  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is never forced or induced.  It is freely given!  Look at Rev 3:20 - Here I am, I stand at the door and knock.  If  anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.  God never forces himself into your life, it is your choice to open up the door and invite him in!