Have I Gone Too Far?
Hey Friends.
Today I have a question for you. I may have pushed it a little too far and would love your input. Since I got close to 75 comments on Monday’s blog, I know you can add value. Please leave your comments on the blog so others can follow the thread.
This weekend we start a new series called “Intoxicated.” Yes, you heard right! We will put one of our comical actors at the front door of the church doing random sobriety tests. We will have a straight line that selected people will have to walk. Once inside the “Sanctuary” we will have a bar on the stage and some of the dramas will take place at the bar. You may be asking if I have lost my mind. You could be right!
Every week I watch a few thousand people gather to worship and hear the Word. Faith Promise is soaring in growth and we are seeing many come to Christ. It is so cool! I see people who are happy at church but yet they do not live like it during the rest of the week. We are reaching a broken and messed up section of our society and it breaks my heart to watch people miss out on all God has for them. So this series is about “Practicing the Presence” of the Lord, 24/7. The way we experience God in this way is by being filled with the Holy Spirit and walking with Him every minute of every day. In Acts 2 when the disciples were filled with the Spirit everyone thought they were drunk. Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not be drunk with wine… but be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Someone practicing the presence will be filled and controlled by the Spirit like a drunk is when he is under the influence of spirits. So to make the point, we will use the biblical analogy and show how a Spirit-filled believer acts when he or she is under the influence of the Holy Spirit. We all know when we encounter a drunk, and people should be able to tell that we, as Christ-followers, are under the influence also.
The question is – have I gone too far? My heart’s desire is to see people set free by the power of God. If He did it for me, He can do it for anyone.
So, what do you think?
Yours to count on,
Pastor
88 Comments
You asked if you’d gone too far. In my opinion, this premise doesn’t necessarily go too far. It has to be handled with a little care, but I’ve seen Faith Promise take special care with somewhat sensitive topics before.
I remember the old Disney and Warner Bros cartoons, where drunkenness was the regular subject of jokes. Mocking drunkenness wasn’t appropriate then; it’s not appropriate now. It’s hard to watch those old cartoons and not cringe at the drunk scenes. I don’t worry about the sermon or the bar on-stage, but it may be difficult to make the activity in the lobby and the dramas not be offensive. I don’t mean to be a wet blanket, but you asked. May God bless this series that was designed to grab our attention so that we focus on the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives daily.
Thanks Andy for you input it is much appreciated. Great insight.
Pastor,
I’m looking forward to this series. It opens doors for me to invite old friends that would never come to church. The last series was just as beneficial. I grew up in traditional churches and have “heard” every bible story…FPC brings life to those stories so that i can actually see them and know how to respond in real life. FPC has fixed that gap for me and i feel blessed everytime I get to experience “church” there. THanks for being obedient!
Have you gone too far? I dont think so. I think part of the reason your teaching is so effective is because you are not afraid to try new things and push the boundaries. I think it is a sensitive and relevant topic, and the way in which you deliver the lesson and the message have to be an “in your face” kind of delivery to achieve maximum effectiveness. I don’t think every person in attendance will be comfortable with a few of the things you do, but maybe making them uncomfortable will get their attention. You never hold back from making each topic real and relevant to our society today. Why hold back on this one? I know God will bless this series and if something makes someone uncomfortable, maybe it is Gods way of grabbing their attention. I don’t know nearly as much as you do about this I trust you completely to do as God guides you to do. God Bless you Pastor Chris, Have a beautiful day!
Lee, you are the man. Thanks and pray for God to show up big time. I expect life change in a megaway.
Pastor Chris,
If going the distance to not only reach the lost, but to bring them to the house of the Lord and truly minister to them means “Going too far,” then it isn’t going too far, but just going far enough.
The last few weeks in Faith Promise has made changes in my life that I have been waiting for as a Christian for 44 years. Being connected with the Holy Spirit in that certain way and hearing the messages, I have gained freedoms in my life that I never thought were possible.
If doing something different allows the person hearing the message to respond to the Holy Spirit in a different way, then it isn’t too far. You have been so great at following God’s will in your life and leading Faith Promise in a direction to reach the lost, rather than making regular members feel comfortable about their religion and thinking status quo is fine.
Every time I enter the church, some part of my life changes forever. That is totally awesome, and I can feel comfortable knowing that too far for some, may be just far enough for the person needing that message.
May God continue to bless and use you to build His Kingdom.
Pastor,
One of the main reasons Sheila and I were drawn to FPC back in March was because of the “different”,”honest” approach the churchh takes. I believe that what you are doing is critical and needed to touch the people of the world today. Have you Gone To Far? Absolutely Not!! I need to hear it REAL! You teach me with each service what my responsibility to God is.Having suffered from addiction from many years, I can attest that there are many sitting at church wondering how will it ever change. I thought that many of the things I did was just part of life. You have taught me different! I need your honesty. I need to hear a message addressing what is really going on out in this world. Avoiding these sensitive topics will only damage a person. More inportantly it will prevent them from ever finding true salvation through Jesu Christ!! Keep it up! I need you!!!
I have been visiting FP for the past few months and would like to comment from the perspective of a sister who lost her youngest brother to the poor choices of a drunken & drugged driver over 7 years ago, leaving my sweet sister-in-law to raise their two young daughters alone. I may have misunderstood what was intended by the lobby activities, but due to the tragic loss than an intoxicated person’s actions caused for my entire family, it would be difficult for me to encounter someone “acting” drunk in a church setting. I appreciate your soliciting of comments about this.
I get the analogy and I think it is a great way for us to recognize the need to compare our behaviors. It is easy to show excitement in many settings; with our friends, at football games, a night out, with family…..BUT tend to hold the spirit back from appearing “drunk”, when it matters most. Most people are used to Faith Promise stepping out of the box, and I don’t think this weekend should be treated any differently. I think you do what the drunken spirit leads you to do to reach us. Although I get what Andy was saying, I believe the message and the anaologies will resonate in love
I once had a pastor call me out in a church service because I could cheer for our softball team, but was quite as a mouse at church…..I’m still too quite 
Thanks Mark. pray with me lives by the thousands are changed this weekend and in this series. love ya
I have been WAITING for a sermon like this. You have no idea how much this will impact so many people. Can’t wait!
Marla, thanks so much for your feedback, it means alot. pray!
We as Christians need to get out of our comfort zones in order to be transformed by the spirit. I pray that every heart is softened to really hear the message. I am very excited about it and hope it takes me to new places! Me a ex druggy, adulterer, and sinner needs to hear it. Bring everything you got Pastor Chris i want to be transformed!!! Just finished your book yesterday so i am fired up to continue my climb. I loved it by the way…Love you guys
Cynthia, thanks for the help and encouragement. I look for God to do miracles.
Karen, i so appreciate your honest feedback. i need to hear this so I get every aspect. I grieve with your loss and thank God for your heart.
Pastor
Lee, love ya man and thanks for the help! keep it up
Ric, your are the man. thanks for your heart and help. We will rock the world together.
Pastor,
The last series was SO transparent…thank you….I know God spoke through you to all of us!
This new series on being filled with the Spirit is just what I need! My devotional for this morning was actually titled “Being Led by the Holy Spirit”! I had to agree with the author’s first words: “..most of what we have done in life has been initiated by us, not by the Spirit of God.” I want to be controlled by the Holy Spirit!!
When it comes to comparing it to being drunk…..that can be a very touchy area. Alcohol has ruined so many lives – we all know someone. Drunk people make me sad – it’s hard to laugh. So, we will ask the Holy Spirit to control our services this weekend!
Thank you for your boldness and always being so open to express your love for our Lord!
Thanks Wendy, you hit the nail on the head, pray with me the balance is struck. Love ya
Shane, thanks for your heart and help. I think God will move in a mega way, but it is touchy. Pray!
I think the important thing to remember when talking about any series at FP, is that FP is not your “normal” church. We will do almost anything to get people here to hear the word. Like you have said many times, people come to FP from all different walks of life; and, while some people may understand what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit, others do not–but, they can relate to being intoxicated with alcohol. So, no, I do not think you have gone too far at all. It is about getting the people to “get it”, and I think–hope and pray that this will happen this weekend. You can do it PC!
Thanks Stacey, You get it and I appreciate it. This will be touchy. Pray Please!
Bro. Chris,
I have observed that if the Holy Spirit is leading, then you don’t have to worry about offending people. Now His leading may indeed challenge and convict, but He is not in the business of offending and running people off. I have noticed that you seemed to be blessed with the gift of creativity. I do not possess that gift, but I appreciate it when I see it in others. I see this presentation as a manifestation of your gift, which I believe can be very effective. I do not agree with a lot of things I see churches do today in the name of progress and success, but I always appreciate godly creativity. I do think that Andy Kerchers observation about the lobby is insightful. But as far as your on stage presenetation, Go for it! God bless.
Bro.l Mickey, thanks for the encouragement. It is great to hear from you. I read your stuff on facebook. Be blessed and keep Bethel on track.
Absolutely NOT!!!! You have not gone too far. I am so excited about this next series and I’m excited about what God is doing!
thanks Heather. I appreciate your input. Please pray. I expect God to move in power.
I want everything you have , want to learn every thing you have to teach . p.S. great job of you ask for it.
Much as being truly drunk cannot be “turned off” with a strong cup of coffee, being intoxicated with the Holy Spirit is the same way … if it is true intoxication of the Spirit, it cannot be turned off once you drive off the Faith Promise parking lot. I am glad to have this series pastor for I always want to be in the driver’s seat and the Holy Spirit is not one to push me off the seat if I do not want to give it up. As for “pushing too far” .. I could hear the guitar playing from last last week … Let’s Get it On.
Angela, thanks for your input. I appreciate it and please pray for the Spirit to move in power.
Thanks Julio, I love you and appreciate your input. I love to watch you worship and give all you have to our Lord. pray for fire to fall.
Pastor Chris! Oh how I have waited for a series like this and especially now. We all go through walks in our life that feel like a see saw, Holy Spirit is up on one side, then when you come back down, the flesh is in control. Alcohol is a touchy subject with so many people, including myself as I am having to help someone I love struggle with it. I hate it, but the real thing I hate is how the Devil has used it as a pawn is in his plan to come and steal, kill, and destroy. FPC has always dealt with situations and subjects I feel with the Lord in control. From a 30 yr old perspective, one of the biggest problems with today’s society is we don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings or offend. Jesus commmanded that we go throughout the world and preach the gospel, he didn’t say do it with caution, but to do it with love and the truth of our instruction manual. By choosing to ignore taboo subjects to avoid offending people, I feel like it is quenching the Holy Spirit and grieving the Father. We all need to keep our eyes on Him and the world makes it so difficult at times. I am looking forward to this series and not just for my own walk but for the walks of those I love and the lost we might reach out to.
FPC always does a great job of grabbing people’s attention. I am excited about this series and topic. I think that some people may need to look closer at what you and the church are trying to get across and not get so worked up about the actors. If they get stuck on that they will not see the true meaning of what’s being taught. We all come to this church because it is different. Things are not ever done in a traditional manner and that’s why my husband and I love FPC. If this was another boring church where people are fighting sleep or doodling on our communication card than we wouldn’t be there and neither would most of the other members. You always do a great job of keeping our attention.
Pastor I pray that God continues to give you the wisdom to teach us about the Lord and I pray that the Spirit shows us all what’s its like “to be drunk” with Him.
Kristie, thanks so much for throwing your hat in the ring. I appreciate your input and believe God will move. pray
Christen, Thanks for your valuable input. I want to hear from everyone. I look for revival to break out. pray with me
Have you gone too far? Do you mean have you gone farther than most people are willing to follow? I work with criminal offenders, addicts, prostitutes and scripture says the gates of hell will not prevail. I think this is a mission for a spiritual tactical team going into enemy territory and attempting to free hostages in Jesus name. Not everyone is cut out for such dangerous missions, so you may be going farther than some can handle. It depends on the stage of spiritual training they are in. Seasoned vets, new recruits, retired etc.
Todd, Wow what insight. “The Kinngdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” I totally agree. Thanks and pray
Shalom,
It’s outstanding to be drunk with the Holy Spirit.
Getting people to be open to the Holy Spirit does take a lot of prayer from those filled with his presence and the people not understand how helpful the Holy Spirit is once you include him in prayer.
I know growing up I wasn’t all clear on the Holy Spirits. Until one day I join God Almighty in prayer and a peace came over my spirit and then great joy that I had fullness in conversation with Yashua (Jesus). Gods children need to know God,Yashua (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. It rounds out what God has wanted his children to know from the start. There I go again telling you something you already know.
Have you gone to far? NO!
Shalom,joy,understanding and Love
I honestly do not think you could ever go to far and thats what I love best about FP you could preach at us all day and alot of people would never get but to “act” it out and make us visualize it makes it that more powerful. I will never ever forget the video played on Easter WOW!! Now that was a very hard thing for a me a mom to watch but it made me really understand and feel how hard it must have been for God to give His only son to save us Sometimes you need to “see” it I think alot of people need this series.
Gina, the series is not about being drunk with or by the Holy Spirit. It is being under His Influence. thanks for the input
Brandy, Thanks for the input and the encouragement. God truely is @ work. pray for the glory to fall.
If you don’t do what God has obviously laid on your heart and lined up for you to do . . . can you live with yourself? Can you face us as your flock? Can you raise your eyes to Him? BRING IT PASTOR! Let’s go as far as God will take us!
I don’t think that is taking it too far. I think it is opening the eyes of those who are sheltered from these types of situations. I’m so excited to see how God will use this!!!
Sandi, You are awesome. Leave it to you to brining the challange back. Love ya
Tiffany, thanks for the input. I pray God uses it in a big way. pray with me.
Hey PC, I don’t think it’s too far at all. Michele brought up a great point last night at worship rehearsal and it’s a great simily I think. When the folks came from the upper room and people thought they were drunk they spoke The Word with great boldness. One thing we didn’t talk about at small group is that someone who is drunk has the courage to say things that they wouldn’t normally say. With the Spirit we have the courage to speak what God would have us say with boldness.
Pastor Chris, after being part of a church for 16 years where the Holy Spirit was not just present but ‘moved’ in many ways consistantly(including ‘some appearing as though drunk with wine’) my family is excited about the desire and potential that the Faith Promise body has.
The comments above are describing different manifestations of the Holy Spirit of what all have their place.
First, ABIDING IN US daily full of the spirit in how we deal with people, making decisions and walk our walk, and controlling the flesh, Gal 5:22-23
Second, OVERFLOWING as described in Acts when new Christians first were filled and they receieved evidence of the Holy Spirit with the appearance of drunkeness and speaking in other tongues
Third, THROUGH US when the Holy Spirit desires to move in the lives of other in the form of prophecy, words of knowledge, laying on of hands, healings,
I think that maybe some people are just afraid of what is just rumors of what the Holy Spirit is and how it moves when thay have never experienced it before. Also, while I cannot understand a families grief from an alcoholic drunkenss act, when we are full of the Holy Spirit and not alcohol their is a level of safe and loving level of control present so as not to be offend anyone.
Anyone new to the REAL MOVES of the Holy Spirit IN POWER should keep in mind that is a HOLY event and while they may be in awe or nervous, they need not be afraid.
HOLY SPIRIT COME IN POWER !
Frank, thanks bro. love you and your friendship. Keep soaring.
rober, Thanks for the help. Pray God moves in big time. Love ya
“Have I gone too far”, my next question is with what? Going too far with saving souls from the enemy? In that case the answer is yes! Keep up the good work! Since I’ve met you, I knew from day one you were a man of God who would answer his calling; no matter the cost…you are a true leader with great inspiration. Ever since I’ve been to FPC, my relationship with God has grown; and I’ve discovered things I never thought were possible. Praise be to God for all things; because through him ALL things are possible. I’m so excited about this new series! I pray that everyone becomes intoxicated with the Holy Spirit which would result in doing things for our Father they would not do “sober”.
have you gone too far, NO I have never been to your church but will be there. There are so many people that are crying out for the answer to their fight and wont be healed until they understand God is their cure to this desease.
Hey PC, I know that I personally can’t wait for this series to start. This last series was incredible and helped me alot. You know when it comes to reaching lost people or people who don’t know Jesus, we should all have a “whatever it takes” attitude. So no you have not gone to far. We have to be willing to do whatever we can to help open people’s eyes and hearts so that they can see just how much Jesus loves them. Thank you so much PC for being the strong man of God that you are. Thank you that you are not afraid to be real. FPC is unlike any church that I know of and I wouldn’t want to serve God anywhere else.
You know…I sat here with all my bible-college knowledge and had a bunch of Scriptures to point out (which, since you’re kinda paid to be spiritual, I’m sure you already know) about not causing people to stumble and making every effort to keep the peace and all that. But I would be naive to think that you and the other members of leadership had not already thought through and prayed about this.
I love the idea personally–so many of the prophets used visual aids and shocking tactics to get the Word of God across. However–I do think it will disturb people–I think some people who either have an issue with drinking or have struggled with it will be uncomfortable and it’ll really tick some people off.
I loved the “Marked” series–it was a new way of presenting the concept of being marked in Christ by comparing it with tattoos. But tattoos aren’t a sin issue (remember-you said so on Sunday–ha!) whereas drinking is a sin issue and an addictive habit–leaving emotional scars not only on the ones caught in the sin but the ones affected by it and the families torn apart from it.
But hey–I just sign the tithe check over and trust God and the leadership at FPC to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. But there’s my two sense anyways–since you asked for it.
We love you pastor–thanks for the honesty in your messages and calling us on our crap when we need it. Keep it up.
Praying for decisions/message/people’s hearts.
All I can say is Amen for this series. So many other series and sermons I have waited with baited breath for the Holy Spirit to be tied into the message only to not hear it. Now we get a whole series on the Spirit. Excellent! I am sure this will free a lot of people and help bridge that gap for so many that they may walk in the victory that the Lord provides! It can never hurt for more people to know how to walk in the Spirit and live in the presence of God. What an opportunity!
I can take or leave the dramas myself so for me it is not a big deal either way. I know for some that maybe there highlight, for me it is the spoken Word of God as led by His Spirit.
Thank you for doing this series!
Hey Chris,
What I like about what you do is you take the spiritual life we strive to lead, and you bring it to our reality here in our flesh. I mean, we are literally STUCK here in the flesh. I think about times I have wanted to escape my body, illness, sadness, chilbirth (ha ha), and we just can’t…we can’t leave it yet. What I mean to say is, it is so hard to relate to anything beyond our bodies. So, you are so amazing at listening to God about speaking to us in a physical way about a spiritual concept. Intoxication is something that ALL humans understand. Even if someone has never been drunk, ever, they have seen someone drunk, or heck even Andy pointed out Disney being an example of portraying drunkeness. For me, meeting people where they are, as Jesus did his whole time on Earth, and does for us daily, is what you’re supposed to do. I truly believe that God has such a hand on Faith Promise that if He thought things were going too far, then He would stop it. Your job is to give us the tools to open our eyes to spiritual understanding and growth, what better way than using what we know…intoxication, though we don’t do it (no one is perfect), we know it…and it speaks to us. To be intoxicated with God is a beautiful picture…and I’m very excited to hear God’s spiritual words speak through this very physical concept. He always finds me and speaks to me in the most unique ways…and I’m so thankful for those not afraid to help me see Him.
d
So are we talking about hypochristians? If so, there is a pretty large supply of them. It is really damaging too. Some people would be better off just to be quiet and not tell anyone they go to church because it is actually counterproductive.
Nothing worse than a person telling people that need Jesus one day, and then telling them to go to Hell the next!
Tough world we live in, your faith can surely be tested, but I remember somewhere in the bible it says you are supposed to take joy in that when your faith is test, although I honestly have not figured out why yet.
I’ve been looking forward to the series on practicing the presence of God. I don’t think I like the idea of the drama part and anyone pretending to be intoxicated or having to walk a straight line. Like someone mentioned above, when you have lost loved ones to drugs or alcohol that could be a very tough thing to walk in to church and see. I have personally invited some folks to church that are battling alcohol, I may be wrong but I think they may be offended to see this. But, this is just my natural mind thinking… and I know that if this is inspired by God it will accomplished what He has planned.
Intoxicated with the Holy Spirit, walking underneath an open Heaven. To not encourage us to embrace the Trinity would be going too far, in the wrong direction.
But are we educated enough to deal with such a closer walk with God. The gifts that may become available to some are currently not being be taught or understood by the modern church but are alive and relevant still the same.
Keep preaching what God lays on your heart. The Truth is offensive and “too far” for a lost and dying world. Be bold in His service.
Didn’t Jesus use, as parallels, what was common and everyday in the lives of those to whom he gave the parables? Money taxes? Farming / sowing / reaping? Fishing? Following His example, we should keep our teaching contemporary as well, and right now, “partying” is what seems to be relevant to a lost world. Living with abandon… Why not relate that back to living with holy abandon for the Lord?
Andrew, thank you so much for the kind words. Pray with me that God moves mega. love ya
Becky, thanks so much. You are always an encouragement. Keep it up and pray for revival to fall. Love ya
Laura, thanks so much for your insight and you are right. pray! love ya
Melissa, Wow great answer and I appreciate it. Thanks for the prayer, I need it.
Greg, thanks for the help and advice. I really appreciate it. God is goig to move. Keep praying
Danya, thank you and I appreciate your time. please pray.
Mike, thanks for your input, I appreciate it. love ya
Alicia, you are the women, thanks and let’s pray for a mega move of God. Love ya
Ida, thanks for the support and the advice, it means alot. pray!
What Laura said about parables rings true.
One can be intoxicated not solely on booze/wine, but also chocolates. (“Can’t believe I ate the whole box!”)
Looking forward to this weekend!
Proverbs says, “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.” Remember that God is the master artist and we are His masterpiece, though sometimes His process of perfection can be painful. I am thankful for all of the many blessings that God has given me, but more thankful for the pain. For the pain lets me know that He loves me and that He’s still working on me. If anyone at Faith Promise has a problem with it then either 1. don’t trust your vision or 2. have issues and God’s pulling on their heart strings. Hey Pastor, the devil just called you a wossy, “BRING THE PAIN!”
Chris,
As so many other people have already stated FP is such an awesome church and you ALWAYS bring the message to us in a way that everyone can understand. I have been in church all my life and have never experienced what I do at FP. Continue doing what ever it is that you feel lead to do in order to reach every lost soul.
Wish I could be there Sunday, learned so much during my time at FPC, enjoyed the praise and worship so much.
Betty, thank you so much. Great thoughts. Please pray with me for the fire to fall
Pamela, Thanks for the encouraginng words. please pray.
Kimm, I sure do miss you. had elders meeting tonight. I remember your encouragement. thanks and we love you guys.
Robbie, Wow you sure do know how to fire a guy up. love you man and all you do for the kingdom of God. pray for revival.
The world we live in is corrupt and morally apathetic. Many Christian leaders seem afraid of this politically correct path our country has taken and seem fearful to call a spade a spade. Jesus didn’t show up once a week and speak to just his followers; he spoke to the hungry, sick, broken, forgotten, and rejected. But he also spoke those who became his enemies. He wasn’t mean or in-your-face aggressive. He spoke the truth simply, but he wasn’t afraid of the leaders–religious or government.
Speaking about being filled with the Spirit in this context fits a perfect example of being brutally honest in a world where spiritual leaders rarely speak up about powerful spiritual issues. I think its a wonderful idea–let tongues of fire light up our sanctuary and bring annointing!
I know people may be uncomfortable with a visual-aid of drunkeness in a spiritual setting, but that’s a good thing! Comparing being filled with the spirit and intoxication should make people squirm–because that’s the Spirit moving with conviction. Christ-followers who bring unsaved people should not be ashamed! How did it come to be that those who live in drunkeness should not be ashamed of that lifestyle? And how did it come to be that Christ-followers tiptoe around them just because they aren’t saved or go to church? Bring them and let the Spirit do the rest! Speak on, Chris!
I wonder…what will it be like…you know….that moment we live for…that moment we have dreamed of and thought so much about…the moment we stand before…OUR LORD…OUR SAVIOR and KING. We sing songs, we read about it and with every tick of time we are one step closer to seeing HIM. At that moment nothing else will matter. In order for us to be ready…God’s chosen Leaders whose eyes are fixed on Jesus must continue to “GO TO FOR” leading us to Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Pastor Chris, I don’t think you can ever go to far if you are lead by the Holy Sprit to speak what He put in you heart we all have a chose to be drunk with the holy Sprit or with the things of this world, I try to choose the Sprit every day but sometime I fall short. Keep challenging us so we can press on to the Fathers calling for lives.
Pastor… you are one of the main reasons I come to Faith Promise. I like that you push the envelope and that you make us take a hard look at ourselves in ways that no one ever has before and may never again. If it wasn’t for this church I do not know where myself or my family would be. Please keep teaching us, pushing us, and loving us, sometimes we need a good kick in the pants:)THANKS!!!!!
One thing I forgot to mention last night that I don’t think the others did here …. that is your history which you’ve told us about often from the stage. So if anyone can talk about addicting intoxication, you can. “Been there, done that.”
Leanna, Thanks for your no nonsense approach, I appreciate your time. Love ya
Rob, Big Country, Great thoughts and apporach. Love ya and thanks,
George, Thanks for your help and advice, both are good. Love ya
Kelly, Wow I’m speechless. Thank you so much, love ya and let’s make a difference.
This subject is one we must take great care with. I do have to say that my concern is defining a lifestyle of being filled or led by the Holy Spirit by using a human state that is obviously sinful and destructive. We as followers of Jesus are always seeking to renew our minds, allowing God’s definition to become our standard of measurement as we experience life with Him. As I have read through the responses there is also a misconception of what it means to be Spirit Filled, terms such as being “slain in the Spirit” or “drunk in the Spirit” are Christian terms often used by more Charismatically oriented need to be addressed as well. I do understand that there are times when we surrender ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit, things such as trembling and being prostrate before God are valid responses to being in the presence of a Holy God. It’s all about surrender, what we are giving ourselves over to? I am looking forward to it, that’s for sure!
I dont really know what you talking about here. This cant be the only way to think about this can it? It appears like you know a lot, so why not explore it a lot more? Make it a lot more accessible to everyone else who may not concur with you? Youd get a lot more people behind this should you just stopped making common statements.
Email, Remember a blog is just a short article and is ment to make you think.