The Holy Spirit Filling

       On May 15, in the morning, he preached on Isaiah 35.  We read each verse in unison aloud.  After each exposition we sang "Showers of Blessing."

       I. THE GLORY OF GOD.

       The Wilderness of our heart will blossom like the rose.  Pray for a Holy Ghost outpouring.  Read Isaiah 35:1 together.  It is illustrated by Acts 1:  In the Upper Room the 120 believers had a great hunger and thirst for the Holy Spirit, and were in constant, earnest prayer.  In Hinghwa, the church could hold 3000, but only 200 came.  But in a week the Holy Spirit fell, and all the seats were filled.

       II. WARFARE, THE ARMOUR NEEDED AND SUPPLIED. 

       Isaiah 35:2 and Acts 2.  Like flowers opening, our eyes, ears, mouth, feet, hands, all blossom when the Holy Spirit comes: "Hallelujah" is spontaneous---no need to urge, no false shout. Tongues?  Hearers could understand, flowers of fellowship, not false tongues, but deeds that glorify God.  The Spirit-filled Christian's face shows the glory of God; the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace.  Sing "Showers of Blessing."

       Isaiah 35:3 and Acts 3: Hands and feet have power.  Faith to stand does not need others to carry; no dependence On others.  Sing "Showers….”

       Isaiah 35:4 and Acts 4: Peter and John, filled with the Holy Ghost, had no fear.  The Holy Spirit gives courage and hope that cannot be put down. (This is a prophecy about his converts under persecution today. Let us pray for the thousands of true Christians in mainland China, for the Holy Spirit to give new zeal.) Sing: "Showers of Blessing.

       Isaiah 35:5 and Acts 5: Eyes are opened, ears hear.   We can stand if filled with the Holy Spirit.  This steadfastness is proof of being filled with the Spirit.  Do you want it? Put up your hands!  Sing: "Showers of ....”

       III.  VICTORY.

       Isaiah 35:6 and Acts 6: The Spirit-filled believer is not only protected from the devil’s attack but he will attack Satan.  The Christian takes the offensive. He has victory under all circumstances.  Sing:  “Showers of Blessing." (Sung's converts fulfill this.  Many in mainland China died for Christ.  God cares for their widows as in Acts 6, and others keep on witnessing.  The irresistible Gospel inevitably surfaces in victory.)

       Isaiah 35:7 and Acts 7: Great faith and hope.  Stephen witnessed with power.  Do you want the Holy Spirit? Put up your hands!  “Showers Of Blessing”.

       IV.  WALK HEAVEN’S ROAD  (P'ao t'ien lu.)

       Isaiah 35:9 and Acts 9: The Way of Peace; no "fear of tigers' (a Chinese idiom "bu pa lao hu," indicating fearing nothing.)  Ananias was sent to see Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor.  God said "Don't fear." Sing.

       Isaiah 35:10 and Acts 10:  The Way of Happiness and Joy. God sent Peter to Cornelius the Roman.  Do you want the Holy Spirit to fill you?  Raise your hands!  Sing:  "Showers of Blessing.”

       V.  HOW TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

       Isaiah 4:  The widows weeping were like Christians without the Holy Spirit.  "We seven when filled with the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 4:1) will be called by His Name, our reproach will be taken away.  Then “the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious," and there will be fruit (verse 2) and holiness (verse 3).  The old temper will be gotten rid of, also pride, etc. so the Holy Spirit can do His work in the hearts of others.

       For this we need early prayer: are you filled on the 20th, then full of death on the 21st?  Why?  The Lord said, "Get up early and learn of me."

       Then there will be "a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of -a flaming fire by night." There will be glory and defense, "a place of refuge," verses 5 and 6. Everything is cleaned up, as Jerusalem was to be, in and out.  Isa. 4:4.  How can this come to pass?  Some suggestions are:

1. Die to the world, as a widow.

2. Unite together, thirst for the Holy Spirit like the seven women.

3. With one heart beseech for the Holy Spirit---no longer dependent on the world,      hope and pride gone, cling to One, the Holy Spirit, to come to be our husband.  We must cleanse our hearts, burn outside and inside.

4. Truly wholly sanctified --- empowering --- put on the Holy Spirit --- wrapped up in the Holy Spirit.  Sing "Showers of Blessing." Questions: -