Let the Evidence Speak
September 30, 2007
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Text: Ephesians 5:18b-20
Show-me-state – CSI - perception is reality – God produces evidence in His people -The evidence of being Spirit filled speaks - it is a perceived reality! God’s people let the evidence speak. How?
1) In Voice
V19 - We minister in voice! Why I value the church so much
A) Speak - shout! Say something about the good news!
”Shout with joy to God, all the earth!” - Psalm 66:1
YES, AMEN!
Endure - Psalm 18 – Proverbs 3:5-6 - make a verse a song! Encourage –hymns -There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus - Envision - Swing low - Balm in Gilead
You can have church! God might move! Acts-16:25 - I wonder if they were enduring, encouraging, and envisioning?
1) In Heart
V19b - We worship in heart! We rejoice in Heart! “Out of the heart the mouth speaks!” I listen to people - snippy, snappy – short – egocentric - Often we exist with maladies that infect our heart songs! The Spirit filled have a melody not a malady!!
In every situation compose a melody to the Lord - “You are worthy!”
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
A loving heart is alive with a song for God! A Joyous heart finds a melody for God! A peaceful heart finds a harmony for God!
3) In Thanks
V20 - Constant in gratitude because of Jesus!! Always – everything - Listen, again to how people talk -how they pray? Thank you for Calvary!! Thank you for my Savior!
1) Unnecessary to thank - I deserve it! Or I don’t deserve it!
2) Hypocritical - Luke 18:11
3) Truly Thankful - The leper - Luke 17:12 - “your faith has made you whole”
“When a person prays w/o thanksgiving he has clipped the wings of prayer so that it cannot rise.” - William Hendrickson
In and at all times! God’s Grace is sufficient! Our tests - God is with me – Jacob – Joshua –David - Our tragedies - >Romans 8:28 - 2 Corinthians 4:15
Conclusion
What can get you through the hurts, tragedies, difficulties, who can minister, who can make a difference, who can impact the world for Jesus? The Spirit filled believer! Essential for grace and growth! Cannot be manufactured! My experience - Follow the instructions! Let the evidence speak - Speak good news - Sing from the heart, constantly give thanks - call to faith!