HOW GLORIOUS IT IS Part 6
The wisdom of the fathers
THE FULL BLESSING OF PENTECOST
How glorious it is????Part 6
It is the blessing of Pentecost that gives power to bless others. The divine power of the exalted Jesus to grant repentance and the forgiveness of sins is exercised by Him through His servants whom He sends forth to proclaim these blessings. The minister of the gospel who desires to preach repentance and forgiveness through Jesus with success in winning souls, must do the work in the power of the Spirit of this Jesus.?
The chief reason why so much preaching of conversion and pardon is fruitless lies in the fact that these elements of truth are presented only as a doctrine, and that preachers endeavour to secure a way to the hearts of their audience in the power of merely human earnestness, and reasoning, and eloquence.
?But little blessing is won by these means. It is the man that makes it his chief desire to be filled with the Spirit of God, and then by faith in the indwelling of Christ comes to be assured that the glorified Lord will speak and work in him, who will obtain blessing. It is true, indeed, that this blessing will not always be given in the very same measure or in the very same manner, but it will always certainly come: just because the preacher permits the Lord to work in and through him.
?Alike in preaching and in the daily life of a servant of Christ, the full blessing of Pentecost is the sure way of becoming a blessing to others. " He that believeth on Me," said Jesus, " out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." This he said of the Holy Spirit. A heart filled with the Spirit will overflow with the Spirit.?
(from "The Full Blessing of Pentecost" by Andrew Murray)