Who is FILLED with the holy Spirit?

We talk about who is saved which is worthy of asking.... but who is filled with the holy Spirit??

More & more I believe it becomes natural to witness if we are filled. The bible says in the last days we will be ever learning... but we are choking on the things we know.
It seems we learn & learn, and gain more knowledge but only 2% of christians are witnessing in America?? Maybe our wanting knowledge has become an idol or a trap of the enemey?? "Be filled and ye shall become My witness" These were unlearned men but been with Jesus. There is a calling out today...GO!

It really is amazing, isn’t it Brent, that in this day of many bibles, audios, videos, internet sites, and a huge assortment of aids for the Christian life, few seem to display evidence of a Spirit-filled life. I think you are right:

we are choking on the things we know. Maybe our wanting knowledge has become an idol or a trap of the enemy…

only 2% of Christians are witnessing in America
No doubt this isn’t far from the truth. However, I think it is safe to assume that the word ‘Christian” is a rather loosely applied term. It is quite possible that only 2% of those who label themselves as Christians really are – and thus the lack of witnessing.

"Always be pepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Pet. 3:15 Obviously, others notice authentic faith. There is a big difference between proselyzing and witnessing.

Matt 28:19 says, “Therefore go and make disciples… Apparently the word “go” is more accurately translated as you go” "... as you go, disciple all the nations... (ISV)

In other words, making disciples is a part of our every day lives. We don’t have to go anywhere necessarily. ...first in Jerusalem... then Samaria.... then wherever you are scattered on this globe - at least that's what the earlier followers of Christ did.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you WILL be my witnesses…” Acts 1:8 It would seem that being witness of Christ within us, our blessed hope, is more an outcome than merely a command.

Diane

I wonder if Ravenhill was right that only 5% is truly saved in America??
Vance Havner said 2% were saved here?

Is that the problem we're facing why only 2% witness....because those that ARE saved do witness?? ....2%??

Amen to that word: go.

Teach all nations...go into all the world...repentance and remission of sins should be preached...I send you...you shall receive power.

It seemed then and seems now that the promises of God go hand in hand with going out and preaching. John R Rice, Oswald Smith, and many others often spoke how God's main focus in Christians was to have them preach the gospel and get people saved.

We are filled to serve, and I believe you must continue to serve if you want to stay filled. Jesus said "go" and I am glad that "they went forth and preached everywhere."

I believe you must continue to serve if you want to stay filled. "

I have been a evangelical missionary myself - and can say from personal observation that "Go and preach" can very easily become a process of making proselytes instead of true followers of Chist. It was in Jesus day too. The pharisees were zealous about going and preaching, they even traveled over land and sea in order to win a single convert.... you know what Jesus said about that, don't you?

It has been this way for centuries. It is no different today. Evangelistic efforts is frequently energized by strong convictions, though deluded, driven by self effort without respect for God's leading and timimg. Much of it is a "form of godliness with out the power".

However, I add, it is not all like that. There are true Spirit-led people who are shining lights - no matter what they are doing.

You may be blessed by reading such missionary biographies as Hudson Taylor, Gladys Alward, Mary Slessor, George Muller, Bruchko, Don Richardson, Jonathan Goforth or others. These Spirit-filled missionaries served with power from above! They heard from God and followed God! And, what impact they made!

Our Lord said, "I will build my Church" He uses his followers, but still, HE is doing it, by the power of his Spirit.
Diane

Very well said Diane.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you WILL be my witnesses…” Acts 1:8 It would seem that being witness of Christ within us, our blessed hope, is more an outcome than merely a command.

There is all the difference in the world between 'being' and 'doing'. The right balance struck between these two;

I have been a evangelical missionary myself - and can say from personal observation that "Go and preach" is a very easily misunderstood command.

However, I add, it is not all like that. There are true Spirit-led missionaries out there in the midst of the of human zeal.

Believe Ravenhill spoke to this somewhat about preachers in general, that it takes God "20 years to make a preacher."