I could have called this post “be filled with the Holy Spirit;” and you know that I know the Holy Spirit is not "The Force", however, with the release of Star Wars Episode VII - "The Force" Awakens, I thought this this would be a more intriguing title . I thought it just might result in more Christians really understanding the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in them and for those who do not profess Christ I pray this post will cause you to realize what you are missing and make a decision that will result in your receiving the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Many people are excited about the release of this new movie especially the Star Wars fans, me included. We are familiar with the “Force” from the first six episodes and how it worked through and for, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia Organa, Yoda, the Emperor and others.
Some people have tried to compare "The Force" with the Holy Spirit. So let's take a look.
What is “The Force”?
“The Force”, according to George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars franchise, and Leigh Brackett Lawrence Kasdan, Jonathan Hales, J. J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt the writers of the seven episodes so far (there are at least four more coming);
is a binding, metaphysical, and ubiquitous power in the fictional universe of the Star Wars galaxy. Introduced in the original Star Wars film (1977), it is integral to all subsequent incarnations of Star Wars, including the expanded universe of comic books, novels, and video games. Within the franchise, it is the object of the Jedi and Sith monastic orders. The line "May "The Force" be with you", which has been said by at least one character in each of the Star Wars movies, has become part of the pop culture vernacular and has even achieved cult status among fans.
When Lucas was asked the source of “"The Force"” he confirmed that it came from a conversation between artificial pioneer Warren S. McCulloch and Roman Kroitor, a cinematographer who went on to develop IMAX, in connection with Canadian director Arthur Lipsett’s film 21-87. Lipsett would record sound from a variety of sources and fit them together with images to create short audio and visual montage.
In the original Star Wars film, "The Force" is first described by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as an energy field created by all living things, that surrounds and penetrates living beings and binds the galaxy together.[4] Throughout the series, characters exhibit various powers that rely on "The Force", such as telekinesis and shooting lightning from their fingers.
"The Force" has a "Dark side", which feeds off emotions such as anger, jealousy, fear, lust, and hate, but the Jedi are only supposed to use "The Force" for peaceful purposes.[5] The series' villains, the Sith, embrace the dark side in order to seize power.[6] The Jedi's compassionate and selfless use of "The Force" has come to be known by inference as "the light side", although that term is not used in the films.
Abilities of "The Force"
"The Force" can enhance natural, physical, and mental abilities, including strength (such as during a "Force jump" or to slow a fall from an otherwise dangerous height) and accuracy (as when Luke Skywalker was able to launch proton torpedoes into a two-meter-wide thermal exhaust port on the Death Star in A New Hope). A number of other Force powers are demonstrated in the film series including telekinesis,telepathy, levitation, deep hypnosis, enhanced empathy, reflexes, precognition, and enhanced speed. The Jedi were also able to influence and control the minds of others by making use of the Jedi mind trick. Obi Wan uses this type of ability when he and Luke Skywalker first arrive in Mos Eisley in A New Hope and they are stopped by Stormtroopers. Using "The Force", Obi Wan convinces the Stormtrooper that "These aren't the droids you're looking for."[7]
The Sith use an ability called Force Lightning which is a lightning-like manifestation of the dark side of "The Force" that can be used either in combat or as an instrument of excruciating torture (as demonstrated by Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi and Revenge of the Sith and Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones). Darth Vader also demonstrates the ability to choke using "The Force" and numerous Jedi have been able to manipulate their lightsaber with "The Force". "The Force" also gives enhanced skills in lightsaber combat.
Within the Star Wars Expanded Universe, a number of other powers have been demonstrated, such as the ability to heal or drain the life force of others, increase resistance to attack, warp space, resist pain and to dissipate energy attacks (which has been demonstrated on-screen by Yoda in Attack of the Clones during his battle with Count Dooku).
The Chosen One
An ancient prophecy (fictional of course) foretold the appearance of a Chosen One, strong with "The Force", and destined to alter it forever. Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One although it was Luke Skywalker who brought his father, Anakin, to the light side at the end. - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - "The Force" (Star Wars)
There’s a lot more to it but that’s enough for this post.
Many people are excited about the release of this new movie especially the Star Wars fans, me included. We are familiar with the “Force” from the first six episodes and how it worked through and for, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia Organa, Yoda, the Emperor and others.
Some people have tried to compare "The Force" with the Holy Spirit. So let's take a look.
What is “The Force”?
“The Force”, according to George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars franchise, and Leigh Brackett Lawrence Kasdan, Jonathan Hales, J. J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt the writers of the seven episodes so far (there are at least four more coming);
is a binding, metaphysical, and ubiquitous power in the fictional universe of the Star Wars galaxy. Introduced in the original Star Wars film (1977), it is integral to all subsequent incarnations of Star Wars, including the expanded universe of comic books, novels, and video games. Within the franchise, it is the object of the Jedi and Sith monastic orders. The line "May "The Force" be with you", which has been said by at least one character in each of the Star Wars movies, has become part of the pop culture vernacular and has even achieved cult status among fans.
When Lucas was asked the source of “"The Force"” he confirmed that it came from a conversation between artificial pioneer Warren S. McCulloch and Roman Kroitor, a cinematographer who went on to develop IMAX, in connection with Canadian director Arthur Lipsett’s film 21-87. Lipsett would record sound from a variety of sources and fit them together with images to create short audio and visual montage.
In the original Star Wars film, "The Force" is first described by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as an energy field created by all living things, that surrounds and penetrates living beings and binds the galaxy together.[4] Throughout the series, characters exhibit various powers that rely on "The Force", such as telekinesis and shooting lightning from their fingers.
"The Force" has a "Dark side", which feeds off emotions such as anger, jealousy, fear, lust, and hate, but the Jedi are only supposed to use "The Force" for peaceful purposes.[5] The series' villains, the Sith, embrace the dark side in order to seize power.[6] The Jedi's compassionate and selfless use of "The Force" has come to be known by inference as "the light side", although that term is not used in the films.
Abilities of "The Force"
"The Force" can enhance natural, physical, and mental abilities, including strength (such as during a "Force jump" or to slow a fall from an otherwise dangerous height) and accuracy (as when Luke Skywalker was able to launch proton torpedoes into a two-meter-wide thermal exhaust port on the Death Star in A New Hope). A number of other Force powers are demonstrated in the film series including telekinesis,telepathy, levitation, deep hypnosis, enhanced empathy, reflexes, precognition, and enhanced speed. The Jedi were also able to influence and control the minds of others by making use of the Jedi mind trick. Obi Wan uses this type of ability when he and Luke Skywalker first arrive in Mos Eisley in A New Hope and they are stopped by Stormtroopers. Using "The Force", Obi Wan convinces the Stormtrooper that "These aren't the droids you're looking for."[7]
The Sith use an ability called Force Lightning which is a lightning-like manifestation of the dark side of "The Force" that can be used either in combat or as an instrument of excruciating torture (as demonstrated by Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi and Revenge of the Sith and Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones). Darth Vader also demonstrates the ability to choke using "The Force" and numerous Jedi have been able to manipulate their lightsaber with "The Force". "The Force" also gives enhanced skills in lightsaber combat.
Within the Star Wars Expanded Universe, a number of other powers have been demonstrated, such as the ability to heal or drain the life force of others, increase resistance to attack, warp space, resist pain and to dissipate energy attacks (which has been demonstrated on-screen by Yoda in Attack of the Clones during his battle with Count Dooku).
The Chosen One
An ancient prophecy (fictional of course) foretold the appearance of a Chosen One, strong with "The Force", and destined to alter it forever. Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One although it was Luke Skywalker who brought his father, Anakin, to the light side at the end. - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - "The Force" (Star Wars)
There’s a lot more to it but that’s enough for this post.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
"The Force" is impersonal but the Holy Spirit is personal, in fact He is a person. The Holy Spirit is not a vague shadow. He is not a mystic “power” or “thing.” or an “it” as if the Spirit is a thing or an “it” that we can control or use. Because He is a person it means that we can have a personal relationship with Him. He is a person equal in every way with God the Father and God the Son.
What is the biblical evidence for the personhood of the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit has attributes that only a person could have. He has intelligence, feelings, a will, He prays, He can be lied to, He can be insulted, He teaches and He directs.
He has intelligence
1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (HCSB)6 However, we do speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.7 On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age knew ⌊this⌋ wisdom, for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.9 But as it is written: What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind— God prepared this for those who love Him.10 Now God has revealed ⌊these things⌋ to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
This is the wisdom taught by the Holy Spirit, who is the perfect Teacher.
He has feelings
Ephesians 4:30-32 (HCSB)30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption.31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice.32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
We can hurt the Holy Spirit’s feelings, or grieve Him by, independence, pride, selfishness, distrust, worry, fear, anger, resentment, unforgiveness, hatred and other self-centered actions.
Although the Holy Spirit can be grieved He will never leave you.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (HCSB)13 When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.14 He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.
He has a will
1 Corinthians 12:11 (HCSB)11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as He wills.
The Spirit gives the gifts to whoever He decides to give them to, therefore He has a will. The words “as He wills” indicates that it is Him who decides and they are not the result of anybody deserving or not deserving any gift.
He prays
Romans 8:26 (HCSB) In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.
Likewise, the Spirit helps our weakness. The weakness referred to is our inability to analyze situations and pray intelligently about them. Sometimes we cannot pray because words cannot express the needs we feel. The Spirit's response of sighs too deep for words shows how God through his Spirit enters into our experiences. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
He can be lied to
Acts 5:3-4 (HCSB)3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field?4 Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God!”
You cannot lie to a table or to a chair because it is not a person. Notice also that lying to the Holy Spirit is equated with lying to God. This means that the Holy Spirit is God.
We are not told how Peter recognized this deception; it was probably by divine illumination. Peter charged Ananias not with deceiving him but with attempting to deceive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is obviously a person, and verse 4 shows that the Holy Spirit is also God. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
He can be insulted
Hebrews 10:26-29 (HCSB)26 For if we deliberately sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries.28 If anyone disregards Moses’ law, he dies without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses.29 How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Deliberate sin is a rejection of the sacrifice of Jesus and to be honest a believer can’t be guilty of this because remember if your salvation was authentic then it is permanent. Deliberate sin The threefold charge follows: (1) contempt for Christ in the thought of trampling under foot; (2) rejecting the blood-bought covenant as worthless and unholy; (3) despising the person and work of the Holy Spirit. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
He teaches and directs
John 14:26 (HCSB)26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
The teaching that Jesus did before He was crucified presented a new way of living in accordance with the way God wanted man to relate to Him and to each other but it wasn’t complete. It was going to be completed by the coming of the Holy Spirit. His ministry to believers would be to teach.
John 16:12-15 (HCSB)12 “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.14 He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you.15 Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.
He gives directions
Acts 8:29 (HCSB) The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”
Romans 8:14 (HCSB) All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.
The Spirit does the leading or directing
The Holy Spirit is All Light
There is the light side and dark side to the “Force”. When those in Star Wars tap into the light side of "The Force", they abandon emotion. They focus on what is only the “Force”. They focus on what is and what will be. They are centered and driven by the movements of the “Force”.
The dark side of “The Force” depends and feeds on emotion, especially the emotions of anger and hatred.
The Holy Spirit is only Light. There is no darkness in Him.
1 John 1:5 (NKJV) This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
He is one with the Father and the Son (Jesus) and is the same always.
Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The Holy Spirit is Available to All
"The Force" is only available to those in the galaxy. Those outside the galaxy, from another galaxy didn’t have "The Force".
God wants everyone to have a personal relationship with Him, and to be filled with His Spirit .
2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The Holy Spirit is involved in setting the conditions that cause us to consider our relationship with God and urge the faith response to the gospel. One of these is the convicting of sin.
John 16:8-11 (HCSB)8 When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:9 About sin, because they do not believe in Me;10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me;11 and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
All that needs to happen for a person, any person, to receive the Holy Spirit is to believe on Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9-10 (HCSB)9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.
Scripture tells us that all believers are indwelled by the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion (salvation).
Ephesians 1:13 (HCSB) When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13 (HCSB) For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
"The Force" is impersonal but the Holy Spirit is personal, in fact He is a person. The Holy Spirit is not a vague shadow. He is not a mystic “power” or “thing.” or an “it” as if the Spirit is a thing or an “it” that we can control or use. Because He is a person it means that we can have a personal relationship with Him. He is a person equal in every way with God the Father and God the Son.
What is the biblical evidence for the personhood of the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit has attributes that only a person could have. He has intelligence, feelings, a will, He prays, He can be lied to, He can be insulted, He teaches and He directs.
He has intelligence
1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (HCSB)6 However, we do speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.7 On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age knew ⌊this⌋ wisdom, for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.9 But as it is written: What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind— God prepared this for those who love Him.10 Now God has revealed ⌊these things⌋ to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
This is the wisdom taught by the Holy Spirit, who is the perfect Teacher.
He has feelings
Ephesians 4:30-32 (HCSB)30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption.31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice.32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
We can hurt the Holy Spirit’s feelings, or grieve Him by, independence, pride, selfishness, distrust, worry, fear, anger, resentment, unforgiveness, hatred and other self-centered actions.
Although the Holy Spirit can be grieved He will never leave you.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (HCSB)13 When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.14 He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.
He has a will
1 Corinthians 12:11 (HCSB)11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as He wills.
The Spirit gives the gifts to whoever He decides to give them to, therefore He has a will. The words “as He wills” indicates that it is Him who decides and they are not the result of anybody deserving or not deserving any gift.
He prays
Romans 8:26 (HCSB) In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.
Likewise, the Spirit helps our weakness. The weakness referred to is our inability to analyze situations and pray intelligently about them. Sometimes we cannot pray because words cannot express the needs we feel. The Spirit's response of sighs too deep for words shows how God through his Spirit enters into our experiences. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
He can be lied to
Acts 5:3-4 (HCSB)3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field?4 Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God!”
You cannot lie to a table or to a chair because it is not a person. Notice also that lying to the Holy Spirit is equated with lying to God. This means that the Holy Spirit is God.
We are not told how Peter recognized this deception; it was probably by divine illumination. Peter charged Ananias not with deceiving him but with attempting to deceive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is obviously a person, and verse 4 shows that the Holy Spirit is also God. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
He can be insulted
Hebrews 10:26-29 (HCSB)26 For if we deliberately sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries.28 If anyone disregards Moses’ law, he dies without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses.29 How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Deliberate sin is a rejection of the sacrifice of Jesus and to be honest a believer can’t be guilty of this because remember if your salvation was authentic then it is permanent. Deliberate sin The threefold charge follows: (1) contempt for Christ in the thought of trampling under foot; (2) rejecting the blood-bought covenant as worthless and unholy; (3) despising the person and work of the Holy Spirit. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.
He teaches and directs
John 14:26 (HCSB)26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
The teaching that Jesus did before He was crucified presented a new way of living in accordance with the way God wanted man to relate to Him and to each other but it wasn’t complete. It was going to be completed by the coming of the Holy Spirit. His ministry to believers would be to teach.
John 16:12-15 (HCSB)12 “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.14 He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you.15 Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.
He gives directions
Acts 8:29 (HCSB) The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”
Romans 8:14 (HCSB) All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.
The Spirit does the leading or directing
The Holy Spirit is All Light
There is the light side and dark side to the “Force”. When those in Star Wars tap into the light side of "The Force", they abandon emotion. They focus on what is only the “Force”. They focus on what is and what will be. They are centered and driven by the movements of the “Force”.
The dark side of “The Force” depends and feeds on emotion, especially the emotions of anger and hatred.
The Holy Spirit is only Light. There is no darkness in Him.
1 John 1:5 (NKJV) This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
He is one with the Father and the Son (Jesus) and is the same always.
Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The Holy Spirit is Available to All
"The Force" is only available to those in the galaxy. Those outside the galaxy, from another galaxy didn’t have "The Force".
God wants everyone to have a personal relationship with Him, and to be filled with His Spirit .
2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The Holy Spirit is involved in setting the conditions that cause us to consider our relationship with God and urge the faith response to the gospel. One of these is the convicting of sin.
John 16:8-11 (HCSB)8 When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:9 About sin, because they do not believe in Me;10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me;11 and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
All that needs to happen for a person, any person, to receive the Holy Spirit is to believe on Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9-10 (HCSB)9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.
Scripture tells us that all believers are indwelled by the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion (salvation).
Ephesians 1:13 (HCSB) When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13 (HCSB) For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Let the Holy Spirit Operate in You - Be Filled With the Spirit
In the Star Wars franchise the comment is often made “Use "The Force"”. There are also comments like “"The Force" is strong with this one”. When the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit (to be filled is a command). The believer doesn't use the Holy Spirit but is completely controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:15-21 (HCSB)15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise--16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which ⌊leads to⌋ reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord,20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
The Results of Being Filled With the Spirit
The visible results of being filled with the Spirit can be seen in the fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 (HCSB)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Love
Love consists of showing tenderness and kindness to others.
1 John 4:7-8 (HCSB)7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Mark 12:30-31 (HCSB)
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.31 “The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Joy
Joy can be experienced in tough times as well as good times.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (HCSB)6 You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials7 so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (HCSB)16 Rejoice always!17 Pray constantly.18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Peace
The Bible says the peace that God provides passes human understanding.
Philippians 4:7 (HCSB) And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 (HCSB) “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
Longsuffering
Longsuffering is patience. The more Christlike we become the more we will be patient with others. The Bible says God is patient with us:
2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB) The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
Psalm 103:8 (HCSB) The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love.
Kindness
Kindness and goodness speak of helpful deeds done toward others. We are instructed to show kindness to all:
Ephesians 4:32 (HCSB) And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Romans 12:10 (HCSB)10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness means dependability. The Bible makes it clear that God is dependable.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (HCSB)22 Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end.23 They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
Deuteronomy 31:6 (HCSB)6 Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Service
The filling of the Holy Spirit will also lead the believer into service.
Acts 1:8 (HCSB) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
"The Force" is not The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God and He dwells with you and in you. Pray to God the Holy Spirit, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and to move in ways you may not understand. And let God work in you through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Here’s how;
Romans 10:9-10 (HCSB)9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.
Now pray this simple prayer;
“Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior.”
If you have just prayed this prayer, in all sincerity, call, text, email, Tweet, change your Facebook status and tell somebody, leave me a comment here or send me an email with this Link. Then find a bible believing church and start to fellowship with other believers. Welcome to the family of God.
Now be filled with the Holy Spirit and awaken "The Force" that is within you.
In the Star Wars franchise the comment is often made “Use "The Force"”. There are also comments like “"The Force" is strong with this one”. When the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit (to be filled is a command). The believer doesn't use the Holy Spirit but is completely controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:15-21 (HCSB)15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise--16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which ⌊leads to⌋ reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord,20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
The Results of Being Filled With the Spirit
The visible results of being filled with the Spirit can be seen in the fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 (HCSB)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Love
Love consists of showing tenderness and kindness to others.
1 John 4:7-8 (HCSB)7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Mark 12:30-31 (HCSB)
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.31 “The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Joy
Joy can be experienced in tough times as well as good times.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (HCSB)6 You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials7 so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (HCSB)16 Rejoice always!17 Pray constantly.18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Peace
The Bible says the peace that God provides passes human understanding.
Philippians 4:7 (HCSB) And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 (HCSB) “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
Longsuffering
Longsuffering is patience. The more Christlike we become the more we will be patient with others. The Bible says God is patient with us:
2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB) The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
Psalm 103:8 (HCSB) The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love.
Kindness
Kindness and goodness speak of helpful deeds done toward others. We are instructed to show kindness to all:
Ephesians 4:32 (HCSB) And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Romans 12:10 (HCSB)10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness means dependability. The Bible makes it clear that God is dependable.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (HCSB)22 Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end.23 They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
Deuteronomy 31:6 (HCSB)6 Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Service
The filling of the Holy Spirit will also lead the believer into service.
Acts 1:8 (HCSB) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
"The Force" is not The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God and He dwells with you and in you. Pray to God the Holy Spirit, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and to move in ways you may not understand. And let God work in you through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Here’s how;
Romans 10:9-10 (HCSB)9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.
Now pray this simple prayer;
“Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior.”
If you have just prayed this prayer, in all sincerity, call, text, email, Tweet, change your Facebook status and tell somebody, leave me a comment here or send me an email with this Link. Then find a bible believing church and start to fellowship with other believers. Welcome to the family of God.
Now be filled with the Holy Spirit and awaken "The Force" that is within you.
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