Filled with The Spirit

Hello Church!
EPHESIANS 5:18 says “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.  Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit” (NLT)
Ephesians 5:18 summarizes God’s will for every believer in Christ, and that is to be filled with the Spirit.
What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? Why does Paul contrast the filling of the Spirit to be being drunk with wine?
Alcohol is classified as a depressant, when you drink a lot (and become drunk) it actually slows down the central nervous system, which causes slower reaction time, you start to relax, and experience the depressant effects. However, when you drink alcohol in small doses (meaning you get a little buzz) often a person becomes talkative, has feelings of energy, and a desire for action.  So in small doses alcohol acts like a stimulant. 
With all of that being said, Paul in Ephesians says do not be drunk (meaning controlled by this depressant which can act like a stimulant) called wine, because it will ruin your life.  Why? Because when you are controlled by alcohol you act in ways, or do things you normally wouldn’t do, you can also become addicted to it; where you depend on it, eventually becoming an alcoholic.  However, when you are controlled by God (by obeying his Holy Spirit which lives in you) you do things that you normally wouldn’t do; you have the boldness to speak the truth in love, to talk to people you normally wouldn’t talk to, and to spread the love of Christ in places you normally wouldn’t go.
Obeying the Lord is never easy, but when we do this in every area of our lives we experience the fullness of joy, peace, and love through being filled with his presence.  And this is much better than any hangover! 
 
Pastor Marcus  
 
HELP MOVE SUPPLIES!
The need for supplies around our area is decreasing but there are other areas that still need them. if you would be willing to help transport supplies from our facility to another please contact Pastor Sarah at 
. Thank you again for giving and serving and loving in the name of Jesus!