A Vision Worship, Part 2

Our worship will be...Spirit-filled

Acts 9:31 - "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord."

Jesus Christ had recently been crucified, and the disciples, first discouraged, then living in fear, returned to their lives prior to Jesus calling them. However, our Lord had bigger plans, and promised them the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost, the newly-formed Christian church moved in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that it's "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the Lord Almighty". Our worship is not done in our power alone - in fact, if it's done only in our power, it has little effect! It may move the hearts of people, but to our first audience, our Lord, it is nothing but noise or empty praise.

What kind of power does Spirit-filled worship have?

Paul and Silas, two early missionaries of the church, were thrown into prison after driving a demon from a young woman who predicted the future. While in prison, they began praying and singing to God. Acts 16 tells of a tremendous earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison - freeing the men. Through this experience, not only were Paul and Silas freed, but the jailer and his family were saved.

Spirit-filled worship brings freedom for the worshipper - and others with whom they come into contact!