Quench not the Spirit

Quench Not the Spirit

 Reflections by Rev. Harry Stackhouse

I Thessalonians 5:19 “Do not quench the Spirit.”

If there is anything the Church of Jesus Christ needs today it is an out pouring of the Holy Spirit.  When He is allowed to move upon the hearts of men things change rapidly. When the word “quench” is used it usually implies something being stopped or greatly hindered. So, when scripture says “do not quench the Spirit,” we are being advised not stand in the way of the Holy Spirit doing what He is wanting to do for the Father, Son, and ultimately us.

The Holy Spirit relays to us what Jesus is saying and God the Father is saying. In the book of John, chapter 14 verses 15, 17, 21, 26, Jesus tells His followers, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever that is the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you…He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him…but the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name.  He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

In order for personal growth and congregational growth we need the presence of the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Truth. He makes the word of God come alive in the hearers so there is conviction and repentance. Where the Spirit is released people are set free, there is liberty. 

The Spirit is quenched when we fail to pray. The fire of God is not to be doused with sin. Sin unchecked and not addressed will build a wall between God and man.

The Spirit is quenched when we fail to give him time to work in our midst because of our agendas, schedules and programs. The Spirit is must have control of every church service and every life of the believers. He is forever with us. Therefore, let’s not hinder Him working to do the will and good pleasure of God.

Pastors don’t be guilty of doing things your way without the Holy Spirit being asked to intercede.  We need to hear from God not man. You might have an “idea”, but God has a plan that He wants to deliver and the carrier is the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit please bring the news from heaven.