Discussion: Filled with the Spirit

In the past, the experience of entire sanctification was often correlated with the Pentecostal experiences of the early church in the book of Acts where various individuals were filled with the Holy Spirit. The Discipline uses language like being “baptized” in the Holy Spirit, and earlier Wesleyans sometimes spoke of receiving the “fullness” of the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit involves purity (Acts 15:9) and power (Acts 1:8).

For the final discussion of the course, explore the connection between being filled with the Holy Spirit and the process of sanctification. Note that the apostles in Acts could be filled with the Spirit more than once (cf. Acts 4:31). How might being filled with the Holy Spirit correspond to a power to love God and neighbor to the fullest?

Engage this concept in an initial post of at least 300 words. Then, after making your initial post, please read through your classmates’ responses and make at least three follow-up comments on a different day than your original post. Your response should contribute meaningfully to the discussion. You might ask questions for further insight or clarification. You might provide additional examples or perspectives or challenge ideas respectfully. Each follow-up comment should be at least 100 words. This discussion is worth 40 points.