"Prerequisites to Divine Fullness." In Acts chapter 5 v 29 we read the following words. "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men.... We are witnesses of these things: and so also is the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him"" Obedience is an indispensable aspect in the soul's preparation for heart purity. It must also remain as the essential attitude if sanctified people are to maintain their experience. There is a price to be paid if the soul would enter into full salvation. Are you willing to embrace the condition and regardless of the cost, press through to heart holiness? Mrs Catherine Booth said of the disciples before Pentecost, "They waited in obedient faith." How do we know? Because they did what God bid them! Here are some areas where the Spirit may reveal need and emphasis obedience. The Issue of Restitution Even as I write this article the Spirit reminds me of matters where personal restitution had to be addressed. It was when I was seeking to go through with God for full salvation; when I was on the stretch after God's best for my life. Though years had passed since I had committed the deed, the matter broke upon my memory and conscience as clearly as the noon day sun. It took me back to my life as a sinner before the Lord. There was no rest until the offended party was repaid in full. It was not easy but when the courage overcame the fears there was an indescribable relief. A few years ago during a series of holiness services God's people set about compensating shop owners and neighbours for unpaid debts and stolen goods; matters going back to pre-conversion days in some cases. The results were remarkable. Obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit prepared the way for personal cleansing and empowering of the life. The unconverted were also stirred by the events. If the Lord speaks to you about making restitution be sure to obey Him. Only then will you progress in grace. The Issue of Apologies. Apologies may be required where there has been misrepresentation or malignant gossip regarding a fellow believer or fellowship. The church has more than its share of critical, carnal, vengeful people who think nothing of scandalising fellow believers. There must a submissive, responsive attitude to the voice of God on these issues before the experience of perfect love can be experienced or regained. The Issue of Biblical Stewardship. It has always been a biblical principle that the first fruits belong to the Lord. The principle of tithing or giving one tenth of our income to the work of God is the basic minimum set forth in scripture. Then we progress to the offering or that which is over and above the tithe. This was the issue in the prophetic message under Malachi. God said "Ye have robbed me in tithes and in offerings. Bring ye all the tithes into the store house that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith saith the Lord if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3v10. How many have robbed the Lord! Have you obeyed Gods word in this matter? The Issue of Separation. Separation from the world is involved. Most often it is not the grosser habits which must be renounced. They ought to have been dealt with at the moment of salvation. It is those tell-tale marks of self and pride apparent in our appearance. Dr Torrey of Chicago Bible Institute tells of a woman who prayed and struggled for holiness with a great intensity of desire. The sticking point was "some little gew-gaw" in her hair. After many fruitless visits to the penitent form, she crossed the line of surrender. She tore the trinkets from her hair and threw them across the room. Needless to say the fire of God fell upon her. Hair-do's say a lot about the heart! For Mrs Maggie Van Colt the Methodist evangelist the issue centred on a golden ring given to her by her dying husband. Whilst she had already become active and successful in evangelism she could not seem to obtain the blessing of entire sanctification. The spirit would draw her attention to the superfluous ring and say "Put away the ring." One day she pulled off the ring while kneeling before a crowd of penitent seekers. God gave her the victory and the Spirit sealed the blessing of full salvation to her soul. These are only a couple of illustrations from the past, but the principles are unchanged. Where there is a love for the fads and fashions of the world the soul will make little or no progress toward full salvation. We never can prove the delights of his love Until all on the altar we lay, For the favour he shows and the joy he bestows Are for those who will trust and obey. It was Samuel the Old Testament prophet who said "To obey is better than to sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15 v 22. Unless there is a whole hearted submission and willingness to obey the Lord there will be no assurance nor experience of full salvation. It should also be noted that continued obedience is the price of lasting blessing. The hymn writer concluded with these precious words, "Then in fellowship sweet, we will sit at his feet. Or we'll walk by his side in the way." It is as we walk in the light that we can experience fellowship with the Lord. Allow him to lead you on and in to the blessing of full salvation!! If you would like spiritual counsel and feel you would like to talk to our pastor then click HERE to e-mail him directly. Written for this Web Site by Rev. E. Stewart. Due to be updated: Sunday 2nd July Archived Messages. 07/05/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (2) 09/04/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (1) 22/04/00 Easter Message