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In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples that they would be given power for ministry. It reads:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Here are a few thoughts on this verse:
1. The verse is not referring to merely receiving the Holy Spirit. That happened to the disciples earlier (John 20:21-22).
2. This empowering was so important that Jesus told the disciples to do nothing until they received it (Acts 1:4).
3. This verse was fulfilled in Acts 2 at Pentecost and it involved much more than speaking in tongues. After Pentecost, we see in the disciples a new boldness, unity, and spiritual power. There is also a remarkable lack of selfish ambition.
It seems to me that we in America lack spiritual power. Only a small percentage of what is accomplished by most churches is the unmistakable work of God. Much of what we do is based on human efforts and abilities instead. What will it take for us to finally enter into power? Here are a few ideas:
- We need to admit that the way we function now is powerless. It is time to quit pretending that our candles are bonfires and confess our poverty before God.
- Like the disciples, we must wait on God, seek after Him, and receive power from Him.
- I do not think that receiving God’s power is done merely “by faith” as we often think of that phrase. Receiving things by faith is often an excuse for being lazy. Instead, there has to be an intentional pressing in that costs us something – an ongoing asking, seeking and knocking. That is faith at work in a way that allows us to receive.
The American Church is losing ground with each passing year. And sadly, rather than humbling ourselves and seeking God, we are caught up in all kinds of human efforts to make things better. The only solution that will work, however, is a genuine move of God in power.
I think that when this happens, God will be seeking out people who are willing to abandon themselves and their reputations and their security to follow Him. God will not be looking for the talented or the leaders to further His purposes. He will be looking for people like Mary in Nazareth – people who have no other qualification except that they are willing.
Am I willing? Are you?
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Here are a few thoughts on this verse:
1. The verse is not referring to merely receiving the Holy Spirit. That happened to the disciples earlier (John 20:21-22).
2. This empowering was so important that Jesus told the disciples to do nothing until they received it (Acts 1:4).
3. This verse was fulfilled in Acts 2 at Pentecost and it involved much more than speaking in tongues. After Pentecost, we see in the disciples a new boldness, unity, and spiritual power. There is also a remarkable lack of selfish ambition.
It seems to me that we in America lack spiritual power. Only a small percentage of what is accomplished by most churches is the unmistakable work of God. Much of what we do is based on human efforts and abilities instead. What will it take for us to finally enter into power? Here are a few ideas:
- We need to admit that the way we function now is powerless. It is time to quit pretending that our candles are bonfires and confess our poverty before God.
- Like the disciples, we must wait on God, seek after Him, and receive power from Him.
- I do not think that receiving God’s power is done merely “by faith” as we often think of that phrase. Receiving things by faith is often an excuse for being lazy. Instead, there has to be an intentional pressing in that costs us something – an ongoing asking, seeking and knocking. That is faith at work in a way that allows us to receive.
The American Church is losing ground with each passing year. And sadly, rather than humbling ourselves and seeking God, we are caught up in all kinds of human efforts to make things better. The only solution that will work, however, is a genuine move of God in power.
I think that when this happens, God will be seeking out people who are willing to abandon themselves and their reputations and their security to follow Him. God will not be looking for the talented or the leaders to further His purposes. He will be looking for people like Mary in Nazareth – people who have no other qualification except that they are willing.
Am I willing? Are you?
That is very thought provoking, Kevin. And yes, I believe I am willing! Rather scared, but willing!
ReplyDeleteIt seems in the churches / people that are really on fire have several characteristics:
ReplyDelete1. Belief that they are encountering the greatest news on the planet.
2. That the Holy Spirit is moving and directing.
3. That supernatural direction is part of the life of the believer.
4. God is a great mystery worth exploring and pressing into.
Hi Tom -
ReplyDeleteI like your list. It is quite good. I have been pondering it, trying to see what, if anything, I might add. Most of my thoughts are closely related to yours, but let me put them in my own words:
1. God fully loves and accepts them
2. He is accessible and He is knowable in our experience
3. He wants to be involved in our lives
4. There is nothing better than knowing Him
Thoughts?