RECIPE FOR GREATNESS SERIES 11- POWER
The first chapter of the book of Acts, verse 8, emphasizes the promise of power that believers will receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. This power is not to be taken lightly, as Jesus clearly stated that it is for the purpose of being witnesses to Him. The geographical progression mentioned in the verse, starting from Jerusalem, then to all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, highlights the scope of this witness. It is a call to spread the message of Jesus from familiar territories to the farthest corners of the world.
When we reflect on the concept of starting our influence from Jerusalem, which can be likened to our immediate family and close friends, it prompts us to consider the nature of our interactions with them. Are our conversations centered around spiritual matters, or are they focused on worldly distractions that draw us away from God? Jesus’ instruction to be witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea reminds us of the importance of sharing the gospel with those closest to us, ensuring that they too have the opportunity to hear the message of salvation.
Moving beyond familiar territories to Samaria, which was culturally distant from the Jews, challenges us to reach out to those who may seem unlikely recipients of God’s grace. The reference to the Good Samaritan story underscores the need to break down barriers and preconceived notions about others, recognizing that all individuals are in need of the saving power of Jesus. The purpose of the power promised by Jesus is not just for personal empowerment but for the transformation of lives and the expansion of God’s kingdom to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Jesus emphasized the importance of spreading the message of God’s power to all corners of Samaria and the ends of the earth. He stressed that as Christians, it is crucial to bring the power of God into places where it may not be readily accepted, such as the marketplace, workplace, or even the club. He highlighted the significance of manifesting the power of God in these places to serve as effective witnesses of His teachings. Jesus urged his followers to focus on actions that touch the heart of God, such as bringing souls into the kingdom of God, rather than solely seeking personal gain through prayers for material wealth.
In the current age, Jesus noted that people are often preoccupied with their own needs and desires, reflected in their prayers for financial stability and material possessions. He cautioned against the misconception that the power of God is primarily intended to fulfill individual needs, emphasizing that it is first and foremost meant to serve the greater purpose of glorifying the name of Jesus and spreading His teachings. Jesus emphasized the importance of tarrying and staying true to the purpose of God’s power, rather than seeking it for personal breakthroughs. He highlighted the example of the Apostles in the book of Acts, who preached the message of God’s power without seeking titles or personal gain, but rather to glorify the name of Jesus.
Jesus stressed that while breakthroughs and blessings are valuable, the true purpose of God’s power lies in glorifying the name of Jesus and bringing souls into the kingdom of God. He emphasized the need for his followers to understand the true intention behind the release of God’s power, which is to serve a higher purpose beyond personal gain. Jesus encouraged his disciples to follow the example of the Apostles, who preached the message of God’s power with humility and dedication, focusing on glorifying the name of Jesus rather than seeking personal recognition or material wealth. He urged his followers to align their actions with the purpose of God’s power, emphasizing the importance of bringing souls into the kingdom of God and spreading the teachings of Jesus.
In a particular instance recounted in the Bible, a group of individuals encountered a man at the gate who seemed to be in need. The man was observed looking at them with an expression that suggested he desired something from them. In response to his gaze, they informed him that they did not possess material wealth such as silver or gold to offer him. However, they emphasized that although they did not have a breakthrough at that moment, they were willing to share what they did have in the name of Jesus. With a command to rise and walk in the name of Jesus, the man miraculously began to walk, causing a stir among the onlookers.
This incident serves as a powerful illustration of the importance of being a witness for Jesus. Rather than taking on the role of an advocate or a lawyer for God, Christians are called to be witnesses to His power and grace. Being a witness entails providing a firsthand account of what one has seen, heard, or experienced. It involves sharing personal testimonies of God’s work in one’s life and being willing to stand as a testament to His faithfulness.
Evangelism, at its core, is about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and being a witness to His transformative power.
As Christians, we are called to be bold witnesses who are unafraid to testify to the work of God in our lives. The act of witnessing should not be seen as a daunting task, but rather as an opportunity to share the love and grace of God with others. By embracing our role as witnesses, we can effectively spread the message of hope and salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
The power of God is primarily meant for believers to receive after the Holy Ghost has come upon them. This power is not for believers to act as judges or advocates, but rather as witnesses. As a Christian, it is important to understand the purpose of this power and to use it accordingly. I once found myself in a situation where someone was misusing this power by preaching judgment instead of the true gospel. It was frustrating to witness this, but it served as a reminder that as believers, we are called to be witnesses of God’s love and grace, not judges or advocates.
During a long bus trip, I encountered a preacher who was using his platform to judge and condemn others, rather than sharing the message of God’s love and salvation. As a Christian, I felt a sense of frustration and a desire to speak out against this misuse of the power of God. However, I reminded myself of the importance of being a witness, not a judge. It is crucial for believers to understand the responsibility that comes with the power of God and to use it in a way that reflects the true message of the gospel.
It is important for believers to remember that the power of God is meant for them to be witnesses of His love and grace, not to act as judges or advocates. Even if one’s knowledge of the Bible is limited, they can still effectively share the message of Jesus and win souls for Him. The length of time one has been saved or their level of knowledge of the Bible should not hinder them from fulfilling their role as a witness. The early disciples of Jesus were not perfect or highly knowledgeable, yet they were able to spread the message of the gospel. This serves as a reminder that the power of God is meant for all believers, regardless of their level of experience or knowledge.
When Jesus left, the disciples who had been with him the longest had only been following him for three and a half years. Perhaps the oldest in faith among them were Peter and John, the sons of Zebedee, who had known Jesus for the same amount of time. Peter, in particular, was not considered strong enough in his faith when Jesus was taken away. In fact, he even denied knowing Jesus as they were arresting him. However, after the Holy Spirit came upon him, Peter’s faith was transformed. He recognized the power that Christ had promised and he, along with the other disciples, went out to spread the message. Just a few months later, Peter boldly declared to a man in need that he may not have material wealth to offer, but he had experienced a breakthrough internally and possessed the power of God within him.
The purpose of experiencing breakthroughs in our lives is not just for personal gain, but to make a statement to the world about the power of God. As witnesses of Christ, we are called to declare what we have seen and experienced. Effective witnessing requires tapping into the power of God that resides within us. In the Gospel of John, Jesus emphasized the importance of signs and wonders in helping people believe. When a nobleman sought Jesus’ help for his dying son, Jesus simply spoke a word and the child was healed. The man believed and his entire household came to faith as well. This miracle demonstrated the power of God and the importance of believing in His word.
Many of us may have the power of God within us, but we fail to be effective witnesses because our focus is not on sharing the message of Christ. It is crucial to align our minds and hearts towards being effective witnesses of God’s power and love. Just as Peter and the other disciples were transformed by the Holy Spirit, we too can experience a breakthrough in our faith that enables us to boldly proclaim the Gospel. The ultimate goal of breakthroughs and experiencing the power of God is to bring salvation to others and to show the world that our God is mighty and desires to save all people. Effective witnessing requires us to engage with the power of God within us and to share the message of hope and redemption with those around us.
There is a belief among some individuals here that only those with prestigious titles such as pastors and evangelists have the ability to perform miracles such as raising the dead or healing the sick. However, it is important to note that
in the Bible, ordinary people were able to carry out these extraordinary acts.
Jesus himself referred to these individuals as “ordinary people” and they were able to accomplish remarkable feats simply because they were willing to follow him and serve as witnesses. This morning, it is crucial to remind your neighbor that it is time for them to step up and be a witness.
In order to release the power of God, it is essential to recognize the role of a witness. A witness is not a judge or an advocate, but rather someone who shares their personal experiences and declares the works of God. By doing so, the power of God begins to manifest in their life. However, there are certain factors that guide the release of this power. One of these factors is compassion. It is impossible to effectively release God’s power without having genuine compassion for those who are in need, whether it is individuals facing eternal damnation or those who are suffering from illness or captivity. Compassion is not merely a feeling, but a deep and genuine concern for others.
It is important to understand that compassion goes beyond being a mere feeling, similar to how love transcends mere emotions. In the Greek language, different words are used to describe various forms of love, each with its own unique connotations. For instance, there is eros, which represents romantic love, and agape, which signifies a selfless and unconditional love. This demonstrates that compassion and love are not solely based on fleeting emotions, but rather on a deeper and more profound level of care and concern for others. Therefore,
in order to release the power of God, it is crucial to cultivate genuine compassion and love for those around us.
Compassion is a deep and powerful emotion that goes beyond just being a feeling. It is a reflection on the suffering of others and the desire to take action to alleviate that suffering. When we encounter people who are suffering or vulnerable, compassion is aroused within us. This form of love is what moved Jesus all the time, as the Bible often mentions that he was moved with compassion and healed those in need. Compassion releases a powerful force within us, and it is essential for drawing out the latent power that lies within each of us.
In addition to compassion, having a strong commitment to the Great Commission is crucial. This involves reaching out to others and sharing the message of Jesus. It requires a dedicated effort to talk to people about Jesus and try to win souls for him. This commitment is not just a casual one, but a deep and unwavering dedication to spreading the word of God. It is through this commitment that true breakthroughs can be achieved in the kingdom of God.
Jesus himself lived a life of great commitment to helping others and spreading the message of God. He prayed for others and labored for their well-being, which ultimately led to comfort and support for himself in his own times of need. This serves as a powerful example of the importance of praying for others and helping them, as it creates a cycle of support and care that extends to all who are in need. By praying for others to be saved, we can ensure that there will be support for us in our own times of difficulty.