Have you ever felt powerless in the face of life’s challenges? Or have you wondered why God doesn’t seem to be moving in your life the way you expected? The truth is, as believers, we have access to an incredible source of power—one that can transform not just our lives but the world around us. Let’s explore what this power is all about and how we can tap into it.
The Holy Spirit: God’s Chosen Vehicle of Power
When Jesus prepared to leave His disciples, He made them an incredible promise. In Acts 1:5, He said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days (CSB).” This wasn’t just a parting gift – it was the key to unlocking God’s power in their lives.
Think about it this way: a power drill without a battery is just a hunk of plastic and metal. It’s useless. In the same way, we, as Christians, are powerless without the Holy Spirit. He is the “battery” that God has chosen to empower us.
But why did God choose to work this way? He had a specific purpose in mind.
God’s Agenda: A Movement, Not an Institution
Here’s a truth that might surprise you: God didn’t send the Holy Spirit just to empower an institution. He sent Him to fuel a movement. In Acts 1:3, we’re told that after His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days teaching His disciples about the kingdom of God. Not the church – the kingdom.
The Church is important. It’s a vehicle for the kingdom, not the end goal itself. God’s vision is much bigger than just creating a nice, comfortable place for us to gather on Sundays.
The disciples didn’t quite get this at first. In Acts 1:6, they asked Jesus, “So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time (CSB)?” They were thinking in political terms, hoping Jesus would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel’s national power.
Jesus had something much more radical in mind. He replied in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The Power to Fuel God’s Agenda
So why did God give us this power? It’s not just to make us feel good or give us a spiritual high. The Greek word used for “power” here is “dunamis” – the root of our word “dynamite.” It means the ability to bring forcible change to a situation.
God has given us this power for a specific reason: to fuel His agenda. And what is that agenda? To be His witnesses – to demonstrate and declare the reality of His kingdom everywhere we go.
This power isn’t just for evangelism, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s for every aspect of our lives. When Jesus sent out the 70 disciples, He told them to “Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near you (CSB).” (Luke 10:9). The power of the Holy Spirit equips us to bring God’s kingdom reality into every situation we encounter.
Learning to Minister as Priests
So, how do we walk in this power? It starts with recognizing our authority as believers. In every situation we face – whether it’s in our families, our workplaces, or our communities – we have been given dominion. We are “priests of the Holy God,” ambassadors carrying His presence and power wherever we go.
This is why I believe God has been moving in ClearView in new ways recently. He’s training us to minister as priests – to step out in faith and allow His power to flow through us. Whether you’re the one receiving prayer or the one praying for others, you’re learning how to access and release the power of the Holy Spirit.
Putting It Into Practice
How can we apply this in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:
1. Recognize your authority: Remember that as a believer, you carry God’s presence and power with you everywhere you go.
2. Step out in faith: Don’t be afraid to offer prayer or speak God’s truth into situations, even if you feel unqualified.
3. Expect God to move: When you pray or minister to others, believe that God’s power can bring real change.
4. Look for opportunities: Be alert for ways to be a “witness” – demonstrating and declaring God’s kingdom – in your everyday life.
5. Keep learning: As we learn together as a church, continue to grow in your understanding and experience of the Holy Spirit’s power.
Remember, God hasn’t given us His Spirit just to make us feel good or to create a comfortable Christian bubble. He’s empowered us to be His agents of change in the world. So, let’s step out boldly, allowing His power to flow through us and transform the world around us.
This blog post was adapted by Molly Atkins from ClearView Baptist Church’s sermon by Senior Pastor Jason Cruise on October 27, 2024. To watch the full sermon, click HERE.
