Text: Acts 1:8

Further Reading: Mark 16:15-18

‭But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8 KJV

MESSAGE

In this second part of lesson, we want to learn how to obtain the power that Christ has bestowed to belivers. Why do many us true Christians live a life of defeat. why do we often feel weak and oppressed by the powers of darkness? This may be because we have not received the power yet. 

The life of a believer is like that of an heir whose father has made all provisions for. As long as that heir is a child, he or she can not claim the estate and benefits reserved for him. Even though the power is available, every child of God must obtain it. 

The provision of Christ for His followers in our Bible reading is not vague. He truly wants every one of us to cast out devils in His name. We are to heal the sick and destroy every form of satanic activity in His name. But we are somehow falling short not because the promise is not sure but because we have not yet received the power to act on it.

The earlier disciples were told by the Lord not to go forth until they received power. In Matthew 10:1, before the Lord sent them, He first gave them power. After His resurrection, he told them to tarry in Jerusalem so that they could receive power. All these are indicators that if we also will work in the full dimension of God’s power, we must press and wait in the place of prayer to obtain it. 

This power comes by receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. When you read Acts 2, you will notice that the disciples began to walk in supernatural power after they received the Holy Ghost. But they didn’t just get the power, they waited in the place of prayer until God endued them with His power from heaven. You can also receive the power of God if you desire, hunger, and pray for it. Are you tired of being powerless and living in defeat? Then pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

REFLECTION

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Matthew 3:11 KJV‬‬

Jesus Christ is the baptizer in the Holy Spirit, ask Him to baptize you today.

PRAYER

Lord, please baptize me afresh with the Holy Ghost and fire.