Polished Pulpiteers or Kingdom Carriers?🔥
In an age of polished presentations and carefully crafted messages, it's easy to lose sight of the raw, transformative power that marked the early Christian church. As we navigate the complexities of modern ministry, there's a growing hunger for something more than just well-spoken sermons and slick programs. Many believers are yearning for a return to the dynamic, life-changing power of the Holy Spirit that we read about in the book of Acts.
The Pitfall of Relying on Human Eloquence
It's not uncommon in today's church landscape to find an emphasis on charismatic speakers, compelling arguments, and persuasive rhetoric. While these elements aren't inherently negative, they can sometimes overshadow the true source of spiritual transformation – the power of God Himself.
The Apostle Paul, known for his intellectual prowess, deliberately chose not to rely on "eloquent wisdom" when preaching to the Corinthians. Instead, he came "in weakness and in fear and much trembling," so that their faith might rest not on human wisdom but on God's power (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). As he wrote, "and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Corinthians 2:4 ESV).
The Need for Divine Demonstration
What our world desperately needs is not more skilled orators, but a genuine encounter with the living God. The Holy Spirit's power, when fully manifested, brings about:
1. Healing: Physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration that defies medical explanation. "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up" (James 5:15 ESV).
2. Miracles: Supernatural interventions that reveal God's authority over nature and circumstances. "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12 ESV).
3. Salvation: The profound transformation of hearts and minds, turning individuals from darkness to light. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16 ESV).
4. Life Transformation: Radical changes in behavior, attitudes, and relationships that testify to God's redemptive work. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV).
These tangible demonstrations of God's power serve as undeniable evidence of His presence and love, often reaching those who might remain unmoved by even the most eloquent sermon.
Back to Jesus
As we seek this restoration of Holy Spirit power, it's crucial to remember that the goal is not to elevate human vessels but to exalt Jesus Christ. When Peter and John healed the lame man at the temple gate, they immediately redirected all attention to Jesus: "Why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?" (Acts 3:12 ESV)
True spiritual revival puts Jesus at center stage. It's His power, His compassion, and His glory that should be magnified through every supernatural work. As John the Baptist humbly declared, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30 ESV).
Practical Steps Toward Renewal
1. Cultivate Humility: Acknowledge our complete dependence on God's power rather than our own abilities. "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6 ESV).
2. Prioritize Prayer: Spend significant time seeking God's face and inviting His presence. "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2 ESV).
3. Step Out in Faith: Be willing to take Spirit-led risks, even when it feels uncomfortable. "And without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6 ESV).
4. Create Space for God to Move: Allow room in our gatherings for spontaneous moves of the Spirit. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV).
5. Celebrate Divine Interventions: Share testimonies of God's supernatural work to build faith. "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11 ESV).
A Call to Action
The world doesn't need another charismatic speaker or innovative program. It needs to encounter the living God in all His power and glory. May we be present once again the undeniable, transformative power of the Holy Spirit, bringing healing, miracles, salvation, and changed lives for the glory of Jesus Christ.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8 ESV).
Glenn Bleakney is the founder of Awake Nations ministries and travels to the nations preaching the gospel of the kingdom with signs and wonders following. Send a message to invite Glenn to speak at your church event. Visit https://AwakeNations.org
