Immediately following the resurrection of Christ, His main focus for His followers shifted. He directed them to minister. On the shores of the Galilee, Jesus told Peter, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” He instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high so they would become His witnesses and minister. Even in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, chapter 11 talks of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and tells us to remember what He did for us as we celebrate the Last Supper. Then immediately in the next chapter, he teaches us about the power gifts for supernatural service. Many of us are loving and kind, but God also wants us to be powerful. We could teach about a pathway to righteousness, godly character or maturity, but this article is about the pathway to power. Not a power for self promotion, but for service and ministry. In the chapter about the gifts, we read, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1Cor. 12:4-6 NIV
THE PATHWAY TO POWER
WORKINGS
Believers are fascinated when they recognize the workings of God in their lives. They hasten to tell me of God’s miraculous work in their lives during the past week. Their stories are fantastic, yet people without Christ might just call them amazing circumstances. Christians know they are just too unusual and wonderful to be abstract circumstances.
A few days ago, I was shopping to buy gifts for members of our congregation for upcoming events. I had so many of the same item that it tweaked the curiosity of the lady at the register. I explained that I was a pastor and was buying gifts for Church members.
Suddenly, the next person in line spoke up. “Yes, Antioch is a great church and Pastor Wyns is a great pastor.” Then she added, “Now, I know why God told me to come and shop here today. I have an operation tomorrow and Pastor, I am so glad I met you today. Will you pray for me?” The lady behind the counter spoke up, “You mean with the laying on of hands.”
After paying for our shopping items, we stepped off to the side and I laid hands on her and prayed for God’s intervention and blessings. That was a God moment for her. She will tell the story to others of how God worked in her life that day. It was the workings of God in her life, in the life of the cashier and others in the store, and in my life as well. There are different kinds of workings or operations of the Holy Spirit.
God is always working, He never stops working. We even sing songs about it. The surprising workings of the Lord gets our attention. They give us faith and draw us close to Him. It is the first step toward ministering with power.
SERVICE
Scripture reads: “Brother’s, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” Acts 6:3
These deacons served tables to care for widows. The Bible calls this service a responsibility. Volunteering is a responsibility to be available, and then to remain faithful so that you do not let people down. It is a responsibility, not just a token of charity.
Lord gave them. If you do, you will lose what you already have. On the other hand, if you obey in faith, God will give you more.
The Pathway to Ministering with Power is Simple:
1. You recognize the workings of God in your life and thank Him.
2. You serve the Lord with gladness, expecting nothing in return.
3. You step up with courageous faith by obeying the Holy Spirit and exercising supernatural gifts. This is God’s plan. People around the world are kind. Christians, however, are called to be clothed with power from on high. Revival follows when we release that power.
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