Whatever the disciples where expecting as they obeyed Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them, I am sure that the sights, sounds and sensations of that first Pentecost must have taken them by surprise.

Whatever the disciples where expecting as they obeyed Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them, I am sure that the sights, sounds and sensations of that first Pentecost must have taken them by surprise. But surprised or not, they were ready when the ‘power from on high’ came to walk out of the room and immediately begin their ministry.

It was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that changed them from waiting disciples into the mighty men of God we see in the book of Acts. On that day Peter was able to stand up and boldly present the Gospel at the first ever evangelistic rally and see 3,000 added to their number.

As Pentecostals today we know that we do not have to wait for Pentecost Sunday to pray for people to be baptised in the Holy Spirit but we take time to ensure that all new believers understand that he is Jesus’ promised Helper to release each one of us to stand up and speak for him wherever we are – our schools, colleges, workplaces, homes and communities. We will be praying for everyone at the services on Pentecost Sunday to be filled or refilled with the Holy Spirit.

We know also as part of the discipleship cell vision that we need training to help each one to rise up in the calling that the Lord has given them to make disciples of all nations. From Living Free! to full-time IBIOL there is something for everyone! And this month we are introducing a new initiative to give everyone the tools to form relationships with the intention of sharing the gospel, it is called Share Life and details can be found on page 13. As the first disciples heard that they were to be witnesses for Jesus in “Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8) so may we live our lives immersed in the Holy Spirit as we reach out to London and the World for Christ!

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On the day of Pentecost, the disciples received Power from on High

It’s time for the power – the real power of Pentecost. For too long God’s people have gone naked into the battle without the clothing of divine protection and power. But a baptism of power is waiting for every believer. God has made available the unlimited power of Pentecost for every child of His who is willing to receive it.

Jesus never intended His church to labour in the empty energy of the flesh. Human effort is fruitless. The arm of flesh will fail every time but God’s power never fails!

Just before He was about to ascend into heaven Jesus gave the command, “Tarry… until you receive power from on high.” He told His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father. He went on to explain, “…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

This power is not for selfish ends. It is only given for one purpose – the grand purpose of the kingdom of God-SOULS!

In Acts chapter 2, we see the promise fulfilled. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2)

The disciples received the power, but what was the purpose of the power? People often think that it was for ‘charismatic’manifestations. They point to Peter’s explanation on the Day of Pentecost,

“…this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. ” (Acts 2:16-17)

And that’s as far as most understand it. The charismatic movement has not gone much further than that in about 30 years! But the experience of the Holy Spirit is not for mere personal enjoyment or for a few manifestations of spiritual gifts. Neither is it to equip a handful of people for a ‘superstar’ ministry.

God pours out His Spirit for another purpose. Jesus is coming soon! It’s time for HARVEST! Remember, there’s coming a day when God will judge the secrets of people’s hearts. And they must be ready.

Peter went on to explain the real point of the power from on high, “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21)

That very day, in response to Peter’s sermon, 3,000 people came to faith in Christ! That’s the real purpose of this power from on high. In the articles to follow I am going to show you how to receive this power. Start to hunger for it. Begin to seek God for it. Get ready – it’s coming!

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