Sermon Central
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The Power Of A Personal Pentecost
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Jul 18, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: The Book of Acts records two great "Pentecostal" experiences in the early church. But often, throughout church history, many personal “Pentecosts” have occurred.
THE POWER OF A PERSONAL PENTECOST
"But 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.
The Book of Acts records two great "Pentecostal" experiences in the early church. The first, to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and later to the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10). But often, throughout church history, many personal “Pentecosts” have occurred.
I. PERSONAL PENTECOSTS ARE AVAILABLE TODAY!
God is no respecter of persons: “Then Peter spoke, saying: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.” Acts 10:34.
We still need God’s power to do God’s work: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.
II. GOD DESIRES TO MIGHTILY EMPOWER HIS PEOPLE!
“Pentecostal anointing” comes only upon the consecrated saint. God will fill with His Spirit a small vessel, a large vessel, a twisted vessel….but never a dirty vessel. To be filled with the Holy Spirit, the Christian must first rid his life of known sin and a love of self. Empty yourself…pray for His anointing…and be ready to be filled.
The “Pentecostal anointing” comes as an answer to fervent prayer.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” Luke 11:13. The Greek word translated “ask” is present imperative, essentially saying: “ask, and keep on asking.”
This empowerment enables us to fulfill His will in our lives: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.
III. WE ARE EMPOWERED FOR A PURPOSE!
The purpose is clear: “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The purpose is singular, not ambivalent. Not for “feeling good”, not for a “spiritual high”…but for effective witnessing to the glory of God. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.
