Turn On The Power Series

WE’VE GOT THE POWER – 5

“Turn On The Power”

Introduction: Over the past several weeks I’ve been preaching a series of messages called, “We’ve God The Power”. This morning is the final message in that series. The first message, “Where It All Began”, had to do with when and where the New Testament Church actually began. The second, “What’s The Purpose”, had to do with what exactly is the purpose of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The third in this series, “Wake Up Sleepy Head” had to do with the sleeping giant, the church of God universal, and it’s time to wake up and do the Lord’s business. The fourth, “It’s Time To Celebrate”, had to do with how God fills His people with the Holy Spirit - during prayer, praise, and worship. Today, I want to talk about power! Power to shake an individual, a church, a nation, a world. The message today is called, “Turn On The Power”.

I want to share with you a question by Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who is certainly not known as a Pentecostal preacher. His doctrine and theology was that of the Reformed Church. When he was the pastor at Westminster Chapel in London, England, near the end of his life--and some say at the very pinnacle of his ministry--he asked his congregation a question. He said, "I want to talk to you today about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You may call it what you want, but I want to know, have you experienced the fullness of the Spirit? I know all of you listening to me come as I do from a Reformed background. But it’s not good enough. I know that all of you would want to say to my question about the Holy Spirit, ’Well, we got it all at conversion; there’s no need for any more experience.’ Well," said Martyn Lloyd-Jones, "I have only one other question to ask you. If you got it all at conversion, where in God’s name is it?"

Many Christians today, from all denominations – (Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Reformed, Church of God, Church of Christ, Church of the Brethren, and yes, even the Charismatics and the Pentecostals - all of them, are asking the same question as Martyn Lloyd-Jones. If I got all the power at conversion, where is it? Where is the power? The power to overcome the world and all of it’s troubles, trials, and temptations? The burden for the lost? The power of healing? Where is the power? (expound)

I. The power is here! Ever since the New Testament Church began it always has been and always will be hear until God takes the church out of this world.

A. Scripture says in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Then in Malachi 3:6a it says, “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” The power always has been and will always be here. It is available to all believers who seek it – with their whole beings.

B. Jesus said in Luke 24:49, "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." Then again in Acts 1:8a, Jesus says, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you."

1. The word endued in the Greek means - in the sense of sinking into a garment – to be fully clothed. This is in a sense, baptism.

2. The word power used here in the Greek means - strength power, ability; might – as in an army; inborn power, power living in a thing by virtue of its nature. What a person puts forth. Power for performing miracles.

C. Again, I ask the question that Martyn Lloyd-Jones asked. “If you got it all at conversion, where in God’s name is it?" Jesus promised the power – where is it? (expound)

1. Jesus promised in Acts 1:5, "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

2. Again in Acts 1:8 He promises, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you."

a. This power is automatic when the Holy Spirit baptizes believers. Again, I say, it automatic. So where in God’s name is it?

II. There is boldness to proclaim the gospel; there is power to overcome circumstances and the world and temptation, etc.; there is power to perform miracles; there is power for healing; there is power to hear directly from God the Father through prophecy and tongues with interpretation; power to edify both individuals and churches. And it all comes through baptism in the Holy Ghost! You want to see that power?