Endued with Power
This is the story of my revelation of the power of God, the story of His work in my life, the opening of my eyes to truth—my testimony of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
For three years I’ve had this blog. For three years I’ve felt the Lord leading me to share this testimony. Three years I’ve wrestled with this, fully aware of the controversy surrounding this part of Scripture. I’ve held back and given in to the lies of the enemy that I have no place sharing this testimony of the power of God without my walk with Christ portraying me as a sort of “Super Saint”. But my testimony—first and foremost of Salvation but also of His power in my life—is not about me. It’s all about Him.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. ~ Revelation 12:11a
I was 21when my mother began a quest to find a new church home for herself as well as our family. Newly married and a new mom, my new family and I lived with my parents so I watched firsthand Mama’s determination Sunday after Sunday to find a new church home. We’d left our previous church and been out of church for quite a while after Mama sat down with our Pastor and questioned him about certain Scriptures. Although they disagreed, it’s important to note that Mama knew God was calling her somewhere else and she would not settle for anything less. Sunday after Sunday I watched her walk out the door and head to church after church of varied denominations. Not seeking to find a church with a specific denomination, Mama did her part to attend these various churches, prayed and continually studied Scripture, determined to be certain truth was being preached behind the pulpit. During this quest, our neighbor asked Mama where she attended church, ultimately resulting in the finding of our new church home—the church that Daddy would finally attend after years of non-churchgoing. God had answered Mama’s prayers. And so began the opening of our eyes to worship unlike we had ever known and the empowering of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Believer.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. ~ Matthew 3:11
Much about this church home was new to us; however, we were quite familiar with the terms Baptism in the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues. We’d heard about those churches where people spoke in tongues and danced and we’d believed much of what we had been told. “It’s not for today,” some would say. Others would imply or say outright that such “nonsense” was “of the devil”. Sure, it was right there in Scripture, but it just didn’t make sense. We would chalk up these experiences to emotionalism. But there was something we just couldn’t deny within the House of God in which we newly worshiped—the overwhelming Presence of God. So we nose-dived into Scripture and earnestly prayed for confirmation of truth—doctrinal Truth that Daddy was taught as a child and believed all along. God is always faithful to answer prayer.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. ~ Isaiah 28:10
Little by little, we soaked in Truth as our Pastor seemingly preached specifically to us. I remember one sermon in particular on the lifting of hands in worship. I’d been praying for understanding regarding this and was amazed at how God answered via an entire sermon. Mama had taught us that the sermons preached must be backed by Scripture. So we prayed and we read and God confirmed.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. ~ Luke 24:49
Jesus foretold of the promise of the Father, the enduing of power. His Word spoken was not merely a suggestion to the Disciples. It was a command to tarry and wait. As the Holy Spirit began confirming the reality of this truth, a great hunger grew within me for this gift. Why would we, as Christians, not want all our Lord has to offer?
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. ~ Acts 1:8
There’s nothing hidden about His purpose for this enduing of power. To be His witnesses. I needed this power. We all need this power. Long has been the argument that as Christians, we “do” have His power. And while this is true in part, we need to understand that the indwelling of His Spirit at Salvation is separate from being Baptized into His Spirit. It was after Jesus’ death and Resurrection, after the ultimate Sacrifice had been made, that He breathed on the Disciples and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” {John 20:22} Yet they would later be endued with power from on high on the day of Pentecost. Think of it this way. We are like a glass and the Holy Spirit, water. The Holy Spirit can be poured into us and fill us even to overflowing much like you could fill a glass with water to the top or even allow it to spill over. But you would have to take the glass and immerse it into the water {in this case, envision a pitcher of water}, to baptize it in the water. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is literally a baptism into His Spirit, His power.
As we continued to study and pray, our hunger grew. I believed God wanted me, nay, commanded me to receive this Gift. So I asked. And I waited. A friend at church shared her testimony of once being in my shoes, growing and learning and desiring this Gift. She encouraged me to praise. The Holy Spirit will always testify of Jesus. So I praised and I prayed and I even fasted. For one week. I did ‘not’ receive the Baptism in the Holy Ghost after this fast. I did, however, grow more in love with Jesus. And I kept on asking and kept on believing. We’d heard preaching on speaking in tongues and again, we prayed and we studied the Scriptures. But why in the world would He choose something so seemingly odd as speaking in other tongues?
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ~ James 3:6
James 3:8 goes on to say, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Speaking in tongues, not only part of but also the evidence of receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, requires the submitting of the tongue. Of all our members, the hardest to yield—the tongue.
I had long prayed and long passed the concern over the absurdity one might consider this speaking in other tongues. I wanted what God had for me. He commanded the Disciples to tarry and wait. I supposed I would just have to “wait”. But one night at a Bible Study, I shared my request and my thoughts concerning my “waiting” for God and His perfect timing. The Brother teaching the Study explained that I was taking that Scripture literal, that it was regarding the original outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. He said that if I were going to take the waiting literal I might as well go to Jerusalem. Fresh revelation washed over me. This was a gift. A gift originally out poured on the Day of Pentecost and now for all who would receive.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. ~ Acts 2:39
The realization that I didn’t need to wait for this Gift any more than I would need to wait for Salvation made my faith soar. That night, we prayed. That night I received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. That night I began to speak with other tongues. After countless times for prayer to receive this gift, after enduring what many people agree as out of order and consequently refuse to have anything to do with this doctrinal truth—overzealous Saints trying to force it upon you—I received. I had been in the midst of times of confusion where one Brother would shout, “LET GO, SISTER,” while another said, “hold on, Sister.” I knew their effects on people seeking after God and their deterring people from just that. However, I would not be deterred. I had seen people out of order and I had seen genuine moves of the Holy Spirit. Our Pastor best summed it up when he said, “there will always be “wild fire” in the church. But there’s always more than enough “wet blankets” around to put out the wild fire.”
I was almost 23 when I finally received this Gift. For nearly two years I had grown and prayed and studied. And while it took me that long to realize that I simply needed to ask and believe, I wouldn’t trade that time of growth for anything. My experience has helped me to understand the struggle that many people have over this. It’s helped me to effectively explain to others the simplicity in seeking what can otherwise be portrayed as a complex experience. For 19 years I’ve experienced the difference His empowering makes. The Peter who once denied Christ thrice preached boldly the Word of God after being endued with power. I have no argument and offer no debate regarding this Gift. I will simply testify that it has been His power, even through the speaking of tongues, that has carried me through some of life’s toughest challenges. Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” No dispute over doctrine can ever refute the work of the Lord.
His people need His power more today than ever. We need times of refreshing {Acts 3:19}. There is only one criteria needed to receive this gift—Salvation. It is not a work needed for Salvation. We need nothing in addition to the grace of Jesus Christ through His shed blood in order to be saved. However, the empowering of His Spirit enables us to be His witnesses and to walk out our sanctification {being set apart and made holy}. It’s after this empowering that we are able to allow the gifts of the Spirit {1 Corinthians 12} to flow through us—the church.
If you’ve ever questioned this part of Scripture, I encourage you to prayerfully reconsider. Ask in faith expecting to receive. And then begin to praise Jesus.
So thankful for your testimony and this Comforter we share. This Comforter available to fill all to the overflowing just as you said.
YOU GO GIRL!! AWESOME!!!!!
LOOOOOVE IT..LOVE YOU!!!
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify
me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails
with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service?
Cheers!
Terrific Web-site, Maintain the very good work.
Thank you. http://sombel.ru/go.php?https://gamedownloadnow.com
always i used to read smaller articles that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading at this place.
I don’t even understand how I finished up right here, however I
assumed this publish was once great. I don’t realize who you might be however certainly you’re going to a famous blogger when you aren’t
already. Cheers!
After exploring a few of the blog posts on your website, I truly like your technique of blogging.
I book marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Take a
look at my web site as well and let me know how you feel.
Very good site you have here but I was curious
if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same
topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part of online
community where I can get responses from other experienced individuals that
share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
Many thanks!
Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your site is extremely helpful.
Many thanks for sharing!
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
A handful of my blog audience have complained about my blog not working
correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera.
Do you have any suggestions to help fix this issue?
At thіs tіme I am ɡoing aѡay to ɗo mmy breakfast, ߋnce havingg my brekfast coming
ovеr again to read mkre news.
Feel freee tⲟ visit my site – Lemari Dapur
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However imagine if you
added some great images or video clips to give your
posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and
videos, this blog could definitely be one of the greatest in its field.
Awesome blog!
I do accept as true with all of the ideas you’ve introduced on your post.
They’re very convincing and will definitely work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for newbies. May you please lengthen them a bit from next time?
Thank you for the post.
That’s a great point
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for excellent info I was looking for
this info for my mission.
naturally like your website but you need to test the spelling on several of
your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling
problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth then again I’ll surely come back again.
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
A few of my blog visitors have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer
but looks great in Opera. Do you have any ideas
to help fix this problem?
My site: کلاسیت,
This place is amazing!! The cleanest treatment center I’ve ever been in, and unfortunately, I’ve been in a
few lol. The Doctor and staff are extremely polite and attentive.
I strongly recommend this place for anyone looking for help with addiction.
Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no
data backup. Do you have any solutions to protect
against hackers?
نصب سیستم عامل لینوکس در کنار ویندوز از دغدغه هایی
است که هر شخصی بخطر درگیر شدن درایو
مورد نظر جهت نصب لینوکس خودداری میکند؛ به همین منظور، در دسته
مبحث آموزش لینوکس، روش نصب لینوکس
در کنار ویندوز در یک درایو
را بصورت کامل و دقیق توضیح خواهیم داد…
Having read this I thought it was extremely informative.
I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this short
article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount
of time both reading and commenting. But so what,
it was still worth it!
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you, However I am going through difficulties with your RSS.
I don’t understand why I am unable to join it.
Is there anybody else getting identical RSS issues?
Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you
hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my
own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
appreciate it
Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project
in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a extraordinary job!
If you wish for to take a great deal from this article then you have to apply these methods to your won weblog.
You need to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality blogs on the internet.
I am going to recommend this site!
There is certainly a great deal to learn about this issue.
I like all the points you made.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this web site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be
returning to see more, thanks for the advice!
What’s up, after reading this remarkable article i am too happy to share my knowledge here with mates.
Good web site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find quality
writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like
you! Take care!!
great publish, very informative. I’m wondering why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t realize this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different web address and thought I
might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
Look forward to looking into your web page again.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog.
You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some articles
for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Regards!
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the
expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve
been using WordPress on a variety of websites
for about a year and am worried about switching to another
platform. I have heard very good things about
blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content
into it? Any kind of help would be really
appreciated!
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found
something which helped me. Many thanks!
My family members all the time say that I am
killing my time here at web, except I know I am getting knowledge daily by reading such nice posts.
It’s wonderful that you are getting ideas from this post as well as from our argument made here.
This post will help the internet viewers for setting up new web site or even a blog from start to
end.
I blog quite often and I seriously appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest.
I’m going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for
new details about once a week. I opted in for your
Feed as well.
I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your blog?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or
2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
لیلا (ترانه علیدوستی) زنی چهل ساله و مجرّد است که در
خانوادهای درگیر با بحران اقتصادی زندگی میکند.
او در دفتر اداری یک پاساژ کار میکند و تنها درآمد ثابت خانواده را دارد اما
نه پدر و نه چهار برادرش به حرف او گوش نمیدهند.
اسماعیل (سعید پورصمیمی) پدر خانواده، پیرمردی تریاکی است که اخیراً
نشانههای آلزایمر را بروز میدهد.
علیرضا (نوید محمدزاده) برادر معقول،
کارگری است که به علّت اختلاس صاحب کارخانه تعدیل نیرو شده است.
پرویز (فرهاد اصلانی) در پاساژ لیلا به عنوان خدمهای که عوارض توالت را دریافت میکند مشغول است.
پنجمین فرزند او به تازگی متولد شدهزیرا همیشه به دنبال فرزند پسر بوده است.
فرهاد (محمد علیمحمدی) نیز شغل ثابتی ندارد و
مدام در حال بدنسازی است. منوچهر
(پیمان معادی) هم آدم دغلکاری است که برادرانش
را ترغیب به نوعی کلاهبرداری میکند که پول پیشخرید ماشین را بالا بکشند.
اسماعیل چندین سکه طلا پسانداز کرده
و لیلا پیشنهاد میدهد که واحدی تجاری در پاساژ را بخرند تا بوتیک راه بیندازند.
این بوتیک قرار است در محل فعلی توالتهای پاساژ باشد.
از طرف دیگر سردسته فامیل فوت میکند.
اسماعیل همواره به دنبال این مقام بوده زیرا سردسته میتواند بخشی از کادوهای عروسیهای فامیل را صاحب
شود، پس بنا به رسم خانوادگی، سکههایش را به عنوان کادو عروسی میدهد …
Hello, I think your web site might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening
in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted
to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, great site!
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more
than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything.
But imagine if you added some great photos or video clips to give your posts
more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this site
could undeniably be one of the best in its
niche. Great blog!
Wow! Finally I got a blog from where I know how to in fact get useful information regarding my study and knowledge.