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.
Hey very interesting blog!
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no hesitation very shortly it
will be renowned, due to its feature contents.
bookmarked!!, I like your web site!
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve consider your stuff previous to and you’re simply too magnificent.
I really like what you’ve got here, certainly like what you’re saying
and the way during which you assert it. You’re making it entertaining and you continue to care for to stay it sensible.
I cant wait to learn far more from you. That is actually a terrific website.
my web site: Hardcore CBD Gummies Review
Keep on writing, great job!
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how regarding unpredicted feelings.
Hello fantastic website! Does running a blog similar to this require a
massive amount work? I’ve virtually no understanding of programming however I
was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyhow, if you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic but I just had to ask.
Many thanks!
where to buy amoxicillin amoxicillin united kingdom amoxicillin tablet
For latest news you have to go to see internet and
on web I found this web page as a best web page for
most recent updates.
https://gordonblair.co.uk/financial-services/mortgages-in-thornton-heath/
Mortgages in Thornton Heath
Mortgages in Thornton Heath
I was able to find good information from your content.
You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the article you write.
The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who
are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.
This paragraph is genuinely a pleasant one it assists new internet users, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
I go to see day-to-day some web sites and information sites to read articles,
but this website gives feature based content.
I’m not sure wwhy bսt tһіs weblog іs loading incredibly slow fοr me.
Is anyonee eⅼsе having this рroblem orr is it a issue on my еnd?
I’ll check Ƅack later on and ѕee if the prohlem ѕtіll exists.
Feel free to visit my homepaցе Comfrey Tea wholesale
Hello to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this site,
and your views are pleasant in favor of new users.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you
relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know
what youre talking about, why waste your
intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could
be giving us something informative to read?
What’s up, yup this paragraph is actually nice and
I have learned lot of things from it on the topic
of blogging. thanks.
좋은 정보 항상 감사합니다. 저도 똑같이 나눠드리고 싶은데요 혹시 해커 찾는 방법 이렇한 쉽게
알수 없는 정보를 제가 가치 제공을
해드리겠습니다. 저를 따라와주세요!
Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue about this post here at this blog, I have read all
that, so now me also commenting here.
buy viagra online
I every time used to study paragraph in news papers but now
as I am a user of internet therefore from now I am using net
for articles, thanks to web.
Heey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if tuat would be okay.
I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
대구안마
Hi there, I found your site by way of Google
even as looking for a comparable matter, your site came up, it
seems to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply become alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if
you happen to continue this in future. Lots of folks shall be benefited out of
your writing. Cheers!
It is not myy first time to ppay a visit this site, i am visiting this site dailly and take good information from here all the time.
homepage
Fruits, vegetables and the number 7 are
evidently displayed within the rows. Next, it ccan be entry in a fast method, it’s also less expensive and less
tije consuming than visiting a casino similar to Bellagio.
Understanding of a game iis possible by following the web site
supplying you with opinions about casinos and video gmes together
with tricks and suggestions for it.
free Windows 7 key
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s articles or reviews every day along with a cup of coffee.
It’s an awesome article designed for all the online viewers;
they will get advantage from it I am sure.
Online poker
I do not know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing
problems with your website. It looks like some of
the text in your posts are running off the screen.
Can someone else please provide feedback and let me
know if this is happening to them as well? This may be a
problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Thank you
I always show love to the people writing this. So let me give back and show back my
secrets on change your life and if you want to truthfully see I will share info about howto make money I am always here for yall.
Купить энтеогены
Wonderful article! We are linking to this great content on our
site. Keep up the good writing.
О чем что поделаешь элита на 2023 г., если заказывать создание (а) также шаг вперед сайтов?
Скидки сверху разработку также раскрутку страниц в течение 2023 году, промокод.
Хоть получить скидку до 50% на исследование и еще сео-продвижение интернет магазина.
сео продвижение сайтов yatopeasy
раскрутка сайта 10
раскрутка сайта в топ
недорогая раскрутка сайтов
создание сайта и раскрутка бесплатно
создание и раскрутка сайта
аудит продвижения сайта рекламного агентства
раскрутка сайта поисковые системы
продвижение сайтов стоит
продвижение сайта в социальных сетях
примеры продвижения сайтов
продвижение сайта продажи
создание и продвижение сайтов
продвижение сайта в топ цена
сервис раскрутки сайтов
продвижение сайтов цены оптимизация сайта
продвижение сайтов начать
продвижение сайта цена услуги
нужна раскрутка сайта
продвижение сайтов спб цены
раскрутка сайтов вк
этапы продвижения сайта
раскрутка сайтов москва
продвижение сайтов краснодар
сео продвижение сайта самостоятельно пошаговая инструкция
Согласен человек веб-сайта заплатил 10000 рублей. Согласен продвижение интернет-сайта хныкаю 10000 рублей.
Об остальном qr
Очень рекомендую для малого бизнеса хвалить там а также продвигать ваши сайтики в интернет да общественных сетях.
сайт продвижение проектов
развитие и продвижение сайта
бесплатная раскрутка сайта
способы продвижения сайта
форум продвижения сайтов
продвижение сайта в поисковых системах стоимость
продвижение сайта ссылками
продвижение сайтов уфа
продвижение веб сайтов
продвижение сайта производство
продвижение сайта самостоятельно пошаговая инструкция бесплатно
сео продвижение сайта самостоятельно
pr продвижение сайтов
создание сайтов и продвижение с нуля
продвижение сайтов продуктов
seo искусство раскрутки сайтов
продвижение сайтов цена в москве
сео продвижение сайта самостоятельно пошаговая инструкция
система продвижения сайта
раскрутка сайтов в топ москва
разработка и продвижение сайта цена
продвижение сайта в поисковых системах
создание и продвижение сайтов цена
продвижение сайтов сео топ цена
технологии продвижения сайтов
Hello everybody, here every person is sharing these kinds of experience,
therefore it’s good to read this web site, and
I used to visit this webpage daily.
RD
Hey would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time selecting
between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask
is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m
looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Great blog here! Also your website a lot up very fast!
What web host are you the use of? Can I am getting your affiliate link to
your host? I want my site loaded up as fast as yours
lol
May I simply say what a relief to discover somebody who genuinely understands what they’re discussing online.
You definitely understand how to bring a problem to light
and make it important. More and more people need to check this
out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular because you most certainly have the gift.
Hey there excellent blog! Does running a blog like this require a massive amount work?
I have virtually no understanding of coding but I was hoping to
start my own blog in the near future. Anyway,
should you have any recommendations or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I understand this is off subject however I simply had to ask.
Thank you!
Wow! After all I got a weblog from where I can genuinely obtain helpful facts
regarding my study and knowledge.
Deji batarya,KadıKöy Teknik servis,2 el cihaz alış satış,Ekran değişimi,Telefon Cam değişimi,
Cep servis,Deji Pil,BATARYA,CEP TELEFONU BATARYASI,POWERBANK,CAM DEĞİŞİM,İPHONE,
SAMSUNG,APPLE,İPHONE EKRAN DEĞİŞİMİ,teknik servis,batarya değişim,telefon alış satış,2.el
satış
This design is incredible! You definitely know
how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really enjoyed what
you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now
each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thanks!
I’ve been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website
owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet
will be a lot more useful than ever before.
continuously i used to read smaller articles which also clear their motive, and that is also happening with
this article which I am reading here.
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back in the future.
I want to encourage yourself to continue your great posts, have a nice morning!
I’ll iimmediately grab your rss feed as I can’t to find your
e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any?
Kindly allow me recognise in order that I could subscribe.
Thanks.
There’s certainly a great deal to find out
about this subject. I like all of the points you have made.