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.
ซึ่ง เว็บหวยออนไลน์ ไซต์ของเราก็มี หวยลาว ให้ท่านได้มาแทงกัน เราให้ราคาดีที่สุดโดยจ่ายถึงบาทละ 850 บาท นอกจากนี้ยังโปรโมชั่นอื่นๆที่รอให้พวกท่านได้มาแทงหวยกับทางเว็บของเรา
หากท่านกำลังมองหาเว็บ แทงหวยออนไลน์ ที่ดีที่สุด ต้องเป็นเว็บของเราเท่านั้น เรามีระบบที่ทันสมัย รองรับการเล่นผ่านระบบ ios / android ทำให้สะดวกต่อการแทงอีกด้วย โดยหากใครที่กำลังมองหา เว็บหวย แทงหวย ที่มีคุณภาพ
ต้องที่ huaydee.net
%%
My site: car locksmith Prices Uk
%%
Take a look at my web page :: upvc doors Middleton (Hortense)
%%
Feel free to surf to my blog … poker – Ahmed,
%%
Here is my webpage :: online casino (alatestmlp-0.7ba.info)
%%
Feel free to visit my page :: replacement double glazed glass only – Dorthy
–
%%
my webpage – roulette (Kate)
Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the superb work!
Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make
my blog stand out. Please let me know where you
got your design. Cheers
Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks a lot
Here is my web site … 코인카지노쿠폰
%%
My site – Psychiatrist Doncaster
%%
Here is my blog … mesothelioma settlement; Helene,
%%
Visit my page locksmith car key maker near me
I do accept as true with all the concepts you’ve presented on your post.
They’re very convincing and can certainly work.
Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for starters.
May you please extend them a little from next time?
Thank you for the post.
Look at my web blog; 메리트카지노
%%
my site … gummies with melatonin
%%
Also visit my web blog repairing
Good way of describing, and good piece of writing to take data regarding my presentation focus, which i am going to convey
in institution of higher education.
It’s the best time to make a few plans for the longer term and it’s time
to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I may I want to counsel you few
attention-grabbing issues or advice. Perhaps you can write
subsequent articles relating to this article. I want to read more things approximately it!
%%
my website; Ealing double glazing – http://www.Sunwah-fonwin.kr –
%%
Feel free to visit my web site … mesothelioma litigation (Audrey)
What’ѕ Happening i’m neԝ to thіs, I stumbled սpon tһiѕ I’ve discovered It
positively useful and it һas aided me oᥙt loads.
I hope to giᴠе a contribution & aid Ԁifferent customers like its aided me.
Good job.
Alѕⲟ visit my web site hair growth
%%
Look into my site bet on sports (Selena)
%%
My web-site – replacement upvc door panels – michaelmods.com –
%%
my web page: legal thc products (Brandie)
Useful info. Lucky me I discovered your site accidentally, and I’m stunned why
this accident didn’t took place in advance! I bookmarked it.
%%
Here is my web page – Mesothelioma Attorneys
%%
Here is my page mesothelioma Attorneys
I cherished as much as you will receive performed proper here. The cartoon is attractive, your authored material stylish. nevertheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be handing over the following. unwell certainly come more formerly again as precisely the same just about a lot regularly inside case you defend this hike.
Beatriz Repiso is a person who claims to be an expert in the field of digital marketing, but has a reputation for offering low prices for her services.
Many people have reported that they have had negative experiences when dealing with Beatriz
Repiso, citing issues such as poor quality work,
unprofessional behavior, and a lack of integrity.
It is important to be cautious when considering doing business with Beatriz Repiso, as her reputation suggests that she may not be
a trustworthy or reliable person to work with.
Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was
wanting to know your situation; many of us
have developed some nice methods and we are looking to trade methods with other folks, be sure to shoot me
an email if interested.
my web page … pre workout sale
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is wonderful, as well
as the content!
if he finds her physically interesting. But for Asians, it will not really matter if she has little boobs or smaller sized ass possibly, their faces are usually more than enough to allow you cum. Their facial expression that are cute and attractive whenever they are staying satisfaction are usually incredibly stimulating. They know how to make you feel good with their visuals simply. Asian beauty porn is popular among adult men, Asian young girls will be instantly scorching by default! Japanese women generally have the ideal bodies-a lot of them happen to be busty with curves and with baby deals with, what else would you be seeking for seriously? They will be men’s excellent waifs! Another will be Korean magnificence porn. Korean girls are preferred these times to their trendy pop culture due, their female idols will be your peak charm! They will be petite, trim, and no pores are had by them! Their porcelain skin would make them seem tidy and tender. Their frailness is attractive. On the some other side you have Asians with brownish epidermis such as Thais, Filipinos, and Indonesians-they happen to be likewise as equally appealing! They are usually generally small you can have them to bed with a hand if you are a international male. They know how to remember to in bed and their facial functions are not really losing either. Their caramel and chocolate pores and skin, combined with their great, innocent-looking faces come up with your porn than a common 1 better. Asians are usually quieter in sleep also, they have sweet voices and carry out definitely not fake grumble a whole lot of periods. And also if they carry out, they good like angels to the ears!
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but,
I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might
be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look
forward to seeing it improve over time.
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe this amazing site needs a lot
more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more,
thanks for the information!
No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, therefore he/she wants to be
available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over here.
Wow, this article is pleasant, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of things,
therefore I am going to tell her.
my web blog … Decentralized Finance News
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
Here is my web site – 소울카지노
Hello my family member! I want to say that this article is amazing,
great written and come with approximately all significant infos.
I would like to look extra posts like this .
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your site in internet explorer, would test this?
IE nonetheless is the market leader and a large part of other people
will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.
Feel free to surf to my web-site :: sm카지노도메인
Hello! I just would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you’ve got here on this post.
I will be returning to your web site for more soon.
I got this site from my pal who shared with me about
this site and now this time I am browsing this website and reading very informative content at this place.
Review my homepage; 우리카지노 도메인
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this
board and I find It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot.
I’m hoping to give something back and aid others such as you
aided me.
My page – 토토사이트
Greetings from California! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your site
on my iphone during lunch break. I love the information you present here and can’t
wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how
quick your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, wonderful blog!
Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it
😉 I may come back yet again since i have bookmarked it.
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue
to help other people.
my site … Descarga modelo de contrato
Thanks , I have just been looking for info approximately this
topic for a long time and yours is the best I’ve found out so far.
But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you
positive in regards to the source?
Hey there I am so glad I found your blog page, I really found you by mistake,
while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like
to say kudos for a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I
also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it
all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read more, Please do keep up the excellent job.
I every time spent my half an hour to read this website’s content daily along with a mug of coffee.
my site :: sm카지노쿠폰
在线赌球
I like what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the very good works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my
personal blogroll.
Thanks for sharing such a fastidious thinking, post is nice,
thats why i have read it fully