September 02, 2006

Powerful Witnesses

Acts 1:6-8

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses ..." Acts 1:8

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Why is it important to receive power from the Holy Spirit before going out to witness for Christ? The New Testament depicts the presentation of the gospel as an open war between Christ and Satan. The devil is not immobilized because of Christ's victory on the cross. On the contrary, since his defeat on Calvary, Satan is enraged. He has deployed all his power to discourage Christians from witnessing for their Lord.

Left to ourselves, we have no power to overcome the devil. Christians who try to witness to their faith without the power of the Holy Spirit are easy prey for the devil. He is not scared of weak Christians who do not live in the power of the Spirit. To the devil, they are but dull swords that cannot threaten his kingdom.

Every person who has given his or her life to Jesus Christ has received the Holy Spirit (John 1:12; Romans 8:16). But there's an important distinction between receiving the Spirit at conversion and living daily by the Spirit's leading. The important question each of us should ask today is whether we are living right now in the power of the Holy Spirit. Only then can we witness powerfully to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Are you a powerful witness for Christ? Have you personally helped bring people to Christ since you turned to him? Ask for the Spirit's power today.

Lord, help me to live in the power of the Holy Spirit today, so that I may bring others to you and welcome them as brothers and sisters in your kingdom. In Jesus, Amen.

About the author — Paul M'pindi

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