Pastor's Ponderings, November 12, 2019

We Must Use Holy Ghost Power

We have great songs about the Holy Ghost. Keith Dobbins & The Resurrection Mass Choir in 1991 sang the classic hymn,  Power from God.  Some of the lyrics are, “Power after the Holy Ghost Is come upon you, you shall receive power from God.” The Chicago Mass Choir in October 2007 sang, Holy Ghost Power. Some of the lyrics were, “I got it, the Holy Ghost power. Do you want it? The Holy Ghost power, I need it.”

These hand clapping and foot stomping songs remind us that our relationship with Christ is not just mental exercises in existential existence.  It is not a philosophy or a thoughtful analysis of why we are here upon earth. It is not even a religion, but a relationship with the great God Almighty.  In the Bible, when the disciples were awaiting a sign from heaven in an upper room, they were all in one accord when the Holy Ghost fell upon them like fire and they all began speaking in unknown tongues (Acts 2:2-4).

God wants us to know that He wants to live in each of us by His Spirit (Colossians 1:27).  When He lives in us, He gives us the ability to do mighty works in His Name (Philippians 4:13).  Moreover, Jesus said that those who love Him will do greater works than He did after He returned to Heaven. They will do these works because they will have His power in His Name working through them (John 14:12-13). When the disciples healed a beggar, they later testified that faith in Jesus’ Name had healed the man (Acts 3:16).

Those who love God are not simply to be pushed around by the forces of evil.  As believers with the power of God working, we are commanded to cast out devils and to pray for the sick (Mark 16:17, James 5:15).  Moreover, He may also tell us to feed the hungry, petition political authorities, speak encouraging words or intervene boldly against injustice. As followers of Christ, we have been given power and authority over evil.  Let’s not run from evil but, in the Name of Jesus and with the power of the Holy Ghost, let us allow God to use us mightily as His instruments in these trying times. 

Acts 2:2-4
New International Version (NIV)
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 

4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Colossians 1:27
New International Version (NIV)

27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Philippians 4:13
New International Version (NIV)

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

John 14:12-13
New International Version (NIV)

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Acts 3:16
New International Version (NIV)

16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Mark 16:17
New International Version (NIV)

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 

James 5:15
New International Version (NIV)

15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven