Three Points re the Spirit-Empowered Church

As we celebrate Pentecost and the birth and rapid expansion of the Spirit-empowered church, please consider these three points.

The Spirit-Empowered Church is the only effective witness for Christ

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

Jesus promises that believers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Power comes from the Greek dunamis, which is inherent, built-in, indwelt, miraculous power—all in the Holy Spirit.

Today, we have incredible technology. Smartphones are more powerful than most computers. We can go further faster and do more than we ever imagined. But God did not say you will receive power when you get the latest smartphone or other technology. He said you would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

The first church was a Spirit-empowered church. They had few possessions. What they had in abundance was raw faith in God and His Word, the Name of Jesus, fervent prayer, and Holy Spirit power! Thus, they had all the essentials to impact their generation – to turn the world right-side up.

So, the purpose of Holy Spirit power is so we can individually and corporately be effective witnesses for Jesus in the city where we live, in our state, in our country, and to the ends of the earth. The Spirit-empowered church is the only effective witness for Christ.

Every believer needs to be part of a local Spirit-Empowered Church

In my new book, the Simplicity of Hearing God: 21 Ways God Speaks to Us, I wrote concerning the Spirit-empowered church:

“Certainly, every believer needs the corporate worship, prophetic revelation, vision, teaching, preaching, inspiration, training, oversight, fellowship, sharing of faith, time, talent, and treasures found in a God-honoring, Bible-believing, Holy Spirit-led and anointed New Testament local church.”

And, might I add, people need a human touch. There is power in laying on hands. Have you ever had somebody hug you, really hug you, with the genuine love of God? They wouldn’t let you go until you let go of whatever was weighing you down. Yes, oppression can be broken off people through an anointed hug or touch.

The world needs the essential services of the Spirit-empowered church

“The Body of Christ is called to provide essential services to the world. We are the light to show the way and the salt to purify, heal, add flavor, and preserve life.”

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Friends, now is the time for the Spirit-empowered church to get immersed in the Holy Spirit. It’s time to rise up and serve our generation by the will of God.

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Are you thirsty for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit? Please feel free to post your comments.

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Capazin Thornton is a Christian speaker and writer in Orange County, California. Get your copy of her new book – the Simplicity of Hearing God: 21 Ways God Speaks to Us.