As I was rereading Acts 1 this morning, I realized that we as Christians often rely upon our own power to serve God. As I allowed that thought to sink into my heart and mind, I also realized that may be the reason that our ministries remain so unfruitful. Sure, it is easy to fake it in the Christian life and ministry, but God knows the truth. God is not fooled by our superficial service rooted in the flesh. God is also not glorified by that type of service.As we look at the life of the Apostles and the early church itself from the book of Acts, we see men who were failures by themselves, but God took them and used them to spread the gospel across the entire world. That was not an easy task in their day, but it was accomplished by the power of God.Consider the day in which the Apostles worked and ministered. It was a day unlike our modern society. As I type this blog post on my MacBook Pro – I am reminded of how much easier this task is with modern technology. The Apostles spread the gospel across the entire world without the use of Apple Inc., the internet, PDA’s, or other modern techno gadgets. How much more did they work for God’s glory than we do today? That is something that we must wrestle with! If we worked as hard in our day of technology as they did in their days of donkey travel, imagine where we could take the gospel!As Luke records the words of Christ in Acts 1:4-8, we see the fact that God had promised the outpouring of the Spirit upon His people. Christ Himself had delivered that message and below are several ways in which the Holy Spirit provides us with abilities to serve God for His glory.I. The Holy Spirit Provides Believers With ComfortWhen Christ addressed His disciples before He went to the cross, He spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit by addressing Him as the Comforter. The hearts of the disciples were broken, confused, and scared. They did not see the finished plan as we do, so naturally, they experienced these emotional stirrings as a result. As Christ understood their fears, He foretold of the Comforter who would come and be their source of comfort in the middle of confusion and pain.As we continue to live in a sinful world, we still need the comfort of the Holy Spirit in our day as well. Although we are much different than the early disciples, we still face hostility toward Christianity and sinful rebellion. Therefore, we must realize as we serve God in ministry and in our daily lives – we must rely upon the comfort of the Holy Spirit to keep us on the steady path of righteousness for the glory of God.II. The Holy Spirit Provides Believers With GuidanceWith the exception of the Apostle Paul, the Apostles were not geniuses! It was not their ideas that brought about the movement of the gospel across the world. It was the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Too often we tend to rely upon our own ideas rather than the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. If we would spend time washing our thoughts with the Word of God, eventually they would be cleansed by the Spirit of God to point of usability. It is the Spirit of God that provides us with a mission mindset, a servant’s heart, and a willingness to sacrifice our own agenda to make Christ known to the nations.III. The Holy Spirit Provides Believers With PowerThe power of the Spirit of God is not limited to the days of the Apostles. Although we read about miracles occurring by the Spirit of God during the days of the Apostles, we must realize that the same Holy Spirit lives within us in our present day. Although we may not see the same miraculous signs and wonders that the early church witnessed, we have the same power to go out and reach a lost world with the gospel of Christ.As mere humans, we are powerless. We have no ability to save people from their sin. Therefore, when we realize that we are like the Apostles were – unable to save people – we are then moved to a full reliance upon God’s power to confront and convict the hearts of fellow man. It is at this juncture that we are able to experience true evangelism as opposed to man made tactics to get people down the aisle of the local church.I was speaking with someone this morning about the subject of evangelism and trickery. He was telling me about situations he had witnessed where preachers had performed sly schemes in order to get people to respond during the invitations. Those types of schemes will not provide lasting fruit. The schemes of man produce wooden apples – they look good and authentic, but when examined closely it becomes evident that they are not the real thing. Therefore, we must rely upon God’s Spirit to convince people that the gospel is true before they will call upon the name of the Lord for salvation. We as the church of Jesus Christ have power to take the gospel to the nations – but we must leave the results up to God.IV. The Holy Spirit Provides Believers With The Mark Of Authenticity The Apostles labored the gospel among a people (Israel) and a world (the Gentile nations) who were not receptive to the idea that the man named Jesus from Nazareth was the fulfillment of the promised Messiah. Just as they laughed and mocked Jesus as He carried His cross to the hill called Calvary, they would do the same thing to the early followers of Christ. Most of the Jewish population saw the early church as a group of heretics who were following their chief heretic Jesus of Nazareth. Therefore, it was the role of the Holy Spirit to provide the early church with the mark of authenticity as they moved forward to obey the command of Christ in the Great Commission. Two specific examples of how the Holy Spirit marked out God’s people with the mark of authenticity are:- Speaking in Tongues = As these unlearned Galilean fisherman spoke in other languages to wonderful works of God, the population became amazed. There was no answer – other than the fact that these people were of God. Sure, some of the people accused them of being drunk with wine, but the truth was evident! These men were of God!- Healing of the Sick = The Apostles also healed people on specific occasions. These miraculous events were not to promote their own personal agendas or ministries, but to exalt God and open doors to preach the gospel. The truth was undeniable! These men were representatives of God.Although I believe that the age of miraculous events have now passed away, I do still believe in the miracle working power of God. He has already promoted His church and proven the authenticity of the people, therefore no speaking in tongues is necessary in our day. However, when we as the church obey the commands of Scripture, serve Him faithfully, worship Him passionately, and share His gospel lovingly – the world witnesses the authentic Christianity of the Bible.May that be our goal as we serve God in His power for His glory!Rev. Josh Buice
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18 Responses to “God’s Power to Serve”
“Although I believe that the age of miraculous events have now passed away, I do still believe in the miracle working power of God.”Hi Josh,Where are you getting the idea that “the age of miraculous events” has now passed? Is this in Scripture?I too believe in the miracle working power of God — but that’s what it always was. The miracle working power of God caused the lame to walk, blind to see — and today: There is a scar on my chest from a heart surgery the doctros said I would not recover from. Same God doing the same stuff.I know you’re not saying you don’t believe in miracles (what else is answered prayer). However, I’m not sure I’m clear on what you are saying… ?
Bro. David,Sure, I believe that the same God who has done the wonderful miracles of the Bible is the same God who heals our bodies today, but I do disagree with the modern charismatic movement regarding their stance on speaking in tongues, drinking poison, and healing people with a slap on the forehead.I believe that every miracle listed in the Bible occurred just as it is described, but I also believe that specific miracles and strange wonders were only intended for the specific time period of the Apostles. For instance, speaking in tongues is a prime example.I hope you understand my position . . .Josh
Yes, I understand your position. I don’t drink poison or handle snakes…I know of missionaries who have found the need to speak their native langauge, but discovered the people they were ministering to were able to understand them. (I’m stating that poorly).It seems that some want to make the moving of God a “rule.” That is: If I pray a certain way, God is obligated to respond. God must come down. God must heal me. And God becomes the slave of man.I do agree with your thoughts. It is really unfortunate that the modern charasmatic movement has so confused people on God’s moving. God didn’t part EVERY sea… but he did sometimes. Today God doesn’t heal everyone… but he did me when I was two and a half.
Wow, I choose not to limit the power of My God. Why would a miracle or strange wonder performed by God be limited to a time period? I think they are limited by our belief and faith. I think it is VERY dangerous to assume that all in the “charismatic” movement would encourage drinking poison or slapping people on the forehead. Laying on of hands in prayer and speaking in tongues is VERY Biblical in the right circumstances. Speaking in tongues and healing are NOT limited to the time of the Apostles. How can you say speaking in tongues is no longer necessary? Who are you or I to decide what someone does in worship as necessary or not?I do not understand your position at all…
Mae,I do believe in miracles, but I believe the time and ways the miracles are carried out have changed. I don’t believe that God uses man to “heal” someone or speak in other languages for the authentication of the gospel, church, and Christ. This is evident due to the many perversions in our present day that completely violate Scripture in their movement. For instance, speaking in tongues was never gibberish – it was specific languages. Today, gibberish is used in its place, and that is clearly not what was taking place in Acts!God is able to perform miracles, but the age of miraculous signs has passed away. Just as there are no longer Apostles on earth, the need for these specific miraculous signs have also passed away.Rev. Josh Buice
God can use anyone, even a donkey.God can do anything, even part the Red Sea.God can love anyone, even a sinner like me.
Mae,Praise God that is true, but He also provides qualifications for specific offices. They must be followed.Rev. Josh Buice
Of course there are qualifications for certain offices! But I thought this was a discussion about whether or not the “time” of signs and miracles are over. My point is God can use anyone or anything to do any job…that includes using a dirty, washed up, old sinner to perform a miraculous healing, if He so wishes.
Mae,I thought I was responding to another conversation regarding “God’s Power to Serve…” Sorry for the confusion.However, on this note, it should be obvious that we don’t see people being raised from their tombs these days – right? Also, it should be obvious that the type of tongues today (gibberish) is not a spoken language as it was in the book of Acts. With all of this evidence provided, it seems clear that the age and season of miraculous gifts have passed. Does that mean that no miracles can occur today? No! But, I just don’t think the gifts are given to people today to be used in the local church.Rev. Josh Buice
You don’t “Think” the gifts are given today. Do you have any scriptural reference that has given you this idea?
Mae,This will be my last post. This website is not designed for debates. I simply don’t have time. However, my decision is not based on my own opinion or thinking as you have suggested, but rather, on the Holy Scriptures (1 Cor. 13:8 – tongues shall cease) and church history.God Bless,Rev. Josh Buice
I didn’t consider this as debate–just conversation about God’s Word. If you don’t have time, you don’t have to respond to my postings.1 Corinthians 13:8 is referencing verses 1 and 2 from the same chapter–if you don’t have love, then your tongues and prophecies are useless.As I said in the post re. Joel Osteen, LOVE is the key.
Maeusing the Bible as our example , what did Peter or Paul preach about in the new testament ?was it how those listening could build better homes, make prayer shawls quicker, feel better about their lives as Jews in a world dominated by evil Romans ?, get along better with their wives, or some other early church self-help ?or did they preach God’s Word ?when i heard Joel Osteen , say , and i quote ” all i am saying is , God wants to help you with the small daily things, i mean if you ask for a better parking spot, God just might give you one . . . “that sealed the deal for me ; he is NOT a preacher of God’s Word . he may be a motivator of people , an uplifter but not a pastor, preacher, elder, and SHOULD NOT be leading a church – who certainly looks upon him as their pastor
Again, Wow!My God is in the details, He gives me a good day when I ask for one, He gives me someone to eat lunch with at school when I’m feeling lonely if I ask, He gives me the desires of my heart, He meets me where I am. HOW DO YOU know if God will give Joel Osteen a parking spot or not? HOW DO YOU KNOW? You don’t! God is not limited by ANYTHING or ANYONE or He would cease to be God. God Just Might bless you with a better parking spot! He IS leading a church, and as the leader of a church, I respect the fact that he HAS been put there by God. That church has some AMAZING outreach programs in the Houston area–I MEAN AMAZING, reaching SO MANY inner city children! They really try to meet people where they are, meet a physical or emotional need, and THEN reach people for Jesus. I may not agree with what Joel Osteen does at every turn, but I do respect that God has blessed his church immensely since his father died, he is an honorable man with an almost spotless reputation in the community, and he TRIES to do what he thinks is right–GOD BLESSES MEN and WOMEN who do this. If he is wrong, God will deal with him! He will not be blessed if he is preaching heresy or leading people in a wrong direction, but I WILL NOT be the one to have the words utter from my mouth that condemn him, because God uses anyone who makes themselves available, and they don’t have to meet my standards! I am VERY careful to condemn, especially pastors and leaders–that is very dangerous.I am thankful that God knows even when a bird falls to the ground, He knows when I forgot to set my alarm clock, He knows when my son is lonely at school, He knows when my husband is running late for work, He knows all of these things, and is plenty willing and able to intervene ANY time I ask, and many times even when I don’t ask.God’s love is simple but His power is great and mighty and I love Him so much for even giving me small things! IT ALL COMES FROM HIM!
Maeyou again miss the entire point of my post -so lets do question and answer format -1. am i allowed to make up how God treats people? or how God wants me to act? or what God expects his CHILDREN TO DO ?the answer is no -as a christian i must go to the Bible for what God expects from me – that is my final authority -PERSONALLY , I WOULD PRESUME EVERY PERSON I HEAR TALK ON GOD TO BE WRONG UNTIL I VERIFY WHAT THEY SAID , WITH THE WORD OF GODeither by direct scripture quote or by biblical example , as in my first exampleWHAT DID THE EARLY PREACHERS PREACH ?today we are sooooooo sold out to the give somebody a piece of candy, or book or hot dog , or pony ride , WHATEVER it takes to get the into church or to trick them into a response towards the Gospel,WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT’s job is to get the responsestop looking outside the Bible for what ‘FEELS’ right , and just take God’s Word for what it iswe need to conform to the Word , not bend it to meet our fallen sinful fleshi love you sister – and i can feel God’s presence in what you write and saybut lets err on the side of conservative , not throw the baby out with the bath water ?!!
I am not a supporter of “tricking” anyone into making a decision. But I completely support appealing to different people in different ways.I understand completely what you are saying–we can’t make up anything, we must verify with God’s Word…I get it! But I also know that God is not limited to anything I may think about Him. He gives us His Word, yes, but He is also much more than what is in the Bible.John 21:25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.No man will tell me what God can do-that is something I know because I have faith and experience with Him, my friend. I don’t assume everything someone says is wrong until I verify it. In reading this blog, I don’t assume that everything Josh says is false…I assume that he is speaking from a perspective formed by his experience, education and relationship with God. I assume the same thing about you. I assume that you are speaking based on YOUR values, views, opinions and relationship. I know what I believe. And I hope that I am grounded enough in my faith to defend it, while keeping in mind that based on my experience, education and relationship, I may just be wrong and I can learn from different people from all walks of life.I am not looking outside the Bible to find something that “feels” right. I am looking at people who love God. Might they be wrong? Yes, but I DON’T WANT TO throw the baby out with the bath water. To me, that’s what you are doing.I heard a great quote the other day:”Don’t hate the good while looking for the perfect.”Jesus is the One True Perfect Gift, Perfect Savior, Perfect Sacrifice. Yet we, His Servants are imperfect and flawed and, gasp, even wrong sometimes.I say let’s err on the side of Jesus’ love for a dying world.
i can’t discuss anything with you further -its just too hard to talk over a forum – and convey true love , heart felt conviction and brotherly / sisterly concern for each otherare you mad at me ? , i can’t tell , because i can’t hear you speaking to me , its just words on a screenI AM TIRED OF DEBATING – I WOULD RATHER SERVE GODwe are on the same team – and bickering back and forth gets us NOWHEREyou have my full name, i attend Cornerstone and am in the book if you care to look me up personallymay God richly bless your study of His word and the work of your handsyours in Christgeorge
I am not mad at you and do not consider polite discussion a debate. I enjoy speaking with other Believers-we are a body for a reason-we all play different roles and we can all learn from each other.While it is hard to understand one’s intent through the written word, I do know what you have said has been in love and concern, as have my words. I am thankful for a blog like this one where we can talk candidly and frankly, and grow from our experiences.We are on the same team, and I am sorry if you have taken my words as bickering. I am thick skinned and very committed to my convictions and beliefs, so I don’t get upset by wrods of others. I really do realize that we are on the same team, but that doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything.Thanks for being honest and open and allowing me to learn from you.Take care and God Bless you as well.Mae H.