His Heart, My Home

I want to start today’s post by sharing Acts1:8, as interpreted by T.L. Osborn. For those who may not know of him, Dr. Osborn preached in large evangelistic meetings in more than 70 countries around the world. He led millions to Christ, with God confirming His Word through astounding signs, wonders, and miracles.

Acts 1:8, paraphrased by Dr. T.L. Osborn – “You shall receive virtue, miracle ability, supernatural energy, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, for a specific purpose: to enable you to give absolute evidence and miraculous proof of my resurrection. It is this power, working in you that will actually demonstrate and exhibit the proof of your testimony so as to verify your claims as with documented credentials. And you are to exhibit this supernatural evidence of my resurrection in your own cities and country, and unto the inner and hidden parts of the earth, yes, even to the remote and last frontier of civilization.”

Very simply stated, when we receive Holy Spirit to dwell within us, we receive POWER!

The Greek word translated as “power” in Acts 1:8 is the word “dunamis”, from which we derive several English words.

One is the word “dynamo“. A dynamo is a large machine found in power-generating plants. Dynamo speaks of continual power.

Another word is “dynamite“. Dynamite speaks of explosive power.

God’s Spirit, living within us, as believers, produces continually explosive power!

This awesome power was seen and experienced by the 120 disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:1-4, (The Passion Translation):
¹ On the day Pentecost was being fulfilled, all the disciples were gathered in one place. 
² Suddenly they heard the sound of a violent blast of wind rushing into the house from out of the heavenly realm. The roar of the wind was so overpowering it was all anyone could bear!
³ Then all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their eyes. It separated into tongues of fire that engulfed each one of them.
⁴ They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues – empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!

When Holy Spirit lives within us, we are infused, saturated, and filled with supernatural energy and miraculous ability.

He lives within us so He can manifest Himself through us. He brings healing, deliverance, and salvation to those harassed by the devil, bruised, hurt, and weary. Holy Spirit also provides proof of Jesus’ resurrection, thereby confirming the gospel message.

Look around you! There are many “ways” to God promoted and propagated throughout the world today… false religions, cults, and doctrines that deviate from and distort the truth of the gospel.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14;6)

Jesus claimed exclusivity. He boldly stated that He was the one and only way to God; that He was the source of all truth; and that He was the unique expression of the life of God, God in the flesh.

With so many competing claims about how to know and connect with God, what proof can we possibly offer the world that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?

Our proof is the exact same proof that Paul the apostle offered, when he preached the gospel almost 2000 years ago.

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: ” When I talked with you or preached, I didn’t try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God’s Spirit show His power.” (1 Corinthians 2:4, CEV)

Paul said, “I simply let God’s Spirit show His power!”

As we have already seen, God has deposited His power within us. We have this “treasure” (the light of the knowledge of the glory of God) within us. (See 2 Corinthians 4:6,7)

We must not hoard this infinitely precious “treasure”, (our own testimony of salvation, and the miraculous proof-producing power of God) behind the walls of religion and tradition.

We must allow Holy Spirit to break down the walls that enclose us. Then we must invite Him to release the “continuously explosive” power of Jesus’ resurrection that resides within us into a lost and dying world.

What we have INSIDE of us must be released OUT of us and into the world!

Our song video this week expresses this message so simply, yet powerfully: “Spirit, break out! Break down our walls!”

Through the 13 years I served as a missionary in the Philippines we always had a very simple, very direct vision and goal. Together, with our faithful family of Filipino ministers, Bible school students, church leaders, and believers we held evangelistic crusades, leadership seminars, and outreaches across the nation. And we always expected God to move in powerful ways to confirm His Word. God consistently did His part (confirming His Word) when we faithfully did our part ( declaring His Word)! His kingdom was advanced, and for that we say, “To God be the glory!”

PROCLAMATION of the gospel should always be confirmed by the DEMONSTRATION of the power of the gospel!

Today, we must still take Jesus’ words in Mark 16:15-20 personally and seriously.

This was, still is, and always will be, OUR calling, OUR confession, OUR commitment and OUR commission.

We pray that you will make it yours also. Please speak these words of faith out loud, as you release the treasure you have INSIDE of you, OUT, into the world:

“And Jesus said unto ME, “YOU go into all the world and YOU preach the gospel to every person. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs are following ME because I am a believer: in the name of Jesus I cast out devils; I speak with new tongues; if I take up serpents or drink anything deadly, it will not hurt ME; I lay my hands on the sick, and they do recover.”

I now go forth and preach everywhere, the Lord working with ME and confirming the Word with signs following.

Amen! So be it! I cannot fail! God is my source!

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Blessings!