After Christ’s resurrection from the dead, what happened next? The Bible tells us He continued to teach before He ascended into heaven. Then the disciples experienced new life when they were baptized with the Holy Spirit, who gave them power to witness about Christ to the ends of the earth.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria,
and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
The Greek word for “power” in Acts 1:8 is dunamis, the same word we get “dynamite” from. The Holy Spirit gives all believers this “dynamite” power so we can accomplish Christ’s mission and live encircled by God’s grace as we walk with Him.
I feel strong and confident when I think about the “dynamite” power of the Holy Spirit living in me. But do I really live like I have access to that power, trusting that God will supply my every need when I need it? I’m afraid sometimes my “trust” actually resembles a rather wobbly hope.
“But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
And hope, the way we define it today, is simply a wish or desire. I sure hope it doesn’t rain today! But when we read “hope” in the Bible, it means “a strong and confident expectation.” In Romans 4:18, we are told that Abraham hoped, or expected, that God would keep His promise.
“Who against hope believed in hope,
that he might become the father of many nations;
according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.”
Why would Abraham expect God to make good on His Word? Because he had faith!
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief;
but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that,
what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:20-22
We have even more evidence of God’s faithfulness than Abraham did since we are blessed with the Bible. But we’re still human. We still struggle with faith. Or, at least, I do. And that’s my opportunity to call on the “dynamite” power of the Holy Spirit to help me.
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth;
whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
neither knoweth him: but ye know him;
for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:16-17
In our lack of faith, we can be tempted to sell the Holy Spirit short. But He’s given us new life. He can also give us the power to do great things for Christ – and we can expect Him to. He will help us think like He does so we can figure out how God wants us to accomplish Christ’s mission.
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
So now, let’s live our new life empowered by the Holy Spirit as we share about Christ! How is God calling you to teach others about Him?
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff