There is power just in believing God, but it is not the full power described in this book.
The power that comes with simply believing God was demonstrated early in Billy Graham's ministry. At that time back in the 1940s, Graham was struggling with questions he had about the Bible for which he did not have answers. But one day he got on his knees and prayed, "Father, I am going to accept this as thy Word-by faith!" This simple act of sincere faith released a power in Graham's ministry he had not before known and soon catapulted him and his ministry to proclaim the gospel to worldwide audiences.
But there is even more power to be obtained. In the Old Testament, the full power referred to in this book would sometimes be upon a few individuals, such as Elijah and Elisha, but in the New Testament God began to pour out this power on large numbers.
In fact, God spoke of the future through the Old Testament prophet Joel and said, "I will pour out my Spirit on all people" (2:28). It has not yet happened on "all" people, but the outpouring began almost 2,000 years ago.
It happened as described in the New Testament, shortly after Christ's resurrection and on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came in force, and all the disciples were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in tongues, so much so that onlookers thought the people were drunk with wine. But the apostle Peter said, "No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16).
In this chapter you will learn how large numbers of people got the power after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which will introduce the next chapter about how you can get it the very same way.
God has not changed. "I the LORD do not change" (Malachi 3:6). His Word has not changed. These truths have not changed. Millions of Bible believers all over the world attest to these truths.
We will go back and examine how the power was transferred from God to the disciples of Jesus, and later, to others. This will serve as a model for how modern-day people can get the same power.
This is too important to gloss over lightly. Please read each word of the Scriptures given very carefully. Denominational traditions vary on this subject, which is controversial, so it is important that we see exactly what God says about it, not what man says. That way, you will have a clear understanding of the truth and will not be confused by what well-intentioned but uninformed people may tell you. It doesn't matter what I say or what anyone else says; the only thing that matters is what God says.
The prophecy. We know that the power comes from the Holy Spirit, because after Jesus' resurrection and just before His ascension into heaven, He prophesied to His disciples:
"Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:4-8).
Notice:
· Jesus was prophesying what was to come.
· He said it would be "the gift my Father promised."
· He specifically referred to it as being "baptized with the Holy Spirit."
· He said the experience would bring power.
· He said it would happen when the Holy Spirit "comes on you." This is important: Remember the words "comes on" (or KJV: "is come upon").
The fulfillment. This prophecy was in the first chapter in the book of Acts. It was fulfilled in the very next chapter. Here is how the fulfillment was described:
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:1-4).
Notice:
· What Jesus prophesied as a "baptism with the Holy Spirit," when it was fulfilled is referred to as being "filled with the Holy Spirit."
· All (not some) of those present were filled.
· The Spirit came like a wind. How appropriate: The Greek word for Spirit is pneuma, which means "movement of air, or wind." Jesus said, "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit" John 3:8).
· Tongues of fire rested on each one. The tongue represents confession and communication. From this moment on, the confession and proclamation of Christ as Lord would spread throughout the earth as a fire.
· They (all) began to speak with other tongues. The Holy Spirit did not speak with other tongues; the people did, enabled by the Holy Spirit.