There are many compelling reasons why we all need to pursue God for a deeper filling of the Holy Spirit.
Compelling Reason #1: We need to pursue a deeper filling of the Spirit, because we need His power.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:20, For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power (NIV). So much of the Church today has reduced Christianity to propositional doctrines and creeds. Of course, we do need the truth of the Gospel. We need sound doctrine, because the Holy Spirit won’t honor false teaching. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17). But no matter how eloquent, well-researched, and conscientiously prepared it might be, teaching that lacks the power of the Holy Spirit is dismally inadequate. We may convince intellects, but have we moved hearts and wills? Have lives been changed, restored, and healed? Have captives been set free? How we need the Holy Spirit!
We learn from Acts 1:8 that we receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on us. The early Church, when first persecuted, prayed for boldness, and for the Spirit’s power with accompanying signs and wonders. (See Acts 4:29ff). Their prayers were answered!
In Romans 15:18-19, Paul wrote that he had not fully preached the Gospel unless he had preached in words (doctrinal truths), through deeds (by his actions and lifestyle), and by the power of signs and wonders through the Holy Spirit. To him, these were all key elements of what it means to preach the Gospel. Why is it, then, that so often we are content with words and deeds, but omit the Holy Spirit’s power – a demonstration, a manifestation, of the Kingdom of God?
Paul says the Kingdom is not about eating and drinking (Rom 14:17). It’s not about religious rituals, or potlucks, coffee, and cookies. While these things can be meaningful and enjoyable, they are peripheral. The Kingdom is the presence and reign of God, through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I find it difficult to understand why so many churches abdicate the realm of the supernatural, leaving it to cults and the occult, New Age gurus, and mediums. No doubt, many are skeptical of the supernatural because they’ve heard unbalanced teachings, or seen wild and crazy things done in the name of the Holy Spirit. Thus, some decide not to focus on the supernatural, or pursue it at all. But here’s the problem with that. We live in a culture where most people need supernatural help for their problems. They need hope; they need healing, miracles, guidance, and direction. When the church offers them only intellectual teachings and superficial fellowship devoid of the life-changing and miracle-working power of God, they will go somewhere else. Why? Because they are desperate!
How ironic! Think about it. We have the God who created the heavens and earth with a word. We have the Savior who walked on water, healed every disease that He encountered, and cast out evil spirits with a word, a touch, or even a look. And, we have the Holy Spirit who has done, and is doing, signs and wonders all over the world. Our God has absolute power and authority!
Isn’t it strange that so much of the Church is content not to have that power in a world that is increasingly experiencing the powers of darkness? We should be crying out to God like those early Christians in Acts 4:29-30.
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
We pray every summer with that joyous boldness and expectancy at our Green Lake Holy Spirit Conferences, and at our other events around the country. And, by God’s grace and to His glory, hundreds of people have been healed, restored, and delivered. Our God is an awesome God who loves people, and He can do anything!
Some Christians today say, Well, God doesn’t do those supernatural things anymore. Says who? Why would anyone try to limit what the Holy Spirit can or will do, when we live in a world that needs His presence and power so desperately? We have only just begun to see Satan’s evil manifestations in this world. Think about all the racial and ideological hatred and violence in our country. Think about the mass murders in schools and public places, drug addictions, sexual perversions, bondages, and suicides. And, because the devil knows his time is short, things will almost certainly get darker before the return of Christ. Listen: The Church of Jesus Christ cannot afford to be powerless in a world that is increasingly experiencing the powers of darkness! We must seek the Lord for an enormous outpouring of the Holy Spirit!