Depending on the Holy Spirit

The early church was completely dependent on the work of the Spirit. They were dependent on God using them. They didn’t have many of the advantages that we have today. These were men and women who had committed their lives to Christ. They were believers. But they were timid. They were afraid. In fact, we know that many of them were in hiding.

So why did they make such a difference? Why was their impact so profound? The power of God’s Spirit was in their lives. Something significant happened on the Day of Pentecost that transformed these people. Something happened that so impacted their lives, they could not keep it to themselves. As Peter and John said, ” ‘For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard’ ” (Acts 4:20). These early believers, with a selfless abandonment, just went out and proclaimed this message that had transformed their lives.

What made that difference? It was the power of the Holy Spirit that came upon them. You see, everyone who has put their faith in Christ has had the Holy Spirit come to live within them. He has sealed us, and He indwells us. And Jesus promised a dimension of power beyond that: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). You need this power to be the witnesses that He has called you to be. It’s a new, supernatural courage to stand up and be counted. It’s a practical power to go out and impact this world we are living in.