Power Source

The Lord has given us the Holy Spirit as our Power Source for living our lives and that is what propelled the Apostle Paul through all of his travels. The power source was given to those whom Jesus compelled to share the message of the gospel.

A. We access that power through prayer, and that is why Paul told the church in Thessalonica to "pray without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. This scripture was coupled with Paul telling of the Lord's return. We believe that return is soon, so praying in the power of the Holy Spirit is vital for Christians today. If you don't pray in power much, then it is time to begin.

Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.

1. He gives us the power to witness the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which involves sharing that message. For many years, that message, coupled with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, has caused much trouble for those who are not born again, and that trouble is the realization they are lost without hope, and Jesus wants to enter their hearts and save them. Change will take place and the only message of Peter after receiving the Holy Spirit power at Pentecost was REPENT!!

2. He gives us the power to go to the ends of the earth. Not everyone will decide to go all over the earth, but the power is not weakened when a person goes to Australia or elsewhere. It is still powerful.

B. The Power Source also has unlimited resources. Ephesians 3:16 says Ephesians 3: 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

1. GLORIOUS resources are just that glorious resources. Glorious (def) - Worthy, bringing fame, splendor, admiration

2. Inner strength is given to us. He empowers me through the strength of His Spirit.

C. We are being constantly taught about the power of God. John 14: 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

1. The Holy Spirit is my advocate. Advocate (def) - one who defends. ie: God is for us.

2. The Holy Spirit teaches us in the following ways. He reminds me of God's power and promises. He reminds us of God's teachings (the Word of God). He teaches us. I need to be a sponge when it comes to accepting these teachings and lessons from God.

3, The Holy Spirit is a champion for me. He is my champion, and oh, what a champion He is. The Holy Spirit fights for me and defends me in the best possible way.

What inhibits the process of the above scripture? ME. When God comes to us through His Word and through His conviction, we can accept and repent and change, or we can try to distract ourselves from dealing with it. Distraction is like us saying in an argument when someone says something truthful and convicting to us, "you do it too." That is a Red Herring injected into the argument, and that is meant to distract me from needing to change. We put up walls and distractions. The term Red Herring originated in 1807, and it was told as a story of hunters using a strong-smelling smoked fish to divert and distract hounds from chasing a rabbit when chasing a fox. Don't throw a Red Herring to the Holy Spirit, or you will never "get real" with God, and you will keep Him at arm's length. He is Abba Father, so let Him be that way with you and realize the power of the one He has sent to us—the Holy Spirit.

Today's Message,

David Warren