The Prophetic Messenger
A Newsletter From Mysteries From The Word Of God Ministries
March/April 2001 - Volume 3/Issue 2
Why The Church Has No Power
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." I Corinthians 2:4-5
This article shows some of the reasons why the church has no power. In this article it is assumed that you are saved.
This article shows some of the reasons why the church has no power. In this article it is assumed that you are saved.
1. Many Churches Have Rejected The Baptism In The Holy Ghost
If the church does not have the baptism in the Holy Ghost, it will never have any power. In Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist said "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" We can see from the scriptures how Jesus Christ, the apostles and the new believers all received the baptism in the Holy Ghost.
a) Jesus Christ Was Baptized In The Holy Ghost
We see Jesus Christ being baptized in the Holy Ghost after John the Baptist baptized him in water and the Spirit of God descended on him like a dove. In Matthew 3:15 -16 it says "15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:". Also, in Acts 10:38 it says "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." In Acts it shows this confirmation about Jesus Christ being baptized in the Holy Ghost.
b) The Apostles Were Baptized In The Holy Ghost
After Jesus Christ was risen from the dead, he told his disciples to wait to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. In Luke 24:49 Jesus said "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Also, in Acts 1:3-5,8 it says "3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.....8 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." In Acts 2:1-4 the disciples received the baptism in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 2:1-4 it says "1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
c) New Christians In The Days Of The Bible Were Baptized In The Holy Ghost
On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter preached a powerful message that pricked many hearts and many were saved, baptized in water and baptized in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 2:37-39 it says "37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." In verse 39 it shows this promise is for people today. Let's look at two more examples in the scriptures about people first being saved, then getting baptized in water and baptized in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 8:12-17 it says "12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." Also, in Acts 19:1-7 it says "1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve." From all these scriptures it is very clear that without the baptism in the Holy Ghost there is no power in the church.
a) Jesus Christ Was Baptized In The Holy Ghost
We see Jesus Christ being baptized in the Holy Ghost after John the Baptist baptized him in water and the Spirit of God descended on him like a dove. In Matthew 3:15 -16 it says "15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:". Also, in Acts 10:38 it says "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." In Acts it shows this confirmation about Jesus Christ being baptized in the Holy Ghost.
b) The Apostles Were Baptized In The Holy Ghost
After Jesus Christ was risen from the dead, he told his disciples to wait to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. In Luke 24:49 Jesus said "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Also, in Acts 1:3-5,8 it says "3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.....8 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." In Acts 2:1-4 the disciples received the baptism in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 2:1-4 it says "1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
c) New Christians In The Days Of The Bible Were Baptized In The Holy Ghost
On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter preached a powerful message that pricked many hearts and many were saved, baptized in water and baptized in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 2:37-39 it says "37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." In verse 39 it shows this promise is for people today. Let's look at two more examples in the scriptures about people first being saved, then getting baptized in water and baptized in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 8:12-17 it says "12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." Also, in Acts 19:1-7 it says "1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve." From all these scriptures it is very clear that without the baptism in the Holy Ghost there is no power in the church.
2. No Committment To Jesus Christ
In II Kings 2:1-15, we see a great example of how Elisha would not leave the prophet Elijah and received a double portion of the spirit of God. In II Kings 2:1-15 it says "1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. 8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. 9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. 11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. 13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him." From these scriptures it showed that even though Elisha was distracted by the sons of the prophets, it did not cause him to leave the prophet Elijah and through his commitment he received a double portion of the Spirit of God. This example shows us how we must have a strong commitment to Jesus Christ and not let anything or anybody turn us from him.
3. No Studying of God's Word
We will look at two areas on studying God's Word. These two areas are putting the Word of God in your heart and a student of God's Word. There are many people today who do not even have the Word of God meaning the Old King James Version, but they have new age versions or doctrines of devils. (If you have any questions about this please see the book New Age Bible Versions, by G.A. Riplinger ©1993, ISBN 0-9635845-0-2.)
a) Putting The Word Of God In Your Heart
Many Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Ghost, but there is no power in their lives. Unlike the disciples, most Christians who are filled with the Holy Ghost cannot cast out devils, pray for the sick to be healed, or pray for the dead to be raised. Mark 16:17-18 says "17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Notice in verse 17 the Bible says "these signs shall follow them that believe". The Lord Jesus told me why the disciples, after they were filled with the Holy Ghost, walked in power, and today's Christians don't. He said it is because for 3 1/2 years the disciples heard the Word of God from Jesus. After they received the Holy Ghost the power of God was manifested through them. In Mark 16:20 it says "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."
b) A Student Of God's Word
We must not only put the word of God in our hearts, but we must also know how to find the scriptures in the Holy Bible. In II Timothy 2:15 it says "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Jesus said to the Jews which believed on him to continue in His Word. In John 8:31-32 Jesus said "31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Also, the apostle Peter said in I Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" We see in Acts 2:41-43 how the apostles taught the new Christians the apostles doctrine. In Acts 2:41-43 it says "41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles."
a) Putting The Word Of God In Your Heart
Many Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Ghost, but there is no power in their lives. Unlike the disciples, most Christians who are filled with the Holy Ghost cannot cast out devils, pray for the sick to be healed, or pray for the dead to be raised. Mark 16:17-18 says "17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Notice in verse 17 the Bible says "these signs shall follow them that believe". The Lord Jesus told me why the disciples, after they were filled with the Holy Ghost, walked in power, and today's Christians don't. He said it is because for 3 1/2 years the disciples heard the Word of God from Jesus. After they received the Holy Ghost the power of God was manifested through them. In Mark 16:20 it says "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."
b) A Student Of God's Word
We must not only put the word of God in our hearts, but we must also know how to find the scriptures in the Holy Bible. In II Timothy 2:15 it says "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Jesus said to the Jews which believed on him to continue in His Word. In John 8:31-32 Jesus said "31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Also, the apostle Peter said in I Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" We see in Acts 2:41-43 how the apostles taught the new Christians the apostles doctrine. In Acts 2:41-43 it says "41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles."
4. Not Enough Prayer And Fasting
We see in the scriptures the importance of prayer and fasting when ministering to people. In Mark 9 the disciples could not cast out a devil in a child because of they did not pray and fast. In Mark 9:14-29 it says "14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." Notice the last verse that Jesus said "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."
Coming Up In The Next Issue
The Revived Roman Empire. Read this article in the next issue of The Prophetic Messenger.
Memory Verses
As Christians if we want to live in victory and if we want to be able to share the Word Of God with others we must know the Word of God ourselves. Let's see what the Bible says about this. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11. " If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." John 8:31. We encourage you to put the following scriptures in your heart: Zechariah 4:6, Philippians 1:6, Matthew 23:12, I Kings 17:16, Hebrews 3:19, Micah 7:6, Matthew 13:58, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 9:28, Micah 7:19. Use only the Old King James version of the Holy Bible. (If you have any questions about this please see the book New Age Bible Versions, by G.A. Riplinger ©1993, ISBN 0-9635845-0-2.)
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