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"Measuring the Power" by Duane Brush
Acts 1:1 Dear Theophilos:
In the first book, I wrote about everything Yeshua set out to do and teach, 2 until the day when, after giving instructions through the Ruach HaKodesh to the emissaries whom he had chosen, he was taken up into heaven.
3 After his death he showed himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. During a period of forty days they saw him, and he spoke with them about the Kingdom of God.
4 At one of these gatherings, he instructed them not to leave Yerushalayim but to wait for “what the Father promised, which you heard about from me. 5 For Yochanan used to immerse people in water; but in a few days, you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh!”
6 When they were together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra’el?” 7 He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh comes upon you; you will be my witnesses both in Yerushalayim and in all Y’hudah and Shomron, indeed to the ends of the earth!”
9 After saying this, he was taken up before their eyes; and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 As they were staring into the sky after him, suddenly they saw two men dressed in white standing next to them. 11 The men said, “You Galileans! Why are you standing, staring into space? This Yeshua, who has been taken away from you into heaven, will come back to you in just the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
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In basic physics, power is measured by the amount of work (energy or force) expended over a period of time. Electrical force can be measured in watts, mechanical force in torque or horsepower, physical effort in calories, computing power in bytes, hearing in BTUs, economic power in monetary units (dollars, etc.) and more. The “power” Jesus promised to His disciples in Acts 1 is specifically focused on the mission He envisioned for them–to become His witnesses.
Jesus’ followers get into trouble when they confuse the type of power the Holy Spirit brings with human definitions of power. A witness in a court of law is “one who bears testimony.” The witness of Christ bears testimony to His grace: through a changed life, Christlike service, and the faithful proclamation and teaching of His Word. It is an expanding, world-encompassing vision: “To the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). It expands not only in distance, but over time. It is the continuing mission of Christ’s followers today. The units of this power are not measured by any of the usual standards; rather, they are measured in the transformed lives of those who receive and believe that testimony.
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Hymn for Today: "Pentecostal Power" by Charlotte G. Homer
1. Lord, as of old at Pentecost
Thou didst Thy power display,
With cleansing purifying flame,
Descend on us today.
Chorus:
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
Thy floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide!
Lord send the old-time power. the Pentecostal power.
That sinners be converted and Thy name glorified!
2. For mighty works for Thee, prepare
And strengthen every heart;
Come, take possession of Thine ow.n
And nevermore depart.
Chorus:
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
Thy floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide!
Lord send the old-time power. the Pentecostal power.
That sinners be converted and Thy name glorified!
3. All self consume, all sin destroy!
With earnest zeal endue
Each waiting heart to work for Thee;
O Lord, our faith renew!
Chorus:
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
Thy floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide!
Lord send the old-time power. the Pentecostal power.
That sinners be converted and Thy name glorified!
4. Speak, Lord! before Thy throne we wait,
Thy promise we believe,
And will not let Thee go until
The blessing we receive.
Chorus:
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
Thy floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide!
Lord send the old-time power. the Pentecostal power.
That sinners be converted and Thy name glorified!
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Thought of the Day: Ephesians 6:10 Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength!
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Please Pray: For developing Christian leaders in Belize.
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Please Pray: For developing Christian leaders in Belize.
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