The Holy Spirit’s Amazing Work of Art
We are to “study to show ourselves approved unto God,” II Timothy 2:15, but Paul goes on to explain, “I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-13. Seminaries, Bible Schools, are important, but their efforts are in vain if the student does not receive his own personal anointing from the Holy Spirit. Much “denominationalism” is birthed and sustained by “letter of the law” preaching which lacks revelatory understanding. Personal anointing was necessary even for Jesus: He “came to Nazareth … And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel … ” Luke 4:16-20. Both with Christ or us, kingdom-preaching is inseparably connected to anointing. The words “Christ” and “Christian” – from the Greek word chrios – are designations of anointing. This anointing – which speaks through the preached Word – is able to bring light into darkness, cast down demonic strongholds, transform fallen humanity into Christ’s divine nature, and bring men to salvation.
Then, as now, the Holy Spirit breathes power into preaching that honors Jesus. “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit …” 1 Thessalonians 1:5. Paul further explained, “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:19-20. The proof of the gospel is the “mighty signs and wonders” which accompany it. Where there are no “signs” there is no full gospel. Fully presented, the gospel produces the same results today as it did in the first century. Obviously, none of us are yet there. The point is this: Bible literature remains only that until the voice of the Holy Spirit speaks through it.
In the intent of God, the “Gospel of the Kingdom” is the only gospel; ageless, unchanged, eternally the same. Any lessor gospel is insubordination to the Kingdom. The purpose of the Holy Spirit’s anointing is to empower redeemed men and women with Kingdom authority to preach that gospel with all its original, miraculous manifestations. The authentic gospel is therefore an extension of Kingdom power through the human voice. When Peter preached to the household of Cornelius, “The Holy Spirit fell on all them who heard the word,” Acts 10:44-45. Today, as then, the empowered gospel can invade the physical realm, reconnect it to the spiritual by changing natural circumstances with supernatural manifestations. Peter’s presence as a messenger of the Kingdom was essential but the man himself was not the source of power – it was the Holy Spirit’s anointing upon him.
Jesus said to the first disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus was emphatic. His instruction, “teach them all things,” referring specifically to the church at the “end of the age” is unmistakably clear. He expected the 21st century church is to be taught precisely what He taught the first century church. There is no change. In spite of the obvious intent of Jesus, the modern church claims that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit have been withdrawn. Question: Why is this claim made? Answer: To acquit itself of failure and to justify the absence of miracles, the modern church blames God for the power’s disappearance.
Category: Biblical Studies, Pneuma Review, Spring 2008
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