Read Acts 5:28–32, 41–42
The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 5:41–42)
As you’ve read of the apostles’ bold actions in Acts, haven’t you longed for such fortitude, such confident faith? These traits were never meant to be restricted to century-one saints. Nowhere in the Scriptures do I find a statement that limits the Spirit’s presence or dynamic to some bygone era. The same One who promised a handful of frightened followers new dimensions of divine enablement is anxious to fulfill that in us today.
Frankly, I’m ready for it, aren’t you? We need it, and it is ours to claim so let’s claim it!
To do so, at least three forces of resistance must be removed. Until we remove them, our hope for that first-century kind of life-changing, supernatural power will remain just that—a hope, a
theoretical dream, something we can read about in ancient history but never know firsthand. What are these forces of resistance?
- The barrier of the fearful unknown
- The wall of traditional limitations
- The obstacle course of personal excuses
Read that list again, only this time pause after each one and think about the presence of that particular resistance in your own life.
I have an honest confession: I am not, by nature, a person who changes easily. I was raised in a very stable, consistent home. I was taught to love God, believe in Christ, trust and obey the Bible, and be faithful in church attendance. Much of my theology was hammered out on the anvil of those early years at home.
As I grew up, my roots were strengthened in the fundamentals of the Christian faith. My training in seminary drove those roots even deeper. I had many convictions and few questions, especially in the realm of the Holy Spirit. But during 30-plus years of ministry, I have come to realize that there are dimensions of the Spirit’s ministry I have never tapped. There is also a dynamic power in His presence I have witnessed that I long to know more of firsthand. I now have questions and a strong interest in many of the things of the Spirit I once felt were settled.
I do not fear digging into these intimate and mysterious
realms, for He is “the Spirit of truth” and Jesus, my Lord, promised that He would “guide you [us] into all the truth” (John 16:13). I invite you to come with me on this exciting and creative journey. I encourage you not to be afraid as we, together, fly closer to the flame.
Taken from Flying Closer to the Flame by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1993 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Deepen your intimacy with the living God by reading Embraced by the Spirit, an updated release of Flying Closer to the Flame.
