02-02-2025 Let’s Plug Into the Power

Text: Acts 4:31-33

                    There’s no question we’re living in difficult times.  The events of the past several days have been unnerving and very upsetting.  But we have to remember that we are not alone and that no matter what happens we can trust the power of our God and know that He is in control.  We should also remember that we need His power to live the Christian life, to overcome the enemy of our souls, and to reach those in the world that are lost.  Our text this morning is from Acts 4:31-33 where Luke wrote:  “ (31 )And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.  (32) And the multitude of them who believed were of one heart and of one soul:  Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things in common.  (33) And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus:  and great grace was upon them all.” 

                   Luke is telling us today that all the power we need is available to us just as it was to those who had gathered to receive the power of the Holy Spirit after the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.  When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in us.  This means we have the power of the Great Commission that was first given to the disciples as found in Matthew 28:18-20.  The early church had the power to change the world as shown in Acts 17:6.  And change it they did.  We must never doubt that this exact same power is ours for the taking. 

                   In verse 31 we are told that we must plug into the Power of Prayer.  When those who had gathered for the Pentecost prayed together, the place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.  This left no doubt that power comes through prayer.  We each must pray often and pray earnestly and honestly for what we need from God.  We must pray believing that our prayers will be answered.  And then we must listen to what we’re told believing that the answer is God’s will and not our will.  As we study our Bible we’re taught a lot of things.  Luke 11 teaches us to pray.  We’re taught organization, doctrine, and teaching techniques.  But instead of learning from what the Bible teaches, too often we pray by asking for big things and expecting answers.  Do you only pray when you’ve gotten yourself into a bind and want God to help you out of it?  Have you refused to listen to those who have tried to give you advice on how to avoid problems and ended up digging the hole deeper?  Did you ever think that God sent those people who try to advise you to help you stay out of the holes you dig?  If you continue to ignore the advice of those who give you advice and still have problems maybe it’s time to make a change and let go of your pride.

                   All of us must understand that prayer brings the Power of the Holy Spirit into our lives who helps us to understand what the Bible teaches us and how to use it in our lives.  If we aren’t fully committed to opening our hearts and our minds to the power that is available to us, we are destined to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. 

                   Verse 32 shows us that we must plug into the Power of Love.  Those who had gathered were of one heart and one soul.  Christian fellowship in a church is built on love for one another and, more importantly, the love of Jesus Christ for providing the path to our salvation.  Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that all Christian effort is useless without love.  It’s Christian love that forgives and breaks down barriers, looks for the best in our brothers and sisters, and is considerate of others in the church.  It enables Christians to put away their differences and makes people more important than possessions.

                    Finally, verse 33 shows us that we must plug into the Power of Witnessing.  The apostles that gathered were given this power and they used it well to change the world.  More than 2000 years have passed and the message of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior still resonates.  They had the privilege of witnessing His death on the Cross, His resurrection from the dead, and His ascension to Heaven.  Now today, we must continue to proclaim these same truths.  Telling the story of Jesus is the greatest need of our time.  So many churches languish because so few witness for Christ.  But that can all be changed when they accept the power that they have and use it to show others how their earthly lives can be changed for the better and their eternal lives secured because of what Jesus did on the Cross.

                                The early church achieved remarkable accomplishments despite lacking modern advantages.  They stressed the basics and won thousands to the Lord.  We must get back to those same basics of prayer, love, and witnessing about Jesus so we too can shake the world for Him.  Too many people believe that all they have to do is be good to people and do good things and they will get into Heaven.  The Bible doesn’t tell anyone that.  Jesus is the only path to eternal life in Heaven and they must know that before they die.  As believers we have a duty to tell others the truth of the Bible, so they won’t be lost to eternity.  Take the power that you have and use it to strengthen your own Christian life and share what you have been given with those who are lost and searching.  Don’t wait any longer.  Take that bold step today and fully own all the power that you have been given.

                    Until we meet again, may God bless and keep you, may He shine His light on you, show you grace, and give you peace in all the days ahead.