Central Truth

Jesus told us to witness in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in our own strength or wisdom.  We should expect signs and wonders to follow and display the supernatural power of God.

In recognition of this, I support missionaries who operate in the full power of the Holy Spirit.

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Reflections

I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in May of 1981 at a renewed Lutheran church healing service in Minnesota led by a Catholic priest (so much for denominationalism!).

At the time, I had only a vague idea about what had happened. Nevertheless, I was filled with Joy and my sinful life just didn't matter anymore. I was also compelled to pass whatever I received on to others. A Christian nurse that I worked with responded "I think all baby Christians need to be shut away in a closet for a few weeks." I had only a vague idea about what this all meant, so I simply began to refer others to the church. I didn't know until much later that I had experienced being in the Kingdom of God, which is "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17b, NIV).

Later, I began to pray for patients and see healings and conversions. Upon returning to Baltimore, I knew it was my job to continue to pray with people to receive Jesus and be healed. I didn't learn the concept of "tentmaker missions" (independent living in a mission field), but that, in essence, is what my jobs became. 

There were many healings. One of the most dramatic was a man with AIDS that I saw during a house call. He was wasted and had had a severe stroke. As I evaluated him I became certain that he would never walk again, and I was pretty sure that he was near death. I still had the presence of mind to lay hands on and pray for him. About three weeks later he came bouncing down the street outside the clinic and acting as though nothing had happened! That my faith was “small as a mustard seed” (Matthew 17:20b) was shown in that I was the most surprised person around.

Unfortunately, I didn’t use the gifts as much after retiring and the flame flickered (See 2 Timothy 1:6-7).  But the Lord has seen fit to give the gifts back to me, and I hope to continue in His power AND GIVE IT AWAY!

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Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to be a witness?

2. Have you been His witness? Do you witness in power or in your own strength and wisdom?

3. Give examples of witnessing. 

4. Are you seeing signs and wonders following your witness? 

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