The message itself alone is not enough

The disciples were eager to begin evangelizing, but Jesus commanded them to "stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). Jesus knew, much better than the disciples, that the equipment needed for this work was much more than mere intellect, human talents, and even a sincere heart. So, they obeyed Jesus and waited in the upper room, praying, singing and praising God.

"On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in the same place. Suddenly there came from heaven a noise like that of an impetuous wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Languages, like tongues of fire, appeared to them, separated from each other, and rested on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance "(Acts 2: 1-4).

The Spirit was poured out just as Jesus had promised. What Joel had predicted had arrived. "In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh ; Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will have visions, and your old men will have dreams "(Acts 2:17). It meant that another kind of capacity was available. "But you will receive power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you" (Acts 1: 8). This incredible power from Heaven was needed on Earth to build the kingdom of Christ.

Were these disciples sincere believers while they were waiting in Jerusalem ? Yes. Did they have a correct doctrine ? Yes. Could they have gone and preached without the Holy Spirit ? I'm sure they wanted it, but Jesus knew they were not ready. He knew the power of the enemy they were going to face, the discouragement and the opposition. If the power of the Holy Spirit was needed at the time, have things changed today ? Is there anything else that the Holy Spirit working through us can break down the walls of unbelief and break the power of sin when we share the gospel ?

Jim Cymbala