I’m testing and proving what I preach. That’s why the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, ‘I’m going to come to you, but I’m not coming puffed up as a greater speaker. I’m coming to you as one who has seen and demonstrated the Power!’ No one can deny, those early apostles were seeing and demonstrating the Power. The whole of the Acts of the Apostles is based on the demonstration and fulfilment of the Power which came on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell. The whole testimony of the Book of Acts is of men going out and doing everything Jesus had promised! That’s been my life!
The Kingdom of God is in Power
The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4.19-20, “I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills – and I will know, not the speech of those who are puffed up, but the Power! For the Kingdom of God is not in words but in Power!” That’s an amazing statement! Paul is saying, the Kingdom of God is not ‘words’, but ACTION! It’s so easy to speak. It’s not so easy to act. I want you to become people of action, who put their faith into practice.
Faithful stewards of the Gospel
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4.1, “Let a man so account of us as of ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. It is required of stewards that a man be found faithful!” So often in ministry we like to consider ourselves as evangelists, pastors and so on, but here, Paul is looking at it in a different way. He’s saying, all of us, as ministers of Christ, are stewards of the Gospel. And the requirement of a steward is that he should be found faithful! Whether you are a member of the congregation, or in ministry as a pastor, prophet or apostle, what counts is faithfulness in whatever God has called you to do!
Seeing beyond the impossible!
We need to have a clear vision of God's plan and purposes. Something tangible. The Bible instructs us to write it down and make it plain to read. All my life I've been working towards a goal; something I see in my spirit. As I look back over my life and ministry, I see what God has done, and because of this, I have an absolute confidence that God is going to continue to lead and direct my steps.
Rise Up!
I want to challenge you to rise up and do something for the glory of God in the Power of the Holy Ghost and in the Name of Jesus. God doesn't save you and call you so that you can sit at ease. We are saved to serve! God didn't call me as a preacher, evangelist or pastor, He called me to serve Him, to give my life in service. Lessons from 70 years of ministry: 'For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance.' (Part 1)