Got Power?

For many centuries, the mis-influences of kings and popes have created terrible abuses of humanity, including torture and murder, against anyone who questioned the validity of their authority or the accuracy of their theology. Included in the twists of the theology of such ungodly leadership are the extra-Biblical teachings that the supernatural giftings mentioned in the Bible are no longer experienced because they are no longer needed by believers, that the leadership of bodies of believers should be by said kings and popes instead of people who are supernaturally gifted for such work, and that apostles in particular are no longer needed, and therefore, no longer existent. No Scripture implies that these false ideas should be expected to become normal or tolerated.

In Luke’s writings about the Acts of the Apostles, he made a special point in 8:4-25, 19:1-7, and other places that people became believers, but only subsequently were filled with the Spirit of God when one or more apostles laid their hands on them. This description of apostolic ministry has no counterpoint in Scripture that would imply that we should expect any different process today. I suggest that some people who are submitted to the work of the Spirit in their lives are still receiving the powerful gifts described by Luke and other early believers, whether their teachers would have them disbelieve it or not.

There is usually more of the abundant Life available than we are walking in. Ask. Seek. Knock.

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy.
(1 Corinthians 13:13-14:1 Holman Christian Standard Bible ©®)

For I want very much to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
(Romans 1:11-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible ©®)