Power from On High

© 08-10 Colin Melbourne

Power to Witness

Q: I am a born again Christian, filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, but when it comes to witnessing to others, I feel like I don't have the power to do it. In Acts 1:8 it says when the disciples received the Holy Spirit they received power to be a witness. So how can I be an effective witness for Christ? Beshaw

A: Tongues are the initial Bible evidence you have received the power baptism. Whether you "feel like you have the power" or not, is irrelevant. God's Word says you have the power to witness for Christ, so you have. Believe God's Word not your feelings. Feelings change with the wind: God's Word is eternal.

Bible faith has nothing to do with feelings.

Do you think Elisha felt powerful when he picked up Elijah's mantle? Not at all, but he struck it down believing God had given him the double portion. 2 Ki. Ch.2. The River Jordan parted just as it had for Elijah.

Did Christ "feel like" witnessing after He heard His cousin was beheaded? Not at all, He was heartbroken, but straight away continued proclaiming the good news and healing all who came to Him. Mk. Ch.6.

What about Peter and John, at the Beautiful Gate, faced with a begging cripple? Do you think they felt anointed and powerful? Not at all, but they said to themselves. "The Lord said we can fix this in His Name." So they healed the cripple, and afterwards shared the good news with the crowd. Notice the interesting order there. Ac. Ch.3.

Ignore your feelings, feelings are a fickle mistress. Walk in faith acting on God's Promises.

Trying to Pray in Tongues

Q: I have been trying to know the Holy Spirit better, and having read books about Him, I want to experience tongues in prayer time. I have asked for it, but have not received. What else do I need to receive this blessing? Yo from Japan

<< This is a clear, concise, and scriptural account of why you must have the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and how to get it.

A: The hunger you have is from God, and He will feed you. First be certain you are truly saved, because only the saved can receive the Holy Spirit baptism (Jn. 14:17), then simply ask in faith. (Lk. 11:9-13) Will He give you a stone if you ask for a fish? It would also help to get into a Spirit-filled fellowship, of which there are many in Japan. Seek and you will find.

Jesus on Tongues

Q: If we must have tongues to show we are Holy Spirit filled, why doesn't Jesus tell us so? Why can't another gift be given from God to show He's filled us with the Holy Ghost? Jontae

A: He does tell us so. Christ is the Living Word of God, the written word is His Word, and it gives us three infallible Bible proofs of being filled with God's Spirit. Other gifts may, or may not, follow but tongues is the first Bible sign you have the Power Baptism. And remember, without being used in God's Love, all is wasted. 1 Co. 13:1.

The importance of Praying in Tongues

Q: Why is it so important to pray in tongues? Shari

A: Ro. 8:26-27 answers that perfectly. A point echoed in Eph. 6:18 and Jude 20. There's much more on this important topic here. Praying in tongues.

Tarrying Meetings

Q: What is tarrying?

A: Tarrying is Christian jargon for waiting. It comes from Lk. 24:49 KJV where Christ commanded the first disciples to tarry in Jerusalem. Nowadays it is used to mean waiting in prayerful anticipation for the Lord to move in a prayer meeting.

Some people erroneously think we still have to wait for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, so they hold "Tarrying meetings". The truth is there's no need to wait for the Baptism now, such tarrying is based on ignorance.

The first disciples had to wait because the Spirit had not then been poured out. But ever since Christ poured out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Ac. Ch.2) no believers have to wait. Today they simply have to receive by faith, no waiting.

It is acceptable to tarry for other reasons; such as bringing some important question or matter before the Lord, and waiting for Him to answer.

Speaking in tongues in church worship services

Q: According to God's Word is this okay? Robert

A: Yes of course, 1 Co. Ch. 14 confirms it; as long as it is done in an orderly way, and the message is interpreted. 1 Co. 14:26-28.

Be sure you understand the great difference between speaking in tongues, and worshipping (or praying) in tongues. See our Tongues FAQ.