In Mathew 28, Jesus commanded the disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything that I have commanded you.” The Message paraphrases Jesus’ saying in Matthew 10:6-8, “Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here.  Bring health to the sick.  Raise the dead.  Touch the untouchables.  Kick out the demons.”

But Jesus also made it clear that they were to wait for the promise of the Father, indicating in Acts 1:8 that they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Peter says later in Acts 2 that this promise is “for you, for your children, and for all who are far away; everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”

The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is essential to carry on the ministry of Jesus.  Individuals and churches who are moment by moment filled, gifted, empowered and led by the Holy Spirit will be used by God to minister to the world – whether right next door or across the globe.  The Holy Spirit, God’s divine power, has given us everything we need to pray, to worship, to share our faith journey and to heal the sick – carrying on the ministry of Jesus.

“I am convinced that to be filled with the Spirit is not an option, but a necessity.  It is indispensable for the abundant life and for fruitful service.  The Spirit-filled life is not abnormal; it is the normal Christian life.  Anything less is subnormal; it is less than what God wants and provides for His children.  Therefore, to be filled with the Spirit should never be thought of as an unusual or unique experience for, or known by, only a select few.  It is intended for all, needed by all, and available to all.  That is why the Scripture commands us, “be filled with the Spirit.” Billy Graham