Dunamis Power

Do you remember the first time you drove a bike, vehicle, boat, with power? The feeling was so awesome as if you could take on the world. There is a great responsibility when it comes to handling power, whether it is used for good or bad. I remember my first power bike was a mini Honda 50 and it was a chopper. All I wanted to do was drive down the railroad tracks and go to the Rever Marsh behind Northgate shopping where most young people went. It was an absolute blast.

Jesus commanded the disciples to wait and tarry in Jerusalem unto you are endued with power from on high.

Acts of the Apostles 1:4-8 NLT
“Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. [5] John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” [6] So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” [7] He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” https://bible.com/bible/116/act.1.4-8.NLT

What is this power that Jesus spoke about? The power is the Holy Spirit. It was given to be witnesses for Jesus and tell people everywhere about God’s love of redemption and hope.

The Greek word power for power is dunamis’. Meaning strength, might, ability. In a spiritual sense dunamis’ is similar to dynamite like an explosive. The difference here is the explosion of the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Jesus.

What has happened to the lost art of evangelism, or to be a witness as an example as a believer? Jesus was addressing the disciples and the 120 in the Upper Room not the unbeliever. He commanded us to tarry. Tarry is another word for waiting. Waiting on the Lord in prayer. Some believers argue and debate about tongues or Pentecost, but the reality is asking the hard question, what am I doing for the Lord, now that I am a follower of Christ? Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a Biblical experience, but it’s also an overflowing experience to share and demonstrate God’s power and love. Seeing signs and wonders following those that believe! The gifts of the Spirit mixed with the fruit of the Spirit.

Acts 2:1,4, 17-18, 32-33, 38-39 NIV
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
[17] “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. [18] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
[32] God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. [33] Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” https://bible.com/bible/111/act.2.4-39.NIV

Pentecostal is not a denomination as some have labeled it to be, or just about tongues as so many have been taught to believe. Pentecost is an experience with the Holy Spirit given as a promise to the believer. It is a gift and an overflowing of God’s Spirit to evangelize and be a strong loving example and witness for Christ. The believer is not better that any other believer! It is a gift, just like the other eight gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. I do believe the gifts of the Spirit are for today. “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8

Why are believers afraid to share Jesus and God’s love? Well, we need boldness and God’s power ‘dunamis’ to be bold and not to be afraid. We are to speak the truth in love because eternity is at stake.

Acts 4:12-13 NIV
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” [13] When they saw the courage (boldness) of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

https://bible.com/bible/111/act.4.12-13.NIV

My friend we need God’s power to change our world if we are going to make a difference for God’s Kingdom. I want all that the Lord has for me, how about you? Jesus is the Baptizer Luke 3:16 NIV
“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”.

https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.3.16.NIV

Pray this prayer with me if you would: Dear Jesus I pray to empty myself and confess any sins both known and unknown. I pray that you will fill my life with the power ‘dynamite’ of your Holy Spirit to be ‘salt and light’ in our world. May you give me boldness to shatter the darkness of evil and deliver those trapped and chained by the enemy today. May signs and wonders of miracles, healing, and salvation occur as in the days of the early church in Jesus name. Amen