CLOTHED WITH POWER
by Pastor Greg Simon
Following Christ’s resurrection, His sudden appearance in the midst of His startled disciples included the command: “I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 MEV).
The Greek word translated “clothed” is used frequently throughout the New Testament, and generally refers to the act of putting on a new set of clothes. To be “clothed with” is to put on, to hide in, to be furnished with what is necessary, or to be armed.
In the 1970’s, streaking (running naked in public) briefly became a popular, yet irreverent, oddity. Streaking was a trend that needed to go away, and we definitely should not live like a Christian streaker. Jesus instructed the disciples to stay in the city until they were clothed with special endowment of empowerment. “Clothed” (Luke 24:49) refers to the equipping and enabling of the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s promise was reiterated just before His ascension: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 MEV). At Pentecost, Holy Spirit came with power!
The church calendar designates this Sunday as Pentecost. As we meet together, we will certainly remember how the Holy Spirit was outpoured and continues to be outpoured. Join us this Sunday at 8:30 or 10 AM as we celebrate together.
Are you in need of a fresh infilling? Do you need an empowering? At conversion, you were touched by the Holy Spirit. At Spirit baptism, you were dunked in the Holy Spirit. Don’t live in spiritual poverty. In Christ, you are entitled to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and His energizing power. Open your heart today and receive a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit will give you greater love for God, greater victory over sin, greater power to witness, and greater release of spiritual gifts. Remove all barriers. Request the Father’s Promise, the Holy Spirit. Step out and release the gifts. And, pray in the Holy Spirit every day of your life.
Don’t be a Christian streaker!