SmithWigglesworth

EverIncreasingFaith

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capitalizethepronounsthatrefertoGod,aswellasHisnamesandtitles,andtolowercasethewordsandtermsthatrefertotheenemy,inordertogivehonor

andglorytoourGodalone.EVERINCREASINGFAITHISBN-13:978-1-60374-354-9

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Introduction

AnencounterwithSmithWigglesworthwasanunforgettableexperience.Thisseemstobetheuniversalreactionofallwhoknewhimorheardhimspeak.SmithWigglesworthwasasimpleyetremarkablemanwhowasusedinanextraordinarywaybyourextraordinaryGod.Hehadacontagiousandinspiringfaith.Underhisministry,thousandsofpeoplecametosalvation,committedthemselvestoadeeperfaithinChrist,receivedthebaptismintheHolySpirit,andweremiraculouslyhealed.ThepowerthatbroughtthesekindsofresultswasthepresenceoftheHolySpirit,whofilledSmithWigglesworthandusedhiminbringingthegoodnewsoftheGospeltopeopleallovertheworld.WigglesworthgaveglorytoGodforeverythingthatwasaccomplishedthroughhisministry,andhewantedpeopletounderstandhisworkonlyinthiscontext,becausehissoledesirewasthatpeoplewouldseeJesusandnothimself.

SmithWigglesworthwasborninEnglandin1859.Immediatelyafterhisconversionasaboy,hehadaconcernforthesalvationofothersandwonpeopletoChrist,includinghismother.Evenso,asayoungman,hecouldnotexpresshimselfwellenoughtogiveashorttestimonyinchurch,muchlesspreachasermon.Wigglesworthsaidthathismotherhadthesamedifficultyinexpressingherselfthathedid.Thisfamilytrait,coupledwiththefactthathehadnoformaleducationbecausehebeganworkingtwelvehoursadayattheageofseventohelpsupportthefamily,contributedtoWigglesworth’sawkwardspeakingstyle.Hebecameaplumberbytrade,yethecontinuedtodevotehimselftowinningmanypeopletoChristonanindividualbasis.

In1882,hemarriedPollyFeatherstone,avivaciousyoungwomanwholovedGodandhadagiftofpreachingandevangelism.Itwasshewhotaughthimtoreadandwhobecamehisclosestconfidantandstrongestsupporter.Theybothhadcompassionforthepoorandneedyintheircommunity,andtheyopenedamission,atwhichPollypreached.Significantly,peopleweremiraculouslyhealedwhenWigglesworthprayedforthem.

In1907,Wigglesworth’scircumstanceschangeddramaticallywhen,attheageofforty-eight,hewasbaptizedintheHolySpirit.Suddenly,hehadanewpowerthatenabledhimtopreach,andevenhiswifewasamazedatthetransformation.Thiswasthebeginningofwhatbecameaworldwideevangelisticandhealingministrythatreachedthousands.Heeventually

ministeredintheUnitedStates,Australia,SouthAfrica,andalloverEurope.Hisministryextendeduptothetimeofhisdeathin1947.

SeveralemphasesinSmithWigglesworth’slifeandministrycharacterizehim:agenuine,deepcompassionfortheunsavedandsick;anunflinchingbeliefintheWordofGod;adesirethatChristshouldincreaseandheshoulddecrease(John3:30);abeliefthathewascalledtoexhortpeopletoenlargetheirfaithandtrustinGod;anemphasisonthebaptismintheHolySpiritwiththemanifestationofthegiftsoftheSpiritasintheearlychurch;andabeliefincompletehealingforeveryoneofallsickness.

SmithWigglesworthwascalled“TheApostleofFaith”becauseabsolutetrustinGodwasaconstantthemeofbothhislifeandhismessages.Inhismeetings,hewouldquotepassagesfromtheWordofGodandleadlivelysingingtohelpbuildpeople’sfaithandencouragethemtoactonit.HeemphasizedbeliefinthefactthatGodcoulddotheimpossible.HehadgreatfaithinwhatGodcoulddo,andGoddidgreatthingsthroughhim.

Wigglesworth’sunorthodoxmethodswereoftenquestioned.Asaperson,Wigglesworthwasreportedlycourteous,kind,andgentle.However,hebecameforcefulwhendealingwiththedevil,whomhebelievedcausedallsickness.WigglesworthsaidthereasonhespokebluntlyandactedforcefullywithpeoplewasthatheknewheneededtogettheirattentionsotheycouldfocusonGod.Healsohadsuchangertowardthedevilandsicknessthatheactedinaseeminglyroughway.Whenheprayedforpeopletobehealed,hewouldoftenhitorpunchthemattheplaceoftheirproblemorillness.Yetnoonewashurtbythisstartlingtreatment.Instead,theywereremarkablyhealed.Whenhewasaskedwhyhetreatedpeopleinthismanner,hesaidthathewasnothittingthepeoplebutthathewashittingthedevil.Hebelievedthatthedevilshouldneverbetreatedgentlyorallowedtogetawaywithanything.Abouttwentypeoplewerereportedlyraisedfromthedeadafterheprayedforthem.Wigglesworthhimselfwashealedofappendicitisandkidneystones,afterwhichhisbrusquepersonalitysoftened,andhewasmoregentlewiththosewhocametohimforprayerforhealing.Hisabruptmannerasheministeredmaybeattributedtothefactthathewasveryseriousabouthiscallingandgotdowntobusinessquickly.

AlthoughWigglesworthbelievedincompletehealing,heencounteredillnessesanddeathsthatweredifficulttounderstand.Theseincludedthedeaths

ofhiswifeandson,hisdaughter’slifelongdeafness,andhisownbattleswithkidneystonesandsciatica.

Heoftenseemedparadoxical:compassionatebutforceful,bluntbutgentle,awell-dressedgentlemanwhosespeechwasoftenungrammaticalorconfusing.However,helovedGodwitheverythinghehad,hewassteadfastlycommittedtoGodandtoHisWord,andhedidn’trestuntilhesawGodmoveinthelivesofthosewhoneededHim.

In1936,SmithWigglesworthprophesiedaboutwhatwenowknowasthecharismaticmovement.HeaccuratelypredictedthattheestablishedmainlinedenominationswouldexperiencerevivalandthegiftsoftheSpiritinawaythatwouldsurpasseventhePentecostalmovement.Wigglesworthdidnotlivetoseetherenewal,butasanevangelistandaprophetwitharemarkablehealingministry,hehadatremendousinfluenceonboththePentecostalandcharismaticmovements,andhisexampleandinfluenceonbelieversisfelttothisday.

WithoutthepowerofGodthatwassoobviouslypresentinhislifeandministry,wemightnotbereadingtranscriptsofhissermons,forhisspokenmessageswereoftendisjointedandungrammatical.However,truegemsofspiritualinsightshinethroughthembecauseoftherevelationhereceivedthroughtheHolySpirit.ItwashislifeofcompletedevotionandbeliefinGodandhisrelianceontheHolySpiritthatbroughtthelife-changingpowerofGodintohismessages.

BecauseofWigglesworth’suniquestyle,themessagesinthisbookhavebeeneditedforclarity,andarchaicexpressionsthatwouldbeunfamiliartomodernreadershavebeenupdated.Athismeetings,hewouldoftenspeakintonguesandgivetheinterpretation,andtheseinterpretationshavebeenincludedwithhismessages.

Inconclusion,wehopethatasyoureadthesewordsofSmithWigglesworth,youwilltrulysensehiscompletetrustandunwaveringfaithinGodandtaketoheartoneofhisfavoritesayings:“Onlybelieve!”

1HaveFaithinGod

Forassuredly,Isaytoyou,whoeversaystothismountain,“Beremovedandbecastintothesea,”anddoesnotdoubtinhisheart,butbelieves

thatthosethingshesayswillbedone,hewillhavewhateverhesays.ThereforeIsaytoyou,whateverthingsyouaskwhenyoupray,believethatyoureceivethem,

andyouwillhavethem.—Mark11:23–24

Thesearedayswhenweneedtohaveourfaithstrengthened,whenweneedtoknowGod.Godhasdesignedthatthejustwilllivebyfaith(Rom.1:17).Anymancanbechangedbyfaith,nomatterhowhemaybefettered.IknowthatGod’sWordissufficient.OnewordfromHimcanchangeanation.HisWordis“fromeverlastingtoeverlasting”(Ps.90:2).ItisthroughtheentranceofthiseverlastingWord,thisincorruptibleseed,thatwearebornagainandcomeintothiswonderfulsalvation.“Manshallnotlivebybreadalone,butbyeverywordthatproceedsfromthemouthofGod”(Matt.4:4).Thisisthefoodoffaith.“Faithcomesbyhearing,andhearingbythewordofGod”(Rom.10:17).

God’sWordIsSure

EverywheremenaretryingtodiscredittheBibleandtakefromitallthatismiraculousinit.Onepreachersays,“Well,youknow,Jesusarrangedbeforehandtohavethatcolttiedwhereitwasandforthementosayjustwhattheydid.”(SeeMatthew21:2–3.)

Itellyou,Godcanarrangeeverything.Hecanplanforyou,andwhenHeplansforyou,allispeace.Allthingsarepossibleifyouwillbelieve(Mark9:23).

Anotherpreachersays,“ItwasaneasythingforJesustofeedthepeoplewithfiveloaves.Theloavesweresobiginthosedaysthatitwasasimplemattertocutthemintoathousandpieceseach.”(SeeJohn6:5–13.)Butheforgetsthatonelittleboybroughtthosefiveloavesallthewayinhislunchbasket.

NothingisimpossiblewithGod.AlltheimpossibilityiswithuswhenwemeasureGodbythelimitationsofourunbelief.

ReachingOutinFaith

WehaveawonderfulGod,aGodwhosewaysarepastfindingoutandwhosegraceandpowerarelimitless.IwasinBelfastonedayandsawoneofthebrothersoftheassembly.Hesaidtome,“Wigglesworth,Iamtroubled.Ihavehadagooddealofsorrowduringthepastfivemonths.Ihadawomaninmyassemblywhocouldalwayspraytheblessingofheavendownonourmeetings.Sheisanoldwoman,yetherpresenceisalwaysaninspiration.Fivemonthsagoshefellandbrokeherleg.Thedoctorsputherintoaplastercast,andafterfivemonths,theybrokethecastoff.However,theboneswerenotproperlyset,andsoshefellandbrokeherthighboneagain.”

Hetookmetoherhouse,andtherewasawomanlyinginabedontheright-handsideoftheroom.Isaidtoher,“Well,whataboutitnow?”

Shesaid,“Theyhavesentmehomeincurable.ThedoctorssaythatIamsooldthatmyboneswon’tknit.Theysaythereisnonutrimentinmybones,andtheywillneverbeabletodoanythingforme.TheysayIwillhavetolieinbedfortherestofmylife.”

Isaidtoher,“CanyoubelieveGod?”

Shereplied,“Yes,eversinceIheardthatyouhadcometoBelfastmyfaithhasbeenquickened.Ifyouwillpray,Iwillbelieve.Iknowthereisnopoweronearththatcanmakethebonesofmylegknit,butIknowthereisnothingimpossiblewithGod.”

Isaid,“DoyoubelieveHewillmeetyounow?”

Sheanswered,“Ido.”

ItisgrandtoseepeoplebelieveGod.Godknewallaboutthislegandthatitwasbrokenintwoplaces.Isaidtothewoman,“WhenIpray,somethingwillhappen.”

Herhusbandwassittingthere;hehadbeeninhischairforfouryearsandcouldnotwalkastep.Hecalledout,“Idon’tbelieve.Iwon’tbelieve.Youwill

nevergetmetobelieve.”

Isaid,“Allright,”andlaidmyhandsonhiswifeinthenameoftheLordJesus.

Themomenthandswerelaiduponher,thepowerofGodwentrightthroughher,andshecriedout,“I’mhealed.”

Isaid,“I’mnotgoingtoassistyoutorise.Godwilldoitall.”Shearoseandwalkedupanddowntheroom,praisingGod.

Theoldmanwasamazedatwhathadhappenedtohiswife,andhecriedout,“Makemewalk;makemewalk.”

Isaidtohim,“Youoldsinner,repent.”

Hecriedout,“Lord,youknowInevermeantwhatIsaid.Lord,YouknowIbelieve.”

Idon’tthinkhemeantwhathesaid;theLordwasfullofcompassionanyway.IfHemarkedoursins,wherewouldanyofusbe?Ifwewillmeettheconditions,Godwillalwaysmeetus.Ifwebelieve,allthingsarepossible.

Ilaidmyhandsonhim,andthepowerwentrightthroughtheoldman’sbody.Forthefirsttimeinfouryears,thoselegsreceivedpowertocarryhisbody.Hewalkedupanddownandinandoutoftheroom.Hesaid,“Oh,whatgreatthingsGodhasdoneforustonight!”

“Whateverthingsyouaskwhenyoupray,believethatyoureceivethem,andyouwillhavethem.”DesireGod,andyouwillhavedesiresfromGod.Hewillmeetyouonthelineofthosedesireswhenyoureachoutinsimplefaith.

Amancametomeinoneofmymeetingswhohadseenotherpeoplehealedandwantedtobehealed,too.Heexplainedthathisarmhadbeensetinacertainpositionformanyyears,andhecouldnotmoveit.“Gotanyfaith?”Iasked.

Hesaidthathehadalotoffaith.Afterprayerhewasabletoswinghisarmroundandround.Buthewasnotsatisfiedandcomplained,“Ifeelalittlebitoftroublejustthere,”pointingtoacertainplace.

Isaid,“Doyouknowwhatthetroubleiswithyou?”

Heanswered,“No.”

Isaid,“Imperfectfaith.”“Whateverthingsyouaskwhenyoupray,believethatyoureceivethem,andyouwillhavethem.”

Didyoubelievebeforeyouweresaved?Somanypeoplewanttobesaved,buttheywanttofeelsavedfirst.Thereneverwasamanwhofeltsavedbeforehebelieved.God’splanisalwaysasfollows:ifyouwillbelieve,youwillseethegloryofGod(John11:40).IbelieveGodwantstobringusalltoadefiniteplaceofunswervingfaithandconfidenceinHimself.

InourtextfromMark,Jesususestheillustrationofamountain.WhydoesHespeakofamountain?Iffaithcanremoveamountain,itcanremoveanything.TheplanofGodissomarvelousthatifyouwillonlybelieve,allthingsarepossible.

LoveHasNoDoubts

ThereisonespecialphrasefromourtexttowhichIwanttocallyourattention:“Anddoesnotdoubtinhisheart.”Theheartisthemainspring.Imagineayoungmanandayoungwoman.Theyhavefalleninloveatfirstsight.Inashortwhilethereisadeepaffectionandastrongheartlove,theonetowardtheother.Whatisaheartoflove?Itisaheartoffaith.Faithandlovearekin.Inthemeasurethattheyoungmanandtheyoungwomanloveoneanother,theyaretrue.OnemaygototheNorthandtheothertotheSouth,butbecauseoftheirlove,theywillbetruetooneanother.

ItisthesamewhenthereisadeeploveinthehearttowardtheLordJesusChrist.InthisnewlifeintowhichGodhasbroughtus,PaultoldusthatwehavebecomedeadtothelawbythebodyofChrist,sothatweshouldbemarriedtoanother,eventoHimwhoisraisedfromthedead(Rom.7:4).Godbringsusintoaplaceofperfectloveandperfectfaith.AmanwhoisbornofGodisbroughtintoaninwardaffection,aloyaltytotheLordJesusthatshrinksfromanythingimpure.Youseethepurityofamanandwomanwhenthereisadeepnaturalaffectionbetweenthem;theydisdaintheverythoughtofeitherofthembeinguntrue.Inthesameway,inthemeasurethatamanhasfaithinJesus,heispure.HewhobelievesthatJesusistheChristovercomestheworld(1John5:5).Itisafaiththatworksbylove(Gal.5:6).

JustaswehaveheartfellowshipwithourLord,ourfaithcannotbedaunted.Wecannotdoubtinourhearts.AswegoonwithGod,therecomesawonderfulassociation,animpartationofHisverylifeandnaturewithin.AswereadHisWordandbelievethepromisesthatHehassograciouslygiventous,wearemadepartakersofHisveryessenceandlife.TheLordismadeaBridegroomtous,andweareHisbride.Hiswordstousarespiritandlife(John6:63),transformingusandchangingus,expellingwhatisnaturalandbringinginwhatisdivine.

ItisimpossibletocomprehendtheloveofGodwhenwethinkalongnaturallines.WemusthavetherevelationfromtheSpiritofGod.Godgivesliberally.Hewhoasks,receives(Matt.7:8).Godiswillingtobestowonusallthingsthatpertaintolifeandgodliness(2Pet.1:3).Oh,itwastheloveofGodthatbroughtJesus,anditisthissamelovethathelpsyouandmetobelieve.Godwillbeyourstrengthineveryweakness(2Cor.12:9–10).YouwhoneedHistouch,rememberthatHelovesyou.Ifyouarewretched,helpless,orsick,looktotheGodofallgrace,whoseveryessenceislove,whodelightstogiveliberallyalltheinheritanceoflifeandstrengthandpowerofwhichyouareinneed.

BeCleansedToday

WhenIwasinSwitzerland,theLordwasgraciouslyworkingandhealingmanyofthepeople.IwasstayingwithBrotherReussofGoldiwil,andtwopolicemenweresenttohishometoarrestme.ThechargewasthatIwashealingthepeoplewithoutalicense.Mr.Reusssaidtothem,“Iamsorrythatheisnotherejustnow;heisholdingameetingabouttwomilesaway.Butbeforeyouarresthim,Iwouldliketoshowyousomething.”

BrotherReusstookthesetwopolicemendowntooneoftherougherpartsofthatdistrict,toahousewithwhichtheywerefamiliar,fortheyhadoftengonetothatplacetoarrestacertainwomanwhowasrepeatedlyaninmateoftheprisonbecauseofcontinuallybeingengagedindrunkenbrawls.Hetookthemtothiswomanandsaidtothem,“Thisisoneofthemanycasesofblessingthathavecomethroughtheministryofthemanyouhavecometoarrest.Thiswomancametoourmeetinginadrunkencondition.Herbodywasbroken,forshewasrupturedintwoplaces.Whileshewasdrunk,theevangelistlaidhishandsonherandaskedGodtohealheranddeliverher.”

Thewomanjoinedin,“Yes,andGodsavedme,andIhavenottastedadrop

ofliquorsince.”

Thepolicemenhadapreparedwarrantformyarrest,buttheysaidwithdisgust,“Letthedoctorsdothiskindofthing.”Theyturnedandwentaway,andthatwasthelastweheardofthem.

WehaveaJesuswhohealsthebrokenhearted,wholetsthecaptivesgofree,whosavestheveryworst.DoyoudarespurnthisgloriousGospelofGodforspirit,soul,andbody?Doyoudarespurnthisgrace?IrealizethatthisfullGospelhasingreatmeasurebeenhidden,thisGospelthatbringsliberty,thisGospelthatbringssoulsoutofbondage,thisGospelthatbringsperfecthealthtothebody,thisGospelofentiresalvation.ListenagaintothewordsofHimwholeftglorytobringusthisgreatsalvation:“Assuredly,Isaytoyou,whoeversaystothismountain,‘Beremoved,’…hewillhavewhateverhesays.”Whatever!

IrealizethatGodcanneverblessuswhenwearebeinghard-hearted,critical,orunforgiving.Thesethingswillhinderfaithquickerthananything.Irememberbeingatameetingwherethereweresomepeoplewaitingforthebaptismandseekingforcleansing,forthemomentapersoniscleansedtheSpiritwillfall.Therewasonemanwhohadredeyesfromweepingbitterly.Hesaidtome,“Iwillhavetoleave.ItisnogoodmystayingunlessIchangethings.Ihavewrittenalettertomybrother-in-lawandfilleditwithhardwords,andthisthingmustfirstbestraightenedout.”

Hewenthomeandtoldhiswife,“I’mgoingtowritealettertoyourbrotherandaskhimtoforgivemeforwritingtohimthewayIdid.”

“Youfool!”shesaid.

“Nevermind,”hereplied,“thisthingisbetweenGodandme,andithasgottobeclearedaway.”Hewrotetheletterandcameagain,andimmediatelyGodfilledhimwiththeSpirit.

Ibelievethereareagreatmanypeoplewhowanttobehealed,buttheyareharboringthingsintheirheartsthatarelikeablight.Letthesethingsgo.Forgive,andtheLordwillforgiveyou.Therearemanygoodpeople,peoplewhomeanwell,buttheyhavenopowertodoanythingforGod.Thereisjustsomelittlethingthatcameintheirheartsyearsago,andtheirfaithhasbeenparalyzedeversince.

Bringeverythingtothelight.GodwillsweepitallawayifyouwillletHim.LetthepreciousbloodofChristcleanseyoufromallsin.Ifyouwillonlybelieve,GodwillmeetyouandbringintoyourlifethesunshineofHislove.

HealingsinNewZealand

WehavereceivednumeroustestimoniesofthosehealedinthemeetingconductedbyBrotherSmithWigglesworthatWellington,NewZealand.Mrs.E.CurtisofChristchurch,NewZealand,wassufferingwithsepticpoisoning.Shehadbecomeonlyaskeleton,andthedoctorscoulddonothingforher.Shehadagonizingpainsalldayandallnight.Shewashealedimmediatelywhenprayerwasmadeforher.Shestatesthatforthepastsixteenyears,shehasbeenamartyrtopainbutisnowwonderfullywell.

Anothertestifiedtohealingofdeafness,goiter,adenoids,andbadeyesight.Anotherwomantestifiedtohealingofdoublecurvatureofthespinefrominfancy,hipdisease,weakheart,andaleglengthenedthreeinches,whichgrewoutnormalliketheotherleg.Ithadbeenalsothreeincheslessincircumference.Shehadwornalargebootwithabuilt-upsole,butnowshewalksoneven-soledshoes,thelargeboothavingbeendiscarded.Anotherwashealedofagoiterthroughananointedhandkerchief.

—fromThePentecostalEvangel

2DeliverancetotheCaptives

ThenJesus,beingfilledwiththeHolySpirit,returnedfromtheJordanandwasledbytheSpiritintothewilderness,beingtemptedforfortydaysbythedevil.AndinthosedaysHeatenothing,andafterward,whentheyhadended,Hewashungry.AndthedevilsaidtoHim,“IfYouaretheSonofGod,commandthisstonetobecomebread.”ButJesusansweredhim,saying,“Itiswritten,‘Man

shallnotlivebybreadalone,butbyeverywordofGod.’”Thenthedevil,takingHimuponahighmountain,showedHimallthekingdomsoftheworldina

momentoftime.AndthedevilsaidtoHim,“AllthisauthorityIwillgiveYou,andtheirglory;forthishasbeendeliveredtome,andIgiveittowhomeverIwish.Therefore,ifYouwillworshipbeforeme,allwillbeYours.”AndJesusansweredandsaidtohim,“GetbehindMe,Satan!Foritiswritten,‘YoushallworshiptheLordyourGod,andHimonlyyoushallserve.’”ThenhebroughtHimtoJerusalem,setHimonthepinnacleofthetemple,andsaidtoHim,“IfYouaretheSonofGod,throwYourselfdownfromhere.Foritiswritten:‘HeshallgiveHisangelschargeoveryou,tokeepyou,’and,‘Intheirhandsthey

shallbearyouup,lestyoudashyourfootagainstastone.’”AndJesusansweredandsaidtohim,“Ithasbeensaid,‘YoushallnottempttheLordyourGod’”

Nowwhenthedevilhadendedeverytemptation,hedepartedfromHimuntilanopportunetime.ThenJesusreturnedinthepoweroftheSpirittoGalilee,and

newsofHimwentoutthroughallthesurroundingregion.AndHetaughtintheirsynagogues,beingglorifiedbyall.SoHecametoNazareth,whereHehadbeenbroughtup.AndasHiscustomwas,HewentintothesynagogueontheSabbathday,andstooduptoread.AndHewashandedthebookoftheprophetIsaiah.AndwhenHehadopenedthebook,Hefoundtheplacewhereitwaswritten:“TheSpiritoftheLordisuponMe,becauseHehasanointedMetopreachthegospeltothepoor;HehassentMetohealthebrokenhearted,toproclaimlibertytothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,tosetatlibertythosewhoareoppressed;toproclaimtheacceptableyearoftheLord.”ThenHeclosedthebook,andgaveitbacktotheattendantandsatdown.Andtheeyesofallwho

wereinthesynagoguewerefixedonHim.—Luke4:1–20

OurpreciousLordJesushaseverythingforeverybody.Forgivenessofsin,healingofdiseases,andthefullnessoftheSpiritallcomefromonesource—

fromtheLordJesusChrist.HearHimwhois“thesameyesterday,today,andforever”(Heb.13:8)asHeannouncesthepurposeforwhichHecame:

TheSpiritoftheLordisuponMe,becauseHehasanointedMetopreachthegospeltothepoor;HehassentMetohealthebrokenhearted,toproclaimlibertytothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,tosetatlibertythosewhoareoppressed;toproclaimtheacceptableyearoftheLord.(Luke4:18–19)

God’sPowerIsAvailabletoYou

JesuswasbaptizedbyJohnintheJordan,andtheHolySpiritdescendeduponHiminabodilyshapelikeadove.BeingfulloftheHolySpirit,HewasledbytheSpiritintothewilderness,theretoemergemorethanaconqueroroverthearchenemy.ThenHereturned“inthepoweroftheSpirittoGalilee”andpreachedinthesynagogues.AtlastHecametoHisoldhometown,Nazareth,whereHeannouncedHismissioninthewordsIhavejustquotedfromLuke4:18–19.Forabriefwhile,Heministeredontheearth,andthenHegaveHislifearansomforall.ButGodraisedHimfromthedead.

BeforeJesuswenttoheaven,HetoldHisdisciplesthattheywouldreceivethepoweroftheHolySpirituponthem,too(Acts1:8).Thus,throughthem,Hisgraciousministrywouldcontinue.ThispoweroftheHolySpiritwasnotonlyforafewapostles,butevenforthosewhowereafaroff,evenasmanyasourGodwouldcall(Acts2:39),evenforuswaydowninthiscentury.Someask,“Butwasn’tthispowerjustfortheprivilegedfewinthefirstcentury?”No.ReadtheMaster’sGreatCommissionasrecordedinMark16:15–18,andyouwillseeitisforthosewhobelieve.

ThePurposeofthePower

AfterIreceivedthebaptismintheHolySpirit—andIknowthatIreceivedit,fortheLordgavemetheSpiritinjustthesamewaythatHegaveHimtothedisciplesatJerusalem—IsoughtthemindoftheLordastowhyIhadbeenbaptized.OnedayIcamehomefromworkandwentintothehouse,andmywifeaskedme,“Whichwaydidyoucomein?”ItoldherthatIhadcomeinbythebackdoor.Shesaid,“Thereisawomanupstairs,andshehasbroughtaneighty-year-oldmantobeprayedfor.Heisravingupthere,andagreatcrowdhasgatheredoutsidethefrontdoor,ringingthedoorbellandwantingtoknowwhatisgoingoninthehouse.”

TheLordquietlywhispered,“ThisiswhatIbaptizedyoufor.”

Icarefullyopenedthedooroftheroomwherethemanwas,desiringtobeobedienttowhatmyLordwouldsaytome.Themanwascryingandshoutingindistress,“Iamlost!Iamlost!Ihavecommittedtheunpardonablesin.Iamlost!Iamlost!”

Mywifeasked,“Smith,whatshouldwedo?”

TheSpiritoftheLordmovedmetocryout,“Comeout,youlyingspirit.”Inamomenttheevilspiritwent,andthemanwasfree.Godgivesdeliverancetothecaptives!

AndtheLordsaidagaintome,“ThisiswhatIbaptizedyoufor.”

ThereisaplacewhereGod,throughthepoweroftheHolySpirit,reignssupremeinourlives.TheSpiritreveals,unfolds,takesofthethingsofChristandshowsthemtous(John16:15),andpreparesustobemorethanamatchforsatanicforces.

MiraclesAreforToday

WhenNicodemuscametoJesus,hesaid,“Rabbi,weknowthatYouareateachercomefromGod;fornoonecandothesesignsthatYoudounlessGodiswithhim”(John3:2).Jesusreplied,“Mostassuredly,Isaytoyou,unlessoneisbornagain,hecannotseethekingdomofGod”(v.3).

NicodemuswasimpressedbyJesus’miracles,andJesuspointedouttohimthenecessityofamiraclebeingdoneineverymanwhowouldseethekingdom.WhenamanisbornofGod—isbroughtfromdarknesstolight—amightymiracleisperformed.JesussaweverytouchofGodasamiracle,andsowemayexpecttoseemiraclestoday.ItiswonderfultohavetheSpiritoftheLorduponus.IwouldratherhavetheSpiritofGodonmeforfiveminutesthanreceiveamilliondollars.

TheAntidoteforUnbelief

DoyouseehowJesusmasteredthedevilinthewilderness?(SeeLuke4:1–14.)JesusknewHewastheSonofGod,andthedevilcamealongwithan“if.”Howmanytimeshastheenemycomealongtoyouthisway?Hesays,“Afterall,

youmaybedeceived.YouknowyoureallyarenotachildofGod.”Ifthedevilcomesalongandsaysthatyouarenotsaved,itisaprettysuresignthatyouare.Whenhecomesandtellsyouthatyouarenothealed,itmaybetakenasgoodevidencethattheLordhassentHisWordandhealedyou(Ps.107:20).Satanknowsthatifhecancaptureyourthoughtlife,hehaswonamightyvictoryoveryou.Hisgreatbusinessisinjectingthoughts,butifyouarepureandholy,youwillinstantlyshrinkfromthem.GodwantsustoletthemindthatwasinChristJesus,thatpure,holy,humblemindofChrist,beinus(Phil.2:5).

IcomeacrosspeopleeverywhereIgowhoareheldboundbydeceptiveconditions,andtheseconditionshavecomeaboutsimplybecausetheyhaveallowedthedeviltomaketheirmindstheplaceofhisstronghold.Howarewetoguardagainstthis?TheLordhasprovideduswithweaponsthataremightythroughGodforthepullingdownofthesestrongholdsoftheenemy(2Cor.10:4),bymeansofwhicheverythoughtwillbebrought“intocaptivitytotheobedienceofChrist”(v.5).Jesus’bloodandHismightynameareanantidotetoallthesubtleseedsofunbeliefthatthedevilwouldsowinyourmind.

Christ’sAmazingWorksToday

InthefirstchapterofActs,weseethatJesuscommandedthedisciplesto“waitforthePromiseoftheFather”(v.4).HetoldthemthatnotmanydaysfromthentheywouldbebaptizedintheHolySpirit(v.5).Luketoldusthathehadwrittenhisformeraccountconcerning“allthatJesusbeganbothtodoandteach”(v.1).TheministryofChristdidnotendattheCross,butthebookofActsandtheEpistlesgiveusaccountsofwhatHecontinuedtodoandteachthroughthosewhomHeindwelt.

OurblessedLordJesusisstillaliveandstillcontinuesHisministrythroughthosewhoarefilledwithHisSpirit.HeisstillhealingthebrokenheartedanddeliveringthecaptivesthroughthoseonwhomHeplacesHisSpirit.

IwastravelingonedayonarailwaytraininSweden.Atonestation,anoldladyboardedthetrainwithherdaughter.Thatoldlady’sexpressionwassotroubledthatIinquiredwhatwasthematterwithher.Iheardthatshewasgoingtothehospitaltohaveherlegamputated.Shebegantoweepasshetoldmethatthedoctorshadsaidthattherewasnohopeforherexceptthroughhavingherlegamputated.Shewasseventyyearsold.Isaidtomyinterpreter,“TellherthatJesuscanhealher.”Theinstantmyinterpretersaidthistoher,herfacebecame

soradiantthatitwasasifaheavyveilhadbeenremoved.

Westoppedatanotherstation,andtherailwaycarfilledupwithpeople.Alargegroupofmenrushedtoboardthetrain,andthedevilsaid,“You’redone.”ButIknewIhadthebestposition,becausehardthingsarealwaysopportunitiestogainmoregloryfortheLordasHemanifestsHispower.

Everytrialisablessing.TherehavebeentimeswhenIhavebeenhard-pressedthroughdirecircumstances,anditseemedasifadozensteamrollersweregoingoverme,butIhavefoundthatthehardestthingsarejustliftingplacesintothegraceofGod.WehavesuchalovelyJesus.HealwaysprovesHimselftobesuchamightyDeliverer.Heneverfailstoplanthebestthingsforus.

Thetrainbeganmoving,andIcroucheddownandinthenameofJesuscommandedthediseasetoleave.Theoldladycried,“I’mhealed!IknowI’mhealed!”Shestampedherlegandsaid,“I’mgoingtoproveit.”Sowhenwestoppedatanotherstation,shemarchedupanddownandshouted,“I’mnotgoingtothehospital.”OnceagainourwonderfulJesushadprovenHimselfaHealerofthebrokenhearted,aDelivererofonewhowasbound.

MyOwnRemarkableHealing

AtonetimeIwassoboundthatnohumanpowercouldhelpme.MywifethoughtthatIwouldpassaway.Therewasnohelp.AtthattimeIhadjusthadafaintglimpseofJesusastheHealer.ForsixmonthsIhadbeensufferingfromappendicitis,occasionallygettingtemporaryrelief.IwenttothemissionofwhichIwasthepastor,butIwasbroughttothefloorinawfulagony,andIwasbroughthometomybed.AllnightIwaspraying,pleadingfordeliverance,butnonecame.

Mywifewassureitwasmycallhometoheavenandsentforaphysician.Thedoctorsaidthattherewasnopossiblechanceforme—mybodywastooweak.Havinghadtheappendicitisforsixmonths,mywholesystemwasdrained,and,becauseofthat,hethoughtthatitwastoolateforanoperation.Heleftmywifeinastateofbrokenheartedness.

Afterheleft,ayoungmanandanoldladycametoourdoor.Iknewthattheoldladywasawomanofrealprayer.Theycameupstairstomyroom.This

youngmanjumpedonthebedandcommandedtheevilspirittocomeoutofme.Heshouted,“Comeout,youdevil!IcommandyoutocomeoutinthenameofJesus!”TherewasnochanceforanargumentorformetotellhimthatIwouldneverbelievethattherewasadevilinsideofme.ThethinghadtogointhenameofJesus,anditwent.Iwasinstantlyhealed.

Iaroseanddressedandwentdownstairs.Iwasstillintheplumbingbusiness,andIaskedmywife,“Isthereanyworkin?I’mallrightnow,andIamgoingtowork.”Ifoundthattherewasacertainjobtobedone,andsoIpickedupmytoolsandwentofftodoit.

JustafterIleft,thedoctorcamein,puthishatdowninthehall,andwalkeduptothebedroom.Buttheinvalidwasnotthere.“WhereisMr.Wigglesworth?”heasked.

“Oh,doctor,he’sgoneouttowork,”saidmywife.

“You’llneverseehimaliveagain,”saidthedoctor.“They’llbringhimbackacorpse.”

Well,youseebeforeyouthecorpse.

Sincethattime,inmanypartsoftheworld,theLordhasgivenmetheprivilegeofprayingforpeoplewithappendicitis;andIhavepersonallywitnessedagreatmanypeopleupanddressedwithinaquarterofanhourfromthetimeIprayedforthem.WehavealivingChristwhoiswillingtomeetpeopleineveryplace.

AManWhoseBrideWasDying

AnumberofyearsagoImetBrotherD.W.Kerr,andhegavemealetterofintroductiontoabrotherinZionCitynamedCook.ItookhislettertoBrotherCook,andhesaid,“Godhassentyouhere.”Hegavemetheaddressesofsixpeopleandaskedmetogoandprayforthemandmeethimagainattwelveo’clock.

Igotbackatabout12:30,andhetoldmeaboutayoungmanwhowastobemarriedthefollowingMonday.Hissweetheartwasdyingofappendicitis.Iwenttothehouseandfoundthatthephysicianhadjustbeenthereandhadpronouncedthattherewasnohope.Themotherwasdistraughtandwaspulling

herhairandsaying,“Istherenodeliverance?”

Isaidtoher,“Woman,believeGod,andyourdaughterwillbehealedandbeupanddressedinfifteenminutes.”Butthemotherwentonscreaming.

Theytookmeintothebedroom,andIprayedforthegirlandcommandedtheevilspirittodepartinthenameofJesus.Shecried,“Iamhealed.”

Isaidtoher,“Doyouwantmetobelievethatyouarehealed?Ifyouarehealed,getup.”

Shesaid,“Yougetoutoftheroom,andI’llgetup.”Inlessthantenminutes,thedoctorcamein.Hewantedtoknowwhathadhappened.Shesaid,“Amancameinandprayedforme,andIamhealed.”

Thedoctorpressedhisfingerrightintheplacethathadbeensosore,andthegirlneithermoanednorcried.Hesaid,“ThisisGod.”Itmadenodifferencewhetherheacknowledgeditornot;IknewthatGodhadworked.

OurGodisreal,andHehassavingandhealingpowertoday.OurJesusisjustthesame“yesterday,today,andforever”(Heb.13:8).Hesavesandhealstodayjustasofold,andHewantstobeyourSaviorandyourHealer.

Oh,ifyouwouldonlybelieveGod!Whatwouldhappen?Thegreatestthings.

SomehavenevertastedthegraceofGod,haveneverhadthepeaceofGod.Unbeliefrobsthemoftheseblessings.Itispossibletohearandyetnotperceivethetruth.ItispossibletoreadtheWordandnotshareinthelifeitbrings.ItisnecessaryforustohavetheHolySpirittounfoldtheWordandbringtousthelifethatisChrist.WecanneverfullyunderstandthewondersofthisredemptionuntilwearefulloftheHolySpirit.

DiseaseDuetoImmorality

OnetimeIwasatanafternoonmeeting.TheLordhadbeengraciouslywithus,andmanyhadbeenhealedbythepowerofGod.MostofthepeoplehadgonehomewhenIsawayoungmanwhoevidentlywashangingbacktohaveawordwithme.Iasked,“Whatdoyouwant?”

Hesaid,“IwonderifIcouldaskyoutoprayforme.”

Isaid,“What’sthetrouble?”

Hesaid,“Can’tyousmell?”Theyoungmanhadgoneintosinandwassufferingtheconsequences.Hesaid,“Ihavebeenturnedoutoftwohospitals.Iambrokenoutallover.Ihaveabscessesalloverme.”Icouldseethathewasbadlybrokenoutonhisnose.Hesaid,“Iheardyoupreachandcouldnotunderstandaboutthishealingbusiness,andIwaswonderingiftherewasanyhopeforme.”

Iaskedhim,“DoyouknowJesus?”Hedidnotknowthefirstthingaboutsalvation,butIsaidtohim,“Standstill.”IplacedmyhandsonhimandcursedthatterriblediseaseinthenameofJesus.

Hecriedout,“IknowI’mhealed.Icanfeelawarmthandaglowalloverme.”

Isaid,“Whodidit?”

Hesaid,“Yourprayers.”

Isaid,“No,itwasJesus!”

Hesaid,“WasitHe?Oh,Jesus!Jesus!Jesus,saveme.”Andthatyoungmanwentawayhealedandsaved.Oh,whatamercifulGodwehave!WhatawonderfulJesusisours!

APlaceofDeliverance

Areyouoppressed?CryouttoGod.ItisalwaysgoodforpeopletocryouttotheLord.Youmayhavetocryout.TheHolySpiritandtheWordofGodwillbringtolighteveryhidden,uncleanthingthatmustberevealed.ThereisalwaysaplaceofdeliverancewhenyouletGodsearchoutwhateverisspoilingandmarringyourlife.

Theevilspiritthatwasinthemaninthesynagoguecriedout,“Letusalone!”(Mark1:24).ItisnotablethattheevilspiritnevercriedoutlikethatuntilJesuswalkedintotheplacewherehewas.Jesusrebukedthething,saying,“Bequiet,andcomeoutofhim!”(v.25),andthemanwasdelivered.HeisjustthesameJesus,exposingthepowersofevil,deliveringthecaptivesandlettingtheoppressedgofree,purifyingthemandcleansingtheirhearts.

Theevilspiritsthatinhabitedthemanwhohadthelegiondidnotwanttobesenttothepittobetormentedbeforetheirtime,andsotheycriedouttobesentintotheswine.(SeeLuke8:27–35.)Hellissuchanawfulplacethateventhedemonshatethethoughtofgoingthere.Howmuchmoreshouldmenseektobesavedfromthepit?

Godiscompassionateandsays,“SeektheLordwhileHemaybefound”(Isa.55:6).Hehasfurtherstated,“WhoevercallsonthenameoftheLordshallbesaved”(Acts2:21).SeekHimnow;callonHisnamerightnow.Thereisforgiveness,healing,redemption,deliverance—everythingyouneedrighthereandnow,andthatwhichwillsatisfyyouthroughouteternity.

BlessingsinAustralia

BySisterWinnieAndrews,N.Melbourne,Australia

OurBrotherWigglesworthlandedhereFebruary16th,andhadameetingthatverynight.ThedearLordwaspresentandthattoheal.Alittlegirlofsix,havingneverwalked,aftershehadbeenprayedfor,walkedoutofthefrontdoorwithhermother,whowasfullofjoyforwhattheLordhaddoneforherlittleone.Anotherman,whohadbeensufferingwithbadfeetforyearsandwalkedonlywiththeaidofastick,wasinstantlyhealedandhasbeenalongseveraltimestotestifytowhattheLordhasdoneforhim.Manydeafpeoplehavebeendeliveredinanswertotheprayeroffaith.

Onenightadearmanandhiswife,whomhebroughttothemeetinginawheelchair,werebothhealed.Hehadbeensufferingfromdeafnessfortwentyyears,andshehadnotwalkedforoversix-and-a-halfyears.Afterprayer,shegotoutofherchairandwalkedtothestation,withherhusbandpushingtheemptychair.He,too,wasrejoicinginthathewasnowabletohearperfectly.OwhatawonderfulGodwehave.BlessedbeHisholyname!

AttheSundayafternoonservice,adearyoungwomanwhohadbeensufferingwithtuberculosisforthirteenyearsandwhowasinthelaststages,cameleaningonthearmofafriendandwasprayedfor.Atonceshereceivednewlifeandwasperfectlydelivered.Theterribleburningsores,whichwereeatingtheirwayintoherbones,havedriedupandarepeelingoff,andsheis

lookingsowellandhappyandisasstrongascanbe.GlorytoGod!

Lastnightayoungmansufferingfromconsumptionwasprayedforandwasinstantlymadewhole.Oh,ourheartsoverflowatthegloriousthingsGodisdoinginourmidst!

Manyhavebeenhealedofneuritis,heartandlungtrouble,andstiffjoints.Onewomanwhohadnotwalkedfortwenty-twoyearsandcouldnotasmuchasturnherhead—afterprayer—gotoutofbedandwalked.PraiseGod!

—ThePentecostalEvangel,15April1922

3ThePoweroftheName

NowPeterandJohnwentuptogethertothetempleatthehourofprayer,theninthhour.Andacertainmanlamefromhismother’swombwascarried,whomtheylaiddailyatthegateofthetemplewhichiscalledBeautiful,toaskalmsfromthosewhoenteredthetemple;who,seeingPeterandJohnabouttogointothetemple,askedforalms.Andfixinghiseyesonhim,withJohn,Petersaid,“Lookatus.”Sohegavethemhisattention,expectingtoreceivesomething

fromthem.ThenPetersaid,“SilverandgoldIdonothave,butwhatIdohaveIgiveyou:InthenameofJesusChristofNazareth,riseupandwalk.”Andhe

tookhimbytherighthandandliftedhimup,andimmediatelyhisfeetandanklebonesreceivedstrength.Sohe,leapingup,stoodandwalkedandenteredthetemplewiththem;walking,leaping,andpraisingGod.AndallthepeoplesawhimwalkingandpraisingGod.ThentheyknewthatitwashewhosatbeggingalmsattheBeautifulGateofthetemple;andtheywerefilledwithwonderandamazementatwhathadhappenedtohim.NowasthelamemanwhowashealedheldontoPeterandJohn,allthepeoplerantogethertothemintheporchwhichiscalledSolomon’s,greatlyamazed.SowhenPetersawit,herespondedtothepeople:“MenofIsrael,whydoyoumarvelatthis?Orwhylooksointentlyatus,asthoughbyourownpowerorgodlinesswehadmadethismanwalk?TheGodofAbraham,Isaac,andJacob,theGodofourfathers,glorifiedHisServant

Jesus,whomyoudeliveredupanddeniedinthepresenceofPilate,whenhewasdeterminedtoletHimgo.ButyoudeniedtheHolyOneandtheJust,andaskedforamurderertobegrantedtoyou,andkilledthePrinceoflife,whomGod

raisedfromthedead,ofwhichwearewitnesses.AndHisname,throughfaithinHisname,hasmadethismanstrong,whomyouseeandknow.Yes,thefaithwhichcomesthroughHimhasgivenhimthisperfectsoundnessinthepresence

ofyouall.”—Acts3:1–16

AllthingsarepossiblethroughthenameofJesus(Matt.19:26).“GodalsohashighlyexaltedHimandgivenHimthenamewhichisaboveeveryname,thatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow”(Phil.2:9–10).ThereispowertoovercomeeverythingintheworldthroughthenameofJesus.IamlookingforwardtoawonderfulunionthroughthenameofJesus.“Thereisnoothernameunderheavengivenamongmenbywhichwemustbesaved”(Acts4:12).

SpeakingtheNameofJesus

Iwanttoinstillinyouasenseofthepower,thevirtue,andthegloryofthatname.Sixpeoplewentintothehouseofasickmantoprayforhim.HewasaleaderintheEpiscopalChurch,andhelayinhisbedutterlyhelpless,withoutevenstrengthtohelphimself.Hehadreadalittletractabouthealingandhadheardaboutpeopleprayingforthesick.Sohesentforthesefriends,who,hethought,couldpray“theprayeroffaith”(James5:15).HewasanointedaccordingtoJames5:14,butbecausehehadnoimmediatemanifestationofhealing,heweptbitterly.Thesixpeoplewalkedoutoftheroom,somewhatcrestfallentoseethemanlyingthereinanunchangedcondition.

Whentheywereoutside,oneofthesixsaid,“Thereisonethingwecouldhavedone.Iwishyouwouldallgobackwithmeandtryit.”Theyallwentbackandgottogetherinagroup.Thisbrothersaid,“LetuswhisperthenameofJesus.”Atfirst,whentheywhisperedthisworthyname,nothingseemedtohappen.Butastheycontinuedtowhisper“Jesus!Jesus!Jesus!”thepowerbegantofall.WhentheysawthatGodwasbeginningtowork,theirfaithandjoyincreased,andtheywhisperedthenamelouderandlouder.Astheydidso,themanrosefromhisbedanddressedhimself.Thesecretwasjustthis:thosesixpeoplehadgottentheireyesoffthesickmanandweretakenupwiththeLordJesusHimself.TheirfaithgraspedthepowerinHisname.Oh,ifpeoplewouldonlyappreciatethepowerinthisname,thereisnotellingwhatwouldhappen.

IknowthatthroughHisnameandthroughthepowerofHisnamewehaveaccesstoGod.TheveryfaceofJesusfillsthewholeplacewithglory.Allovertheworldtherearepeoplemagnifyingthatname,andoh,whatajoyitisformetoutterit.

RaisingLazarus

OnedayIwentupintothemountainstopray.Ihadawonderfulday.IwasononeofthehighmountainsofWales.IhadheardofonemangoingupontothismountaintoprayandtheSpiritoftheLordmeetinghimsowonderfullythathisfaceshonelikethatofanangelwhenhereturned.Everyoneinthevillagewastalkingaboutit.AsIwentupontothismountainandspentthedayinthepresenceoftheLord,Hiswonderfulpowerseemedtoenvelopandsaturateandfillme.

Twoyearsbeforethistime,therehadcometoourhousetwoladsfromWales.Theywerejustordinarylads,buttheybecameveryzealousforGod.TheycametoourmissionandsawsomeoftheworksofGod.Theysaidtome,“WewouldnotbesurprisediftheLordbringsyoudowntoWalestoraiseourLazarus.”Theyexplainedthattheleaderoftheirchurchwasamanwhohadspenthisdaysworkinginatinmineandhisnightspreaching,andtheresultwasthathehadcollapsedandcontractedtuberculosis.Forfouryearshehadbeenahelplessinvalid,havingtobefedwithaspoon.

WhenIwasuponthatmountaintop,IwasremindedoftheTransfiguration(seeMatthew17:1–8),andIfeltthattheLord’sonlypurposeintakingusintothegloryistoprepareusforgreaterusefulnessinthevalley.

InterpretationofTongues

ThelivingGodhaschosenusforHisdivineinheritance,andHeitiswhoispreparingusforourministry,thatitmaybeofGodandnotofman.

AsIwasonthemountaintopthatday,theLordsaidtome,“IwantyoutogoandraiseLazarus.”

Itoldthebrotherwhohadaccompaniedmeaboutthis,andwhenwegotdowntothevalley,Iwroteapostcard.Itread,“WhenIwasuponthemountainprayingtoday,GodtoldmethatIwastogoandraiseLazarus.”Iaddressedthepostcardtothemanwhosenamehadbeengiventomebythetwolads.

Whenwearrivedattheplace,wewenttothemantowhomIhadaddressedthepostcard.Helookedatmeandasked,“Didyousendthis?”

“Yes,”Ireplied.

Hesaid,“Doyouthinkwebelieveinthis?Here,takeit.”Andhethrewitatme.

Themancalledaservantandsaid,“TakethismanandshowhimLazarus.”Thenhesaidtome,“Themomentyouseehim,youwillbereadytogohome.Nothingwillkeepyouhere.”Andeverythinghesaidwastruefromthenaturalstandpoint.Themanwashelpless.Hewasnothingbutamassofboneswithskinstretchedoverthem.Therewasnolifetobeseen.Everythinginhimspokeofdecay.

Isaidtohim,“Willyoushout?YourememberthatatJerichothepeopleshoutedwhilethewallswerestillup.Godhasasimilarvictoryforyouifyouwillonlybelieve.”ButIcouldnotgethimtobelieve.Therewasnotanatomoffaiththere.Hehadmadeuphismindnottohaveanything.

ItisablessedthingtolearnthatGod’sWordcanneverfail.Neverlistentohumanplans.GodcanworkmightilywhenyoupersistinbelievingHiminspiteofdiscouragementfromthehumanstandpoint.WhenIgotbacktothemantowhomIhadsentthepostcard,heasked,“Areyoureadytogonow?”

IamnotmovedbywhatIsee.IammovedonlybywhatIbelieve.Iknowthis:nomanlooksatthecircumstancesifhebelieves.Nomanreliesonhisfeelingsifhebelieves.ThemanwhobelievesGodhashisrequest.EverymanwhocomesintothePentecostalconditioncanlaughatallthingsandbelieveGod.

ThereissomethinginthePentecostalworkthatisdifferentfromanythingelseintheworld.Somehow,inPentecostyouknowthatGodisareality.WherevertheHolySpirithastheright-of-way,thegiftsoftheSpiritwillbeinmanifestation.Wherethesegiftsareneverinmanifestation,IquestionwhetherHeispresent.PentecostalpeoplearespoiledforanythingotherthanPentecostalmeetings.Wewantnoneoftheentertainmentsthatotherchurchesareoffering.WhenGodcomesin,HeentertainsusHimself.WeareentertainedbytheKingofKingsandLordofLords!Oh,itiswonderful.

ThereweredifficultconditionsinthatWelshvillage,anditseemedimpossibletogetthepeopletobelieve.“Readytogohome?”Iwasasked.Butamanandawomanthereaskedustocomeandstaywiththem.

Isaidtothepeople,“Iwanttoknowhowmanyofyoupeoplecanpray.”Noonewantedtopray.IaskedifIcouldgetsevenpeopletopraywithmeforthepoorman’sdeliverance.Isaidtothetwopeopleweweretostaywith,“Iwillcountonyoutwo,andthereismyfriendandmyself.Weneedthreeothers.”ItoldthepeopleItrustedthatsomeofthemwouldawakentotheirprivilegeandcomeinthemorningandjoinusinprayerfortheraisingofLazarus.Itwillneverdotogivewaytohumanopinions.IfGodsaysathing,youaretobelieveit.

ItoldthepeoplethatIwouldnoteatanythingthatnight.WhenIgottobed,it

seemedasifthedeviltriedtoplaceonmeeverythingthathehadplacedonthatpoormanonthesickbed.WhenIawokeinthemiddleofthenight,Ihadacoughandalltheweaknessofamanwithtuberculosis.IrolledoutofbedontothefloorandcriedouttoGodtodelivermefromthepowerofthedevil.Ishoutedloudenoughtowakeeverybodyinthehouse,butnobodywasdisturbed.Godgavethevictory,andIgotbackintobedagainasfreeasIhadeverbeeninmylife.Atfiveo’clocktheLordawakenedmeandsaidtome,“Don’tbreakbreaduntilyoubreakitaroundMytable.”Atsixo’clockHegavemethesewords:“AndIwillraisehimup”(John6:40).

Ielbowedthefellowwhowassleepinginthesameroom.Hesaid,“Ugh!”Ielbowedhimagainandsaid,“Doyouhear?TheLordsaysHewillraisehimup.”

Ateighto’clocktheysaidtome,“Havealittlerefreshment.”ButIhavefoundprayerandfastingthegreatestjoy,andyouwillalwaysfinditsowhenyouareledbyGod.

WhenwewenttothehousewhereLazaruslived,therewereeightofusaltogether.NoonecanprovetomethatGoddoesnotalwaysanswerprayer.Healwaysdoesmorethanthat.Healwaysgives“exceedinglyabundantlyaboveallthatweaskorthink”(Eph.3:20).

IwillneverforgethowthepowerofGodfellonusaswewentintothatsickman’sroom.Oh,itwaslovely!Aswemadeacirclearoundthebed,Igotonebrothertoholdthesickman’shandononeside,andIheldtheother,andweeachheldthehandofthepersonnexttous.Isaid,“Wearenotgoingtopray;wearejustgoingtousethenameofJesus.”

Weallkneltdownandwhisperedthatoneword,“Jesus!Jesus!Jesus!”ThepowerofGodfell,andthenitlifted.FivetimesthepowerofGodfell,andthenitremained.Butthemaninthebedwasunmoved.

Twoyearspreviously,someonehadcomealongandhadtriedtoraisehimup,andthedevilhadusedhislackofsuccessasameansofdiscouragingLazarus.Isaid,“Idon’tcarewhatthedevilsays.IfGodsaysHewillraiseyouup,itmustbeso.ForgeteverythingelseexceptwhatGodsaysaboutJesus.”

Asixthtimethepowerfell,andthesickman’slipsbeganmoving,andthe

tearsbegantofall.Isaidtohim,“ThepowerofGodishere;itisyourstoaccept.”

Hesaid,“Ihavebeenbitterinmyheart,andIknowIhavegrievedtheSpiritofGod.HereIam,helpless.Icannotliftmyhandsorevenliftaspoontomymouth.”

Isaid,“Repent,andGodwillhearyou.”

Herepentedandcriedout,“OGod,letthisbetoYourglory.”Ashesaidthis,thepoweroftheLordwentrightthroughhim.

IhaveaskedtheLordnevertoletmetellthisstoryexceptthewayithappened,forIrealizethatGodcanneverblessexaggerations.Asweagainsaid,“Jesus!Jesus!Jesus!”thebedshook,andthemanshook.

Isaidtothepeoplewhowerewithme,“Youcanallgodownstairsnow.ThisisallGod.I’mnotgoingtoassisthim.”Isatandwatchedthatmangetupanddresshimself.Wesangthedoxologyashewalkeddownthesteps.Isaidtohim,“Now,gotellwhathashappened.”

ThenewssoonspreadeverywherethatLazarushadbeenraisedup.PeoplecamefromLlanellyandthesurroundingdistricttoseehimandtohearhistestimony.Godbroughtsalvationtomany.Rightoutintheopenair,thismantoldwhatGodhaddone,andasaresult,manywereconvictedandconverted.AllthisoccurredthroughthenameofJesus,“throughfaithinHisname”(Acts3:16).Yes,thefaiththatisbyHimgavethissickmanperfectsoundnessinthepresenceofthemall.

ALameManHealed

InthepassagefromthethirdchapterofActs,wereadthatPeterandJohnwerehelplessanduneducated.Theyhadnocollegeeducation.Nevertheless,theyhadbeenwithJesus.TothemhadcomeawonderfulrevelationofthepowerofthenameofJesus.TheyhadhandedoutthebreadandfishafterJesushadmultipliedthem.TheyhadsatatthetablewithHim,andJohnhadoftengazedintoHisface.JesusoftenhadhadtorebukePeter,butHehadmanifestedHislovetohimthroughitall.Yes,HelovedPeter,thewaywardone.

Oh,He’salovingSavior!Ihavebeenwaywardandstubborn.Ihadan

unmanageabletemperatonetime,buthowpatientHehasbeen.IamheretotellyouthatthereispowerinJesusandinHiswondrousnametotransformanyone,tohealanyone.

IfonlyyouwillseeHimasGod’sLamb,asGod’sbelovedSon,uponwhomwaslaid“theiniquityofusall”(Isa.53:6).IfonlyyouwillseethatJesuspaidthewholepriceforourredemptionsothatwemightbefree.Thenyoucanenterintoyourpurchasedinheritanceofsalvation,oflife,andofpower.

PoorPeterandJohn!Theyhadnomoney.Buttheyhadfaith;theyhadthepoweroftheHolySpirit;theyhadGod.YoucanhaveGodeventhoughyouhavenothingelse.Evenifyouhavelostyourcharacter,youcanhaveGod.IhaveseentheworstmensavedbythepowerofGod.

DealingwithaPotentialMurderer

IwaspreachingonedayaboutthenameofJesus,andtherewasamanleaningagainstalamppost,listening.Heneededthelampposttoenablehimtostayonhisfeet.Wehadfinishedouropen-airmeeting,andthemanwasstillleaningagainstthelamppost.Iaskedhim,“Areyousick?”Heshowedmehishand,andIsawthatheheldasilver-handleddaggerinsidehiscoat.Hetoldmethathehadbeenonhiswaytokillhisunfaithfulwife,butthathehadheardmespeakingaboutthepowerofthenameofJesusandcouldnotgetaway.Hesaidthathefeltjusthelpless.Isaid,“Kneeldown.”Thereonthesquare,withpeoplepassingbackandforth,hegotsaved.

Itookhimtomyhomeandclothedhimwithanewsuit.IsawthattherewassomethinginthatmanthatGodcoulduse.Hesaidtomethenextmorning,“GodhasrevealedJesustome.IseethatallhasbeenlaiduponJesus.”Ilenthimsomemoney,andhesoongottogetherawonderfullittlehome.Hisfaithlesswifewaslivingwithanotherman,butheinvitedherbacktothehomethathehadpreparedforher.Shecame.Whereenmityandhatredhadbeenbefore,thewholesituationwastransformedbylove.Godmadethatmanaministerwhereverhewent.

EverywherethereispowerinthenameofJesus.Godcan“savetotheuttermost”(Heb.7:25).

An“Incurable”ManHealed

TherecomestomindameetingwehadinStockholmthatIwillalwaysremember.Therewasahomeforincurablesthere,andoneofthepatientswasbroughttothemeeting.Hehadpalsyandwasshakingallover.Hestoodupinfrontofthreethousandpeopleandcametotheplatform,supportedbytwoothers.ThepowerofGodfellonhimasIanointedhiminthenameofJesus.ThemomentItouchedhim,hedroppedhiscrutchesandbegantowalkinthenameofJesus.Hewalkeddownthestepsandaroundthatgreatbuildinginviewofallthepeople.ThereisnothingthatourGodcannotdo.Hewilldoeverythingifyouwilldaretobelieve.

Someonesaidtome,“Willyougotothishomeforincurables?”Theytookmethereonmyrestday.Theybroughtoutthesickpeopleintoagreatcorridor,andinonehourtheLordsetabouttwentyofthemfree.

ThenameofJesusissomarvelous.PeterandJohnhadnoconceptionofallthatwasinthatname;neitherhadthemanwhohadbeenlamefromhismother’swomb,whowaslaiddailyatthegate.Buttheyhadfaithtosay,“InthenameofJesusChristofNazareth,riseupandwalk”(Acts3:6).AndasPeter“tookhimbytherighthandandliftedhimup,…immediatelyhisfeetandanklebonesreceivedstrength”(v.7),andhewentintothetemplewiththem,walkingandleapingandpraisingGod.Godwantsyoutoseemoreofthissortofthingdone.Howcanitbedone?Through“Hisname,throughfaithinHisname”(v.16);throughfaiththatisbyHim.

RevivalsinScandinavia

ByAnnaLewini

ThewriterhadtheprivilegeforthreemonthsoneyearofbeinginthecenterofMr.SmithWigglesworth’smeetingsinbothSwedenandDenmark.Itwasatimeofvisitationfromonhigh.IestimatethathundredsofpeoplereceivedJesusastheirSavior;thousandswerehealedfromallkindsofdiseases;alsothousandsofbelieversawoketoanewkindoflife;andmany,manyreceivedthebaptismoftheHolySpiritasontheDayofPentecost.ForallthiswegiveglorytoJesus.Hereareafewexamplesofmiraclesmyeyeshaveseen.

ItwasinOrebro,Sweden,whereatthattimetherewasheldaPentecostalConvention.Icametoseekhelpmyself,beingwornoutwithlong,unbrokenserviceintheLord’swork.Thenextdaytherewasameetingforhealing.After

thepreachingservice,Iwentforwardintotheotherhall,andIwassurprisedtofindacrowdfollowinginafewminutes.ThehallwassoonfullwithhundredsofmenandwomenpatientlywaitingforatouchfromGodthroughHisservant.GlorytoGod,wewerenotdisappointed.Ashandswerelaiduponme,thepowerofGodwentthroughmeinamightyway.Iwasimmediatelywell.

Itwaswonderfultonotice,astheministrycontinued,theeffectuponthepeopleasthepowerofGodcameoverthem.Someliftedtheirhands,crying,“Iamhealed!Iamhealed!”SomefellontheplatformunderthepoweroftheSpirit,havingtobehelpeddown.Otherswalkedawayasinadream;othersasifdrunkwithnewwine,losttoeverythingbutGod;butallhadfacestransfiguredwiththegloryoftheLordandmagnifyingJesus.Ayoungblindgirl,asshewasministeredto,criedout,“Oh,howmanywindowsthereareinthishall!”Duringthethreeweeksthemeetingscontinued,thegreatchapelwascrowdeddaily,multitudesbeinghealed,andmanysaved.Thetestimonymeetingswerewonderful.Onesaid,“Iwasdeaf,theyprayed,andJesushealedme.”Another,“Ihadconsumption,andIamfree.”Andsoon.

AtSkofde,inthesmallerhall,setapartforthoseseekingthebaptismoftheHolySpirit,Ishallneverforgetthesight,howthepeoplewitheyesclosedandheartsupliftedtoGodwaited.DidtheHolySpiritfallonthem?Ofcourse,Hedid.Herealsomanywerehealed.Atanotherplacetherewasayoungmanwhosebodywasspoiledbecauseofsin,buttheLordismercifulwithsinners.Hewasanointed,andwhenhandswerelaidon,thepowerofGodwentmightilyoverhim.Hesaid,“Iamhealed,”butbeingbrokendownasalittlechild,confessinghissin;atthesamemomenttheLordsavedhim.GlorytoGod!Hewentintothelargehallandtestifiedtosalvationandhealing.

AtStockholm,longlineswaitedforhourstogetin.Thehallheldeighteenhundredpeople.Atnearlyeverymeeting,crowdswereunabletoenterthebuilding,buttheywaitedon,oftenhoursandhours,forthechance,ifanyleftthebuilding,tostepintotheplace.Herewasamanwithtwocrutches,hiswholebodyshakingwithpalsy,ashewasliftedontotheplatform.(Behindhimfiveorsixhundredmorewerewaitingforhelp.)ThismanwasanointedandhandswerelaidonhiminthenameofJesus.Hewasstillshaking.Thenhedroppedonecrutch,andafterashorttimetheotherone.Hisbodywasstillshaking,buthetookthefirststepoutinfaith.Woulditbe?Heliftedonefootandthentheother,walkedaroundtheplatform.Theonlookersrejoicedwithhim.Thenhewalked

aroundtheauditorium.Hallelujah!

Duringthemeetingawomanbegantoshoutandshout.Thepreachertoldhertobequiet,butinsteadshejumpeduponachair,flourishingherarmsaboutandcrying,“Iamhealed!Iamhealed!Ihadcancerinmymouth,andIwasunsaved;butduringthemeeting,asIlistenedtotheWordofGod,theLordsavedmeandhealedmeofcancerinmymouth.”Sheshoutedagain,“Iamsaved!Iamhealedofcancer!”Shewasquitebesideherself.Thepeoplelaughedandcriedtogether.

Herewasanotherwomanunabletowalk,sittinginachairasshewasministeredto.Herexperiencewasthesameashundredsofothers.Sheroseup,lookingaroundandwonderingif,afterall,itwasadream.Suddenlyshelaughedandsaid,“Mylegishealed.”Afterward,shesaid,“Iamnotsaved,”andstreamsoftearsrandownherface.Theyprayedforher,andlatersheleftthemeeting,healedandsavedandfullofjoy.WehaveawonderfulSavior.GlorytoHisholyname!

OutofmanymiraclesinNorway,IquotetwotakenfromPastorBarratt’spaper,KorsetsSeir(TheVictoryoftheCross).Amanandhissoncameinataxitothemeeting.Bothhadcrutches.Thefatherhadbeeninbedfortwoyearsandwasunabletoputhislegontheground.Hewasministeredtofirst.Hedroppedbothcrutches,walkingandpraisingGod.Whenthesonsawthis,hecriedout,“Helpme,too,”andafteralittlewhilethefatherandtheson,withoutcrutchesandwithoutataxi,walkedawayfromthehalltogether.TheWordagainismanifested;thesameJesus,thewonder-workingJesus,isjustthesametoday.

NowCopenhagen,myhomeland!Duringthreeweeks,thousandsdailyattendedthemeetings.Eachmorningtwoorthreehundredwereministeredtoforhealing.Eacheveningtheplatformwassurrounded.Againandagain,aseachthrongretired,anothercompanycameforwardseekingsalvation.HeremanywerebaptizedintheHolySpirit.Thetestimonymeetingswerewonderful.

NowIwillclosewithavisiongiventoabrotherwhoattendedthesemeetings.Hewaslostinintercessionforthehundredsofsickwaitingtobeministeredtoforhealing.Hesawanopeningfromtheplatform,wherethesickwere,rightintoglory.Hesawwonderfulbeingsintheformofmenresting,wholookedonwithinterest.AgainhelookedattheplatformandsawaheavenlyBeingclothedinwhite,whoallthetimewasmoreactivethananyotherinhelpingthesick,andwhenHetouchedthem,theeffectwaswonderful.Bent

formsweremadestraight,theireyesshone,andtheybegantoglorifyandpraisetheLord.AVoicesaid,“Healingsarethesmallestofthegifts;itisbutadropinthebucketinviewofwhatGodhasinstoreforHischildren.Youshalldogreaterworksthanthese.”

—fromConfidence

4“DoYouWanttoBeMadeWell?”

AfterthistherewasafeastoftheJews,andJesuswentuptoJerusalem.NowthereisinJerusalembytheSheepGateapool,whichiscalledinHebrew,Bethesda,havingfiveporches.Intheselayagreatmultitudeofsickpeople,blind,lame,paralyzed,waitingforthemovingofthewater.Foranangelwentdownatacertaintimeintothepoolandstirredupthewater;thenwhoever

steppedinfirst,afterthestirringofthewater,wasmadewellofwhateverdiseasehehad.

Nowacertainmanwastherewhohadaninfirmitythirty-eightyears.WhenJesussawhimlyingthere,andknewthathealreadyhadbeeninthatconditiona

longtime,Hesaidtohim,“Doyouwanttobemadewell?”ThesickmanansweredHim,“Sir,Ihavenomantoputmeintothepoolwhenthewaterisstirredup;butwhileIamcoming,anotherstepsdownbeforeme.”Jesussaidtohim,“Rise,takeupyourbedandwalk.”Andimmediatelythemanwasmadewell,tookuphisbed,andwalked.AndthatdaywastheSabbath.TheJews

thereforesaidtohimwhowascured,“ItistheSabbath;itisnotlawfulforyoutocarryyourbed.”Heansweredthem,“Hewhomademewellsaidtome,‘Takeupyourbedandwalk’”Thentheyaskedhim,“WhoistheManwhosaidtoyou,‘Takeupyourbedandwalk’?”Buttheonewhowashealeddidnotknowwhoit

was,forJesushadwithdrawn,amultitudebeinginthatplace.

AfterwardJesusfoundhiminthetemple,andsaidtohim,“See,youhavebeenmadewell.Sinnomore,lestaworsethingcomeuponyou.”ThemandepartedandtoldtheJewsthatitwasJesuswhohadmadehimwell.ForthisreasontheJewspersecutedJesus,andsoughtto

killHim,becauseHehaddonethesethingsontheSabbath.ButJesusansweredthem,“MyFatherhasbeenworkinguntilnow,andIhavebeenworking.”

ThereforetheJewssoughtallthemoretokillHim,becauseHenotonlybroketheSabbath,butalsosaidthatGodwasHisFather,makingHimselfequalwith

God.ThenJesusansweredandsaidtothem,“Mostassuredly,Isaytoyou,theSoncandonothingofHimself,butwhatHeseestheFather

do;forwhateverHedoes,theSonalsodoesinlikemanner.FortheFatherlovestheSon,andshowsHimallthings

thatHeHimselfdoes;andHewillshowHimgreaterworksthanthese,thatyoumaymarvel.ForastheFatherraisesthedeadand

giveslifetothem,evensotheSongiveslifetowhomHewill.FortheFatherjudgesnoone,

buthascommittedalljudgmenttotheSon,thatallshouldhonortheSonjustastheyhonortheFather.Hewho

doesnothonortheSondoesnothonortheFatherwhosentHim.Mostassuredly,Isaytoyou,hewhohearsMy

wordandbelievesinHimwhosentMehaseverlastinglife,andshallnotcomeintojudgment,buthaspassedfromdeathintolife.”

—John5:1–24IbelievetheWordofGodissopowerfulthatitcantransformanyandevery

life.ThereispowerinGod’sWordtomakethatwhichdoesnotexisttoappear.ThereisexecutivepowerinthewordsthatproceedfromHislips.Thepsalmisttoldus,“HesentHisWordandhealedthem”(Ps.107:20).DoyouthinktheWordhasdiminishedinitspower?Itellyou,ithasnot.God’sWordcanbringthingstopasstodayasitdidinthepast.

Thepsalmistsaid,“BeforeIwasafflictedIwentastray,butnowIkeepYourword”(Ps.119:67).Andagain,“ItisgoodformethatIhavebeenafflicted,thatImaylearnYourstatutes”(v.71).Ifourafflictionswillbringustotheplacewhereweseethatwecannot“livebybreadalone,butbyeverywordthatproceedsfromthemouthofGod”(Matt.4:4),theywillhaveservedablessedpurpose.Iwantyoutorealizethatthereisalifeofpurity,alifemadecleanthroughtheWordHehasspoken,inwhich,throughfaith,youcanglorifyGodwithabodythatisfreefromsickness,aswellaswithaspiritsetfreefromsatanicbondage.

AroundthepoolofBethesdalayagreatmultitudeofsickfolk—blind,lame,paralyzed—waitingforthemovingofthewater.DidJesushealallofthem?No,Heleftmanyaroundthatpoolunhealed.Undoubtedly,manyhadtheireyesonthepoolandhadnoeyesforJesus.Therearemanytodaywhoalwayshavetheirconfidenceinthingstheycansee.IftheywouldonlygettheireyesonGod

insteadofonnaturalthings,howquicklytheywouldbehelped.

TheBreadofHealing

Thefollowingquestionarises:Aresalvationandhealingforall?Theyareforallwhowillpressrightinandclaimtheirportion.DoyourememberthecaseofthatSyro-Phoenicianwomanwhowantedthedemoncastoutofherdaughter?Jesussaidtoher,“Letthechildrenbefilledfirst,foritisnotgoodtotakethechildren’sbreadandthrowittothelittledogs”(Mark7:27).NotethathealinganddeliveranceareherespokenofbytheMasteras“thechildren’sbread”;therefore,ifyouareachildofGod,youcansurelypressinforyourportion.

TheSyro-PhoenicianwomanpurposedtogetfromtheLordwhatshewasafter,andshesaid,“Yes,Lord,yeteventhelittledogsunderthetableeatfromthechildren’scrumbs”(v.28).JesuswasstirredasHesawthiswoman’sfaith,andHetoldher,“Forthissayinggoyourway;thedemonhasgoneoutofyourdaughter”(v.29).

TodaymanychildrenofGodarerefusingtheirblood-purchasedportionofhealthinChristandarethrowingitaway.Meanwhile,sinnersarepressingthrough,pickingitupfromunderthetable,andfindingthecure,notonlyfortheirbodies,butalsofortheirspiritsandsouls.TheSyro-Phoenicianwomanwenthomeandfoundthatthedemonhadindeedgoneoutofherdaughter.Todaythereisbread—thereislifeandhealth—foreverychildofGodthroughHispowerfulWord.

TheWordcandriveeverydiseaseawayfromyourbody.HealingisyourportioninChrist,whoHimselfisourbread,ourlife,ourhealth,ourAllinAll.Thoughyoumaybedeepinsin,youcancometoHiminrepentance,andHewillforgiveandcleanseandhealyou.Hiswordsarespiritandlifetothosewhowillreceivethem(John6:63–64).ThereisapromiseinthelastverseofJoelthatsays,“IwillcleansetheirbloodthatIhavenotcleansed”(Joel3:21kjv).ThisasmuchassaysthatHewillprovidenewlifewithin.ThelifeofJesusChrist,God’sSon,cansopurifypeople’sheartsandmindsthattheybecomeentirelytransformed—spirit,soul,andbody.

ThesickfolkweregatheredaroundthepoolofBethesda,andoneparticularmanhadbeentherealongtime.Hisinfirmitywasofthirty-eightyears’standing.Nowandagainanopportunitytobehealedwouldcomeastheangelstirredthe

waters,buthewouldbesickatheartashesawanotherstepinandbehealedbeforehim.ThenonedayJesuswaspassingthatway,andseeinghimlyingthereinthatsadcondition,Heasked,“Doyouwanttobemadewell?”Jesussaidit,andHiswordsarefromeverlastingtoeverlasting.TheseareHiswordstodaytoyou,triedandtestedone.Youmaysay,likethispoorsickman,“Ihavemissedeveryopportunityupuntilnow.”Nevermindthat.“Doyouwanttobemadewell?”

IsIttheLord’sWill?

Ivisitedawomanwhohadbeensufferingformanyyears.Shewasalltwistedupwithrheumatismandhadbeeninbedtwoyears.Iaskedher,“Whatmakesyouliehere?”

Shesaid,“I’vecometotheconclusionthatIhaveathornintheflesh.”

Isaid,“Towhatwonderfuldegreeofrighteousnesshaveyouattainedthatyoumusthaveathornintheflesh?Haveyouhadsuchanabundanceofdivinerevelationsthatthereisadangerofyourbeingexaltedabovemeasure?”(See2Corinthians12:7–9.)

Shesaid,“IbelieveitistheLordwhoiscausingmetosuffer.”

Isaid,“YoubelieveitistheLord’swillforyoutosuffer,butyouaretryingtogetoutofitasquicklyasyoucan.Youhavemedicinebottlesallaround.Getoutofyourhidingplace,andconfessthatyouareasinner.Ifyou’llgetridofyourself-righteousness,Godwilldosomethingforyou.DroptheideathatyouaresoholythatGodhastoafflictyou.Sinisthecauseofyoursickness,notrighteousness.Diseaseisnotcausedbyrighteousness,butbysin.”

ThereishealingthroughthebloodofChristanddeliveranceforeverycaptive.GodneverintendedHischildrentoliveinmiserybecauseofsomeafflictionthatcomesstraightfromthedevil.AperfectatonementwasmadeatCalvary.IbelievethatJesusboremysins,andIamfreefromthemall.IamjustifiedfromallthingsifIdaretobelieve(Acts13:39).“HeHimselftookourinfirmitiesandboreoursicknesses”(Matt.8:17),andifIdaretobelieve,Icanbehealed.

Seethishelplessmanatthepool.Jesusaskedhim,“Doyouwanttobemadewell?”Buttherewasadifficultyintheway.Themanhadoneeyeonthepool

andoneeyeonJesus.Today,manypeoplearegettingcross-eyedinthesameway.TheyhaveoneeyeonthedoctorandoneonJesus.IfyouwilllookonlytoChristandputbothofyoureyesonHim,youcanbemadeeverybitwhole—spirit,soul,andbody.ItisthepromiseofthelivingGodthatthosewho“believearejustified[madefreeorinnocent]fromallthings”(Acts13:39).And“iftheSonmakesyoufree,youshallbefreeindeed”(John8:36).

Yousay,“Oh,ifIcouldonlybelieve!”Jesusunderstands.Heknewthatthehelplessmanhadbeeninthatconditionforalongtime.Heisfullofcompassion.Heknowsaboutthatkidneytrouble;Heknowsaboutthosecorns;Heknowsaboutthatneuralgia.ThereisnothingHedoesnotknow.

HeonlywantsachancetoshowHimselfmercifulandgracioustoyou,butHewantstoencourageyoutobelieveHim.Ifyoucanonlybelieve,youcanbesavedandhealedrightnow.DaretobelievethatJesuswaswoundedforyourtransgressions,wasbruisedforyouriniquities,waschastisedthatyoumighthavepeace,andthatbyHisstripesthereishealingforyouhereandnow(Isa.53:5).YouhavesufferedandfailedbecauseyouhavenotbelievedHim.CryouttoHimevennow,“Lord,Ibelieve;helpmyunbelief!”(Mark9:24).

IwasinLongBeach,California,oneday.Iwaswithafriend,andwewerepassingbyahotel.Hetoldmeofadoctortherewhohadadiseasedleg.Hehadbeensufferingfromitforsixyearsandcouldnotgetaround.Wewentuptohisroomandfoundfourotherdoctorsthere.Isaid,“Well,doctor,Iseeyouhaveplentygoingon.I’llcomeagainanotherday.”

Iwaspassingbyanothertime,andtheSpiritsaid,“Goseehim.”Poordoctor!Hesurelywasinpoorshape.

Hesaid,“Ihavebeenlikethisforsixyears,andnobodycanhelpme.”

Isaid,“YouneedalmightyGod.”

Peoplearetryingtopatchuptheirlives,buttheycannotdoanythingwithoutGod.ItalkedtohimforawhileabouttheLordandthenprayedforhim.

Icried,“ComeoutofhiminthenameofJesus.”

Thedoctorcried,“It’sallgone!”

Oh,ifweonlyknewJesus!OnetouchofHismightmeetstheneedofeverycrookedthing.ThetroubleisgettingpeopletobelieveHim.Thesimplicityofthissalvationiswonderful.OnetouchoflivingfaithinHimisallthatisrequiredforwholenesstobeyourportion.

IwasinLongBeachaboutsixweekslater,andthesickwerecomingforprayer.Amongthosefillinguptheaislewasthedoctor.Isaid,“Whatisthetrouble?”

Hesaid,“Diabetes,butitwillbeallrighttonight.Iknowitwillbeallright.”

ThereisnosuchthingastheLord’snotmeetingyourneed.Therearenoifsormays;Hispromisesareallshalls.“Allthingsarepossibletohimwhobelieves”(Mark9:23).Oh,thenameofJesus!Thereispowerinthatnametomeeteveryhumanneed.

Atthatmeetingtherewasanoldmanhelpinghissontothealtar.Hesaid,“Hehasfits—manyeveryday.”Thentherewasawomanwithcancer.Oh,whatsinhasdone!

WereadthatwhenGodbroughtforthHispeoplefromEgypt,“therewasnotonefeeblepersonamongtheirtribes”(Ps.105:37kjv).Nodisease!AllwerehealedbythepowerofGod!IbelievethatGodwantsapeoplelikethattoday.

Iprayedforthewomanwhohadthecancer,andshesaid,“IknowI’mfreeandthatGodhasdeliveredme.”Thentheybroughttheboywiththefits,andIcommandedtheevilspiritstoleaveinthenameofJesus.ThenIprayedforthedoctor.

Atthenextnight’smeetingthehousewasfull.Icalledout,“Now,doctor,whataboutthediabetes?”

Hesaid,“Itisgone.”

ThenIsaidtotheoldman,“Whataboutyourson?”

Hesaid,“Hehasn’thadanyfitssince.”

WehaveaGodwhoanswersprayer.

SinandSickness

Jesusintendedthismanatthepooltobeatestimonyforever.WhenhehadbotheyesonJesus,Hesaidtohim,“Dotheimpossiblething.‘Rise,takeupyourbedandwalk.’”Jesusoncecalledonamanwithawitheredhandtodotheimpossible—tostretchforthhishand.Themandidtheimpossiblething.Hestretchedouthishand,anditwasmadecompletelywhole.(SeeMatthew12:10–13.)

Inthesameway,thishelplessmanbegantorise,andhefoundthepowerofGodmovingwithinhim.Hewrappeduphisbedandbegantowalkoff.ItwastheSabbathday,andthereweresomefolkswho,becausetheythoughtmuchmoreofadaythantheydidoftheLord,begantomakeafuss.WhenthepowerofGodisbeingmanifested,aprotestwillalwayscomefromsomehypocrites.Jesusknewallaboutwhatthemanwasgoingthroughandmethisneedagain.ThistimeHesaidtohim,“See,youhavebeenmadewell.Sinnomore,lestaworsethingcomeuponyou.”

Thereisacloserelationshipbetweensinandsickness.Howmanyknowthattheirsicknessesareadirectresultofsin?Ihopethatnoonewillcometobeprayedforwhoislivinginsin.ButifyouwillobeyGodandrepentofyoursinandstopit,Godwillmeetyou,andneitheryoursicknessnoryoursinwillremain.“Theprayeroffaithwillsavethesick,andtheLordwillraisehimup.Andifhehascommittedsins,hewillbeforgiven”(James5:15).

FaithisjusttheopendoorthroughwhichtheLordcomes.Donotsay,“Iwassavedbyfaith”or“Iwashealedbyfaith.”Faithdoesnotsaveandheal.Godsavesandhealsthroughthatopendoor.Youbelieve,andthepowerofChristcomes.SalvationandhealingareforthegloryofGod.IamherebecauseGodhealedmewhenIwasdying;andIhavebeenaroundtheworldpreachingthisfullredemption,doingallIcantobringglorytothewonderfulnameofJesus,throughwhomIwashealed.

“Sinnomore,lestaworsethingcomeuponyou”(John5:14).TheLordtoldusinanotherplaceaboutanevilspiritgoingoutofaman.Thehousethattheevilspiritleftgotallsweptandputinorder,butitreceivednonewoccupant.Theevilspirit,withsevenotherspiritsmorewickedthanhimself,wentbacktothatunoccupiedhouse,and“thelaststateofthatman[was]worsethanthefirst”(Matt.12:45).

TheLorddoesnothealyoutogotoabaseballgameortoaracetrack.He

healsyouforHisglorysothatfromthatmomentyourlifewillglorifyHim.However,thismanremainedatastandstill.HedidnotmagnifyGod.HedidnotseektobefilledwiththeSpirit.Andhislaststatebecame“worsethanthefirst.”

TheLordwantstosocleansethemotivesanddesiresofourheartsthatwewillseekonethingonly,andthatisHisglory.Iwenttoacertainplaceoneday,andtheLordsaid,“ThisisforMyglory.”Ayoungmanhadbeensickforalongtime.Hehadbeenconfinedtohisbedinanutterlyhopelesscondition.Hewasfedwithaspoonandwasneverdressed.Theweatherwasdamp,soIsaidtothepeopleinthehouse,“Iwishyouwouldputtheyoungman’sclothesbythefiretoair.”Atfirsttheywouldnottakeanynoticeofmyrequest,butbecauseIwaspersistent,theyatlastgotouthisclothes.Whentheyhadbeenaired,Itookthemintohisroom.

TheLordsaidtome,“Youwillhavenothingtodowiththis,”andIjustlayprostrateonthefloor.TheLordshowedmethatHewasgoingtoshaketheplacewithHisglory.Theverybedshook.IlaidmyhandsontheyoungmaninthenameofJesus,andthepowerfellinsuchawaythatIfellwithmyfacetothefloor.

Inaboutaquarterofanhour,theyoungmangotupandwalkedbackandforthpraisingGod.Hedressedhimselfandthenwentouttotheroomwherehisfatherandmotherwere.Hesaid,“Godhashealedme.”BoththefatherandmotherfellprostratetothefloorasthepowerofGodsurgedthroughthatroom.

Therewasawomaninthathousewhohadbeeninanasylumforlunacy,andherconditionwassobadthattheywereabouttotakeherback.ButthepowerofGodhealedher,too.

ThepowerofGodisjustthesametodayasitwasinthepast.Menneedtobetakenbacktotheoldpaths,totheold-timefaith,tobelievingGod’sWordandevery“ThussaystheLord”init.TheSpiritoftheLordismovinginthesedays.Godiscomingforth.Ifyouwanttobeintherisingtide,youmustacceptallGodhassaid.

“Doyouwanttobemadewell?”(John5:6).ItisJesuswhoasksthisquestion.GiveHimyouranswer.Hewillhear,andHewillanswer.

BlessinginAustralia

ThefollowingarticleisbySisterWinnieAndrewsfromMelbourne,Australia,inconnectionwithBrotherWigglesworth’sministrythere.

Ayoungwomandeclared:“IwasbroughttolastSunday’smeetingapoor,dyingwoman,withadiseasethatwaseatingintoeverypartofmybeing.Iwasfullofcorruptionoutsideaswellasin;buttheLordJesusChristcameandloosedmeandsetmefree.SincethenIhavesleptbetterandhaveeatenmoreheartilythanIhaveforeightyears.”

ThepresidentoftheMethodistLocalPreachers’Associationtestifiedtohavingbeendeliveredfromnervoustrouble.

Mr.Solglush,aprominentbusinessman,testifiedtodeliverancefromanafflictionofthefeetthathehadsufferedfromsincehewastwoyearsold—nowheisfifty-two.“SinceIwasprayedforinthenameofJesus,allpainisgone.Noonehaseverseenmedothis(stampinghisfeet).Ihavenouseformystick.”

Aladysaid:“Whilesittinginmyseat,listeningtotheWord,Godhealedmeoflivertrouble,gallstones,andsciatica.Healsotouchedmydaughter,whowassufferingwithherfeet.Havingbeenoperatedontwice,shehadlittlehopeofbeinganythingbutaninvalid;buttheLordoperated.Allpainisgone.PraisetheLord!”

Mr.Lewellyn,aChurchofEnglandReader,testifiedtohavingbeenimmediatelyhealedofastiffknee.

Mr.BarretttestifiedthatMissWittofBoxHill,whohadbeentwenty-twoyearsinawheelchair,roseandwalkedafterMr.WigglesworthministereduntoherinthenameofJesus.

Anothertestifiedofhavingbeenhealedthenightbeforeofrheumatoidarthritisoffouryears’standing,anddiscardedhiscrutchandwalkingstick.

Mr.JohnstoneofSpermVale,whohadbeendeaffortwentyyears,andhiswife,whohadsatinawheelchairforsixyears,wereimmediatelyhealed.Theemptychairwaswheeledtotherailwaystation,thewomantestifyingtopassersbyofthegreatthingsGodhaddoneforher.

Manywerehealedthroughtheapplicationofhandkerchiefs.

—asreportedinThePentecostalEvangel

5IAmtheLordWhoHealsYou

Isanyoneamongyousick?Lethimcallfortheeldersofthechurch,andletthemprayoverhim,anointinghimwithoilinthenameoftheLord.Andtheprayeroffaithwillsavethesick,andtheLordwillraisehimup.Andifhehascommittedsins,hewillbeforgiven.

—James5:14–15

WehaveinthispreciousWordarealbasisforthetruthofhealing.IntheseversesGodgivesverydefiniteinstructionstothesick.Ifyouaresick,yourpartistocallfortheeldersofthechurch;itistheirparttoanointandprayforyouinfaith.ThenthewholesituationrestswiththeLord.Whenyouhavebeenanointedandprayedfor,youcanrestassuredthattheLordwillraiseyouup.ItistheWordofGod.

Ibelievethatweallcanseethatthechurchmustnotplaywiththisbusiness.Ifbelieversturnawayfromtheseclearinstructions,theyareinaplaceoftremendousdanger.Thosewhorefusetoobeydosototheirunspeakableloss.

Inconnectionwiththis,Jamestoldus,

Ifanyoneamongyouwandersfromthetruth,andsomeoneturnshimback,lethimknowthathewhoturnsasinnerfromtheerrorofhiswaywillsaveasoulfromdeathandcoveramultitudeofsins.(James5:19–20)

ManyturnawayfromtheLordlikeKingAsa,who“inhisdisease…didnotseektheLord,butthephysicians”(2Chron.16:12).Consequently,“hedied”(v.13).ItakeitthatthispassageinJamesmeansthatifoneinducesanothertoturnbacktotheLord,hewillsavethatpersonfromdeath,andGodwillforgivethatpersonofamultitudeofsins.ThisScripturecanalsolargelyapplytosalvation.IfyouturnawayfromanypartofGod’struth,theenemywillcertainlygetanadvantageoveryou.

DoestheLordmeetthosewholooktoHimforhealingandwhoobeytheinstructionssetforthinthebookofJames?Mostassuredly.Letmetellyoua

storytoshowyouhowHewillundertakeforthemostextremecase.

ADyingManHealed

OnedayIhadbeenvisitingthesickandwaswithafriendofmine,anarchitect,whenIsawayoungmanfromhisofficecomingdowntheroadinacar,holdingatelegraminhishand.Itcontainedaveryurgentrequestthatwegoimmediatelytoprayforamanwhowasdying.Wewentoffinanautoasfastaspossible,andinaboutanhourandahalfreachedalargehouseinthecountrywherethemanwhowasdyingresided.Thereweretwostaircasesinthathouse.Thiswasextremelyconvenient,forthedoctorscouldgoupanddownone,andmyfriendandIcouldgoupanddowntheother,andsowehadnooccasiontomeet.

WhenIarrived,Ifoundthatitwasacaseofthissort:theman’sbodyhadbeenbroken,andhisbowelshadbeenpuncturedintwoplaces.Thedischargefromthebowelshadformedabscesses,andbloodpoisoninghadsetin.Theman’sfacehadturnedgreen.Twodoctorswereinattendance,buttheysawthatthecasewasbeyondtheirpower.TheyhadtelegraphedLondonforagreatspecialist;whenwearrived,theywereattherailwaystationawaitinghisarrival.

Themanwasneardeathandcouldn’tspeak.Isaidtohiswife,“Ifyoudesire,wewillanointhimandpray.”

Shesaid,“ThatiswhyIsentforyou.”IanointedhiminthenameofJesusandaskedtheLordtoraisehimup.Apparently,therewasnochange.

(GodoftenhideswhatHedoes.FromdaytodaywefindthatGodisdoingwonderfulthings,andwereceivereportsofhealingsthathavetakenplacethatweheardnothingaboutatthetimeofourmeetings.Onlylastnightawomancameintothemeetingsufferingterribly.Herwholearmwasfilledwithpoison,andherbloodwassopoisonedthatitwascertaintobringhertoherdeath.Werebukedthething,andshewasherethismorningandtoldusthatshewaswithoutpainandhadsleptallnight,athingshehadnotdonefortwomonths.ToGodbeallthepraise!YouwillfindHewilldothiskindofthingallalong.)

Assoonasweanointedandprayedforthisbrother,wewentdownthebackstaircase,andthethreedoctorscameupthefrontstaircase.Aswearriveddownstairs,Isaidtomyfriendwhohadcomewithme,“Friend,letmehavehold

ofyourhands.”Weheldeachother’shands,andIsaidtohim,“Lookintomyfaceandletusagreetogether,accordingtoMatthew18:19,thatthismanwillbebroughtoutofthisdeath.”WelaidthewholematterbeforeGod,andsaid,“Father,webelieve.”

Thentheconflictbegan.Thewifecamedowntousandsaid,“Thedoctorshavealltheirinstrumentsout,andtheyareabouttooperate.”Icried,“What?Lookhere.He’syourhusband,andItellyouthis:ifthosemenoperateonhim,hewilldie.Gobackandtellthemyoucannotallowit.”

Shewentbacktothedoctorsandsaid,“Givemetenminutes.”

Theysaid,“Wecan’taffordto.Yourhusbandisdying,anditishisonlychance.”

Shesaid,“Iwanttenminutes,andyoudon’ttouchhisbodyuntilIhavehadthem.”

Theywentdownstairsbyonestaircase,andwewentupbytheother.Isaidtoher,“Thismanisyourhusband,andhecannotspeakforhimself.ItisnowtimeforyoutoputyourwholetrustinGodandproveHimwhollytrue.Youcansavehimfromathousanddoctors.YoumuststandwithGodandforGodinthiscriticalhour.”

Afterthat,wecamedown,andthedoctorswentup.Thewifefacedthosedoctorsandsaid,“Youshallnottouchthisman’sbody.Heismyhusband.Iamsurethatifyouoperateonhim,hewilldie;buthewillliveifyoudon’ttouchhim.”

Suddenly,themaninthebedspoke.“Godhasdoneit,”hesaid.Theyrolledbackthebedclothes,andthedoctorsexaminedhim;theabscesseshadbeencutclearaway.Thenursecleanedtheplacewheretheyhadbeen.

Thedoctorscouldseethebowelsstillopen,andtheysaidtothewife,“Weknowthatyouhavegreatfaith,andwecanseethatamiraclehastakenplace.Butyoumustletusunitethesebrokenpartsandputinsilvertubes.Weknowthatyourhusbandwillbeallrightafterthat,anditneednotinterferewithyourfaithatall.”

Shesaid,“Godhasdonethefirstthing,andHecandotherest.Nomanshall

touchhimnow.”AndGodhealedthewholething.Thatmaniswellandstrongtoday.

Doyouaskbywhatpowerthiswasdone?IwouldanswerinthewordsofPeter,“Hisname,throughfaithinHisname,…madethismanstrong”(Acts3:16).TheanointingwasdoneinthenameoftheLord.Anditiswritten,“TheLordwillraisehimup.”Godprovidesthedoublecure,forevenifsinhasbeenthecauseofthesickness,HisWorddeclares,“Ifhehascommittedsins,hewillbeforgiven.”

FaithinJesusandSubmissiontoOthers

Youask,“Whatisfaith?”FaithistheprincipleoftheWordofGod.TheHolySpirit,whoinspiredtheWord,iscalledtheSpiritofTruth.Aswe“receivewithmeeknesstheimplantedword”(James1:21),faithspringsupinourhearts—faithinthesacrificeofCalvary;faithintheshedbloodofJesus;faithinthefactthatHetookourweaknessesuponHimself,boreoursicknesses,carriedourpains,andisourLifetoday.

Godhaschosenustohelponeanother.Wedarenotbeindependent.Hebringsustoaplacewherewesubmitourselvestooneanother.Ifwerefusetodothis,wegetawayfromtheWordofGodandoutoftheplaceoffaith.Ihavebeeninthisplaceonce,andItrustIwillneverbethereagain.IthappenedonetimewhenIwenttoameeting.Iwasvery,verysick,andIgotworseandworse.IknewtheperfectwillofGodwasformetohumblemyselfandasktheelderstoprayforme.Iputitoff,andthemeetingended.Iwenthomewithoutbeinganointedandprayedfor,andeveryoneinthehousecaughtthethingIwassufferingwith.

MyboysdidnotknowanythingelsebuttotrusttheLordasthefamilyPhysician,andmyyoungestboy,George,crieddownfromtheattic,“Dadda,come.”

Icried,“Ican’tcome.Thewholethingisfromme.IwillhavetorepentandasktheLordtoforgiveme.”Imadeupmymindtohumblemyselfbeforethewholechurch.

ThenIrushedtotheatticandlaidmyhandsonmyboyinthenameofJesus.Iplacedmyhandsonhishead,andthepainleftandwentlower;hecried,“Put

yourhandslower.”Thiscontinueduntilatlastthepainwentrightdowntohisfeet,andasIplacedmyhandsonhisfeet,hewascompletelydelivered.Someevilpowerhadevidentlygottenholdofhim,andasIlaidmyhandsonthedifferentpartsofhisbody,itleft.(Wehavetoseethedifferencebetweenanointingthesickandcastingoutdemons.)GodwillalwaysbegraciouswhenwehumbleourselvesbeforeHimandcometoaplaceofbrokennessofspirit.

OnetimeIwasministeringtoasickwoman,andshesaid,“I’mverysick.Ibecomeallrightforanhour,andthenIhaveanotherattack.”Isawthatitwasanevilpowerthatwasattackingher,andIlearnedsomethinginthathourthatIhadneverlearnedbefore.AsImovedmyhanddownherbodyinthenameoftheLord,thatevilpowerseemedtomovejustaheadofmyhands,andasImovedthemdownfurtherandfurther,theevilpowerwentrightoutofherbodyandneverreturned.

PrayingforaParalytic

IwasinLeHavre,France,andthepowerofGodwasbeingmightilymanifested.AGreeknamedFelixattendedthemeetingandbecameveryzealousforGod.HewasveryeagertogetalltheCatholicshecouldtothemeetinginorderthattheycouldseethatGodwasgraciouslyvisitingFrance.Hefoundacertainbedriddenwomanwhowasfixedinacertainpositionandcouldnotmove,andhetoldherabouttheLord’shealingatthemeetingsandsaidthathewouldgetmetocomeifshewished.Shesaid,“MyhusbandisaCatholic,andhewouldneverallowanyonewhoisn’taCatholictoseeme.”

SheaskedherhusbandtoallowmetocomeandtoldhimwhatFelixhadtoldheraboutthepowerofGodworkinginourmidst.Hesaid,“IwillhavenoProtestantentermyhouse.”

Shesaid,“Youknowthatthedoctorscannothelpme,andthepriestscannothelp.Won’tyouletthismanofGodprayforme?”Hefinallyconsented,andIwenttothehouse.Thesimplicityofthiswomanandherchildlikefaithwerebeautifultosee.

Ishowedhermyoilbottleandsaid,“Hereisoil.ItisasymboloftheHolySpirit.Whenitcomesonyou,theHolySpiritwillbegintowork,andtheLordwillraiseyouup.”Goddidsomethingthemomenttheoilfellonher.Ilookedtowardthewindow,andIsawJesus.(IhaveseenHimoften.Thereisno

paintingthatisabitlikeHim;noartistcaneverdepictthebeautyofmylovelyLord.)

ThewomanfeltthepowerofGodinherbodyandcried,“I’mfree!Myhandsarefree,myshouldersarefree,andoh,IseeJesus!I’mfree!I’mfree!”

Thevisionvanished,andthewomansatupinbed.Herlegswerestillbound,andIsaidtoher,“I’llputmyhandsonyourlegs,andyouwillbefreeentirely.”AsIputmyhandsonthoselegscoveredwithbedclothes,IlookedandsawtheLordagain.

ShesawHim,too,andcried,“He’sthereagain.I’mfree!I’mfree!”SherosefromherbedandwalkedaroundtheroompraisingGod,andwewereallintearsaswesawHiswonderfulworks.

AswearetoldinJames5:15,“theLordwillraise[them]up”whentheconditionsaremet.

“God,StopThisMan!”

WhenIwasayoungman,Ialwayslovedthefellowshipofoldmenandwasalwayscarefultohearwhattheyhadtosay.Ihadafriend,anoldBaptistminister,whowasawonderfulpreacher.Ispentmuchofmytimewithhim.Onedayhecametotellmehiswifewasdying.Isaid,“BrotherClark,whydon’tyoubelieveGod?HecanraiseherupifyouwillonlybelieveHim.”Heaskedmetocometohishouse,andIlookedforsomeonetogowithme.

IwenttoacertainrichmanwhowasveryzealousforGodandspentmuchmoneyinopeninguprescuemissions,andIaskedhimtogowithme.Hesaid,“Neveryoumindme.Yougoyourself,butIdon’ttaketothiskindofbusiness.”

ThenIthoughtofamanwhocouldpraybythehour.Whenhewasonhisknees,hecouldgoroundtheworldthreetimesandcomeoutatthesameplace.Iaskedhimtogowithmeandsaidtohim,“You’llhavearealchancethistime.Keepatit,andquitwhenyou’rethrough.”Somegoonaftertheyarethrough.BrotherNichols,forthatwashisname,wentwithmeandstartedpraying.HeaskedtheLordtocomfortthehusbandinhisgreatbereavementandprayedfortheorphansandalotmoreonthisline.Icried,“OGod,stopthisman!”Buttherewasnostoppinghim,andhewentonpraying.Therewasnotaparticleoffaithinanythingheuttered.

Whenhestoppedatlast,Isaid,“BrotherClark,it’snowyourturntopray.”

Hestarted,“Lord,answertheprayerofmybrotherandcomfortmeinthisgreatbereavementandsorrow.Preparemetofacethisgreattrial.”

Icriedout,“MyGod,stopthisman!”Thewholeatmospherewasbeingchargedwithunbelief.

Ihadaglassbottlefullofoil,andIwentuptothewomanandpouredthewholethingonherinthenameofJesus.Suddenly,Jesusappeared,standingatthefootofthebed.Hesmiledandthenvanished.Thewomanstoodup,perfectlyhealed,andsheisastrongwomantoday.

OurWonderfulLord

WehaveabigGod.WehaveawonderfulJesus.WehaveagloriousComforter.God’scanopyisoveryouandwillcoveryouatalltimes,preservingyoufromevil.“Underhiswingsshaltthoutrust”(Ps.91:4kjv).“ThewordofGodislivingandpowerful”(Heb.4:12),andinitstreasuresyouwillfindeternallife.IfyoudaretotrustthiswonderfulLord,thisLordofLife,youwillfindinHimeverythingyouneed.

Somanyaretryingdrugs,quacks,pills,andplasters.ClearthemalloutandbelieveGod.ItissufficienttobelieveGod.YouwillfindthatifyoudaretotrustGod,Hewillneverfail.“Theprayeroffaithwillsavethesick,andtheLordwillraisehimup.”DoyoutrustHim?Heisworthytobetrusted.

DeliveringaManiac

OnetimeIwasaskedtogotoWeston-super-Mare,aseasideresortinthewesternpartofEngland.Ilearnedfromatelegramthatamanhadlosthisreasonandhadbecomearavingmaniac,andsomepeopletherewantedmetocomeandprayforhim.Iarrivedattheplace,andtheman’swifesaidtome,“Willyoustaywithmyhusband?”Iagreed,andinthemiddleofthenight,anevilpowerlaidholdofhim.Itwasawful.Iputmyhandonhishead,andhishairwasliketoothpicksstandingonend.Godgavedeliverance—atemporarydeliverance.Atsixo’clockthenextmorning,IfeltthatitwasnecessarythatIgetoutofthathouseforashorttime.

Themansawmegoingandcriedout,“Ifyouleaveme,thereisnohope.”But

IfeltthatIhadtogo.

AsIleft,IsawawomanwithaSalvationArmybonneton,andIknewthatshewasgoingtotheir7:00a.m.prayermeeting.Isaidtothecaptainwhowasinchargeofthemeeting,whenIsawhewasabouttoannounceahymn,“Captain,don’tsing.Let’sgotoprayer.”Heagreed,andIprayedmyheartout.ThenIgrabbedmyhatandrushedoutofthehall.Theyallthoughttheyhadhadamadmanintheirprayermeetingthatmorning.

IsawthemanIhadspentthenightwith,rushingdowntowardtheseawithoutaparticleofclothingon,abouttodrownhimself.Icried,“InthenameofJesus,comeoutofhim!”Themanfellfulllengthontheground,andthatevilpowerwentoutofhimnevertoreturn.Hiswifecamerushingafterhim,andthehusbandwasrestoredtoherinaperfectmentalcondition.

BeingKeptbyGod’sPower

Thereareevilpowers,butJesusisgreaterthanallevilpowers.Therearetremendousdiseases,butJesusistheHealer.ThereisnocasetoohardforHim.TheLionofJudahwillbreakeverychain.Hecametorelievetheoppressedandtosetthecaptivefree(Luke4:18).Hecametobringredemption,tomakeusasperfectasmanwasbeforetheFall.

PeoplewanttoknowhowtobekeptbythepowerofGod.Everypositionofgraceintowhichyouareled—forgiveness,healing,anykindofdeliverance—willbecontestedbythedevil.Hewillcontendforyourbody.Whenyouaresaved,theenemywillcomearoundandsay,“See,youarenotsaved.”Satanisaliar.Ifhesaysyouarenotsaved,itisasuresignthatyouare.

Youwillrememberthestoryofthemanwhoselifewassweptcleanandputinorder.Theevilpowerhadbeensweptoutofhim.Butthemanremainedinastationaryposition.IftheLordhealsyou,youdarenotremaininastationaryposition.Theevilspiritcamebacktothatman,foundhishouseswept,andtooksevenothersworsethanhimselfanddweltthere.Thelaststateofthatmanwasworsethanthefirst.(SeeMatthew12:43–45.)BesuretogetfilledwithGod.GetanOccupier.BefilledwiththeSpirit.

GodhasamillionwaysofundertakingforthosewhogotoHimforhelp.Hehasdeliveranceforeverycaptive.HelovesyousomuchthatHeevensays,

“Beforetheycall,Iwillanswer”(Isa.65:24).Don’tturnHimaway.

ALetterofTestimonyfromSanDiego

IslippedandfellonBroadway,SanDiego,inFebruary1921,andaswasafterwarddiscovered,fracturedthecoccyx(thebaseofthespine),andsoseverelywrenchedthehipsandpelvicbonesthatIbecameagreatsufferer.Asthebrokenbonewasnotdiscovereduntilabouttwomonthsaftertheaccident,theconstantpainandirritationcausedageneralinflammationofthenervoussystem,andthelongdelayingettingthebonesetmadeitimpossibletoheal,sothatmyconditiongrewsteadilyworse.Iwastakentothehospital,andthebonewasremovedaboutamonthafterithadbeenset.Thoughthewoundhealedrapidly,thenervousinflammationremained,andsoformanymonthslongerIwasinconstantpainandunabletogetaroundwithoutassistance.

IwastakentothefirstserviceheldbyMr.Wigglesworthonthe2ndofOctober,1922.Atthecloseoftheservice,allthosewhoweresickandinpainandhadcomeforhealingwererequestedtoriseifpossible.Myhusbandassistedmetomyfeet,andaswewereprayedforbythespeaker(Mr.Wigglesworth),Iwasinstantlyhealed.HowIdonotknow.IonlyknowtheGreatPhysiciantouchedmybody,andIwasmadewholeandfreedfrompain.

AfterIgothome,IshowedhowIcouldsitdownandrisewithmyhandsabovemyhead,whenbeforeithadtakenbothhandstopushupmyfeeblebody,andIhadtohavestrapsonmybedtopullmyselfupwith.Nomoreuseforthemnow!Ilaydownandturnedoverforthefirsttimewithoutpain.IshallneverceasetopraiseGodforthehealingofmybodythroughthepreciousbloodofJesusandinHisname.Iwalkedtothestreetcaralonethenextdayandattendedthenextserviceandhavebeen“onthego”eversince.

—writtenbyMrs.Sanders

SanDiego,California

6

HeHimselfTookOurInfirmities

WhenHehadcomedownfromthemountain,greatmultitudesfollowedHim.Andbehold,alepercameandworshipedHim,saying,“Lord,ifYouarewilling,Youcanmakemeclean.”ThenJesusputoutHishandandtouchedhim,saying,“Iamwilling;becleansed.”Immediatelyhisleprosywascleansed.AndJesussaidtohim,“Seethatyoutellnoone;butgoyourway,showyourselftothepriest,andofferthegiftthatMosescommanded,asatestimonytothem.”

NowwhenJesushadenteredCapernaum,acenturioncametoHim,pleadingwithHim,saying,“Lord,myservantislyingathomeparalyzed,dreadfullytormented.”AndJesussaidtohim,“Iwillcomeandhealhim.”Thecenturion

answeredandsaid,“Lord,IamnotworthythatYoushouldcomeundermyroof.Butonlyspeakaword,andmyservantwillbehealed.“ForIalsoamamanunderauthority,havingsoldiersunderme.AndIsaytothisone,‘Go,’andhe

goes;andtoanother,‘Come,’andhecomes;andtomyservant,‘Dothis,’andhedoesit.”WhenJesusheardit,Hemarveled,andsaidtothosewhofollowed,“Assuredly,Isaytoyou,Ihavenotfoundsuchgreatfaith,noteveninIsrael!AndIsaytoyouthatmanywillcomefromeastandwest,andsitdownwith

Abraham,Isaac,andJacobinthekingdomofheaven.“Butthesonsofthekingdomwillbecastoutintoouterdarkness.Therewillbe

weepingandgnashingofteeth.”ThenJesussaidtothecenturion,“Goyourway;andasyouhavebelieved,soletitbedoneforyou.”Andhisservantwashealedthatsamehour.NowwhenJesushadcomeintoPeter’shouse,Hesawhiswife’smotherlyingsickwithafever.SoHetouched

herhand,andthefeverlefther.Andshearoseandservedthem.AndHecastoutthespiritswithaword,and

healedallwhoweresick,thatitmightbefulfilledwhichwasspokenbyIsaiahtheprophet,saying:

“HeHimselftookourinfirmitiesandboreoursicknesses.”—Matthew8:16–17

Herewehaveawonderfulword.AlloftheWordiswonderful.Thisblessed

Bookbringssuchlife,health,peace,andabundancethatweshouldneverbepooranymore.ThisBookismyheavenlybank.IfindeverythingIwantinit.Idesiretoshowyouhowrichyoumaybe,sothatineverythingyoucanbeenrichedinChristJesus(1Cor.1:5).ForyouHehas“abundanceofgraceand…thegiftofrighteousness”(Rom.5:17),andthroughHisabundantgrace“allthingsarepossible”(Matt.19:26).IwanttoshowyouthatyoucanbealivingbranchofthelivingVine,ChristJesus,andthatitisyourprivilegetobe,righthereinthisworld,whatHeis.Johntoldus,“AsHeis,soareweinthisworld”(1John4:17).Notthatweareanythinginourselves,butChristwithinusisourAllinAll.

TheLordJesusalwayswantstoshowforthHisgraceandloveinordertodrawustoHimself.Godiswill-ingtodothings,tomanifestHisWord,andtoletusknowameasureofthemindofourGodinthisdayandhour.

ALeperIsMiraculouslyCleansed

Todaytherearemanyneedy,manyafflictedones,butIdonotthinkanyonepresentishalfasbadasthefirstcasethatwereadofintheeighthchapterofMatthew:

WhenHehadcomedownfromthemountain,greatmultitudesfollowedHim.Andbehold,alepercameandworshipedHim,saying,“Lord,ifYouarewilling,Youcanmakemeclean.”ThenJesusputoutHishandandtouchedhim,saying,“Iamwilling;becleansed.”Immediatelyhisleprosywascleansed.AndJesussaidtohim,“Seethatyoutellnoone;butgoyourway,showyourselftothepriest,andofferthegiftthatMosescommanded,asatestimonytothem.”(Matt.8:1–4)

Thismanwasaleper.Youmaybesufferingfromtuberculosis,cancer,orotherthings,butGodwillshowforthHisperfectcleansing,Hisperfecthealing,ifyouhavealivingfaithinChrist.HeisawonderfulJesus.

ThislepermusthavebeentoldaboutJesus.HowmuchismissedbecausepeoplearenotconstantlytellingwhatJesuswilldoinourday.Probablysomeonehadcometothatleperandsaid,“Jesuscanhealyou.”SohewasfilledwithexpectationashesawtheLordcomingdownthemountainside.Leperswerenotallowedtocomewithinreachofotherpeople;theywereshutoutasunclean.Ordinarily,itwouldhavebeenverydifficultforhimtogetnearbecause

ofthecrowdthatsurroundedJesus.ButasJesuscamedownfromthemountain,Hemetthispoorleper.

Oh,leprosyisaterribledisease!Therewasnohelpforhim,humanlyspeaking,butnothingistoohardforJesus.Themancried,“Lord,ifYouarewilling,Youcanmakemeclean”(Matt.8:2).WasJesuswilling?YouwillneverfindJesusmissinganopportunitytodogood.YouwillfindthatHeisalwaysmorewillingtoworkthanwearetogiveHimanopportunitytowork.ThetroubleisthatwedonotcometoHim;wedonotaskHimforwhatHeismorethanwillingtogive.

“ThenJesusputoutHishandandtouchedhim,saying,‘Iamwilling;becleansed.’Immediatelyhisleprosywascleansed”(v.3).Ilikethat.IfyouaredefinitewithHim,youwillnevergoawaydisappointed.Thedivinelifewillflowintoyou,andinstantaneouslyyouwillbedelivered.ThisJesusisjustthesametoday,andHesaystoyou,“Iamwilling;becleansed.”Hehasanoverflowingcupforyou,afullnessoflife.Hewillmeetyouinyourabsolutehelplessness.Allthingsarepossibleifyouwillonlybelieve(Mark9:23).Godhasarealplan.Itisverysimple:justcometoJesus.YouwillfindHimjustthesameasHewasindaysofold(Heb.13:8).

JesusHealsbySayingaWord

ThenextcasewehaveinMatthew8isthatofthecenturioncomingandpleadingwithJesusonbehalfofhisservant,whowasparalyzedandwasdreadfullytormented.

NowwhenJesushadenteredCapernaum,acenturioncametoHim,pleadingwithHim,saying,“Lord,myservantislyingathomeparalyzed,dreadfullytormented.”AndJesussaidtohim,“Iwillcomeandhealhim.”Thecenturionansweredandsaid,“Lord,IamnotworthythatYoushouldcomeundermyroof.Butonlyspeakaword,andmyservantwillbehealed.ForIalsoamaman

underauthority,havingsoldiersunderme.AndIsaytothisone,‘Go,’andhegoes;andtoanother,‘Come,’andhecomes;andtomyservant,‘Dothis,’andhedoesit.”WhenJesusheardit,Hemarveled,andsaidtothosewhofollowed,“Assuredly,Isaytoyou,Ihavenotfoundsuchgreatfaith,noteveninIsrael!AndIsaytoyouthatmanywillcomefromeastandwest,andsitdownwithAbraham,Isaac,andJacobinthekingdomofheaven.Butthesonsofthe

kingdomwillbecastoutintoouterdarkness.Therewillbeweepingandgnashingofteeth.”ThenJesussaidtothecenturion,“Goyourway;andasyouhavebelieved,soletitbedoneforyou.”Andhisservantwashealedthatsamehour.(Matt.8:5–13)

ThismanwassoinearnestthathecameseekingJesus.Noticethatthereisonethingcertain:thereisnosuchthingasseekingwithoutfinding.“Hewhoseeksfinds”(Matt.7:8).ListentothegraciouswordsofJesus:“Iwillcomeandhealhim”(Matt.8:7).

JesusLovestoHeal

InmostplaceswhereIgo,therearemanypeopleforwhomIcannotpray.Insomeplacestherearetwoorthreehundredpeoplewhowouldlikemetovisitthem,butIamnotabletodoso.YetIamgladthattheLordJesusisalwayswillingtocomeandheal.Helongstohelpthesickones.Helovestohealthemoftheirafflictions.TheLordishealingmanypeopletodaybymeansofhandkerchiefs,evenasHedidinthedaysofPaul.(SeeActs19:11–12.)

AwomancametomeinthecityofLiverpoolandsaid,“Iwouldlikeyoutohelpmebyjoiningmeinprayer.Myhusbandisadrunkard,andeverynighthecomesintothehomeundertheinfluenceofdrink.Willyoujoinmeinprayerforhim?”

Iaskedthewoman,“Doyouhaveahandkerchief?”Shetookoutahandkerchief,andIprayedoveritandtoldhertolayitonthepillowofthedrunkenman.Hecamehomethatnightandlaidhisheadonthepillowinwhichthishandkerchiefhadbeentucked.Helaidhisheadonmorethanthepillowthatnight,becausehelaidhisheadonthepromiseofGod.InMark11:24,weread,“Whateverthingsyouaskwhenyoupray,believethatyoureceivethem,andyouwillhavethem.”

Thenextmorningthemangotupand,goingintothefirstsaloonthathehadtopassonhiswaytowork,orderedsomebeer.Hetasteditandsaidtothebartender,“Youputsomepoisoninthisbeer.”

Hecouldnotdrinkit,andhewentontothenextsaloonandorderedsomemorebeer.Hetasteditandsaidtothemanbehindthecounter,“Youputsomepoisoninthisbeer.Ibelieveyoufolkshaveplottedtopoisonme.”Thebartender

wasindignantatbeingchargedwiththiscrime.Themansaid,“Iwillgosomewhereelse.”

Hewenttoanothertavern,andthesamethinghappenedasinthetwopreviousplaces.Hemadesuchafussthathewasthrownout.

Afterheleftworkthatevening,hewenttoanothertaverntogetsomebeer,andagainhethoughtthebartenderwastryingtopoisonhim.Onceagainhemadesuchadisturbancethathewasthrownoutofthatsaloon.Hewenttohishomeandtoldhiswifewhathadhappenedandsaid,“Itseemsasthoughallthefellowshaveagreedtopoisonme.”

Hiswifesaidtohim,“Can’tyouseethehandoftheLordinthisandthatHeismakingyoudislikethestuffthathasbeenyourruin?”Thiswordbroughtconvictiontotheman’sheart,andhecametothemeetingandgotsaved.TheLordstillhaspowertosetthecaptivesfree.

WhenIwasinAustralia,aladycametomewhowasmuchtroubledaboutherson,whowasverylazy.Iprayedoverahandkerchief,whichwasplacedintheboy’spillow.Hesleptthatnightonthehandkerchief.Thenextmorning,hegotup,wentout,securedajob,andwenttowork.Oh,praisetheLord,youcan’tshutoutGod;butifyouwillonlybelieve,Hewillshutoutthedevil.

Jesuswaswillingtogoandhealthesickservant,butthecenturionsaid,“Lord,IamnotworthythatYoushouldcomeundermyroof.Butonlyspeakaword,andmyservantwillbehealed”(Matt.8:8).

Jesuswasdelightedwiththisexpressionand“saidtothecenturion,‘Goyourway;andasyouhavebelieved,soletitbedoneforyou.’Andhisservantwashealedthatsamehour”(v.13).

LetmetellyouaboutsomethingelsethathappenedwhenIwasinAustralia.Amancameuptomeleaningonabigstick,andhesaid,“Iwouldlikeyoutohelpme.Itwilltakeyouhalfanhourtoprayforme.”

Isaid,“BelieveGod,andinonemomentyouwillbewhole.”Hisfaithwasquickenedtoreceiveanimmediatehealing,andHewentawayglorifyingGodforamiraculoushealing.

TheWordoftheLordissufficienttoday.IfyouwilldaretobelieveGod’s

Word,youwillseeaperformanceofHisWordthatwillbetrulywonderful.Withthecenturionwehaveanaudacityoffaith,afaiththatdidnotlimitGod.FailurescomewhenwelimittheHolyOneofIsrael.IwanttoencourageyoutoalivingfaithtobelieveGod’sWord.

Peter’sMother-in-LawHealed

NowwhenJesushadcomeintoPeter’shouse,Hesawhiswife’smotherlyingsickwithafever.SoHetouchedherhand,andthefeverlefther.Andshearoseandservedthem.(Matt.8:14–15)

ThenexthealingwereadofisthehealingofPeter’swife’smother,whowassickwithafever.LuketellsusthatJesus“rebukedthefever”(Luke4:39).Thefevercouldhear.Themomentitcouldhear,itwent.Jesushadanewmethod.

Today,therearealotoffolkswhotrytosweatoutafever,butyoucan’tsweatthedevilout.Hecanstandalltheheatthatyoucanapplytohim.However,“ifyoucanbelieve”(Mark9:23),deliveranceisassureandcertainforyouasitwasforPeter’smother-in-law.

FacingaDemon-PossessedWoman

Ireceivedatelegramonceurgingmetovisitacaseabouttwohundredmilesfrommyhome.AsIwenttothisplace,Imetthefatherandmotherandfoundthembrokenhearted.Theyledmeupastaircasetoaroom,andIsawayoungwomanonthefloor.Fivemenwereholdingherdown.Shewasafrailyoungwoman,butthepowerinherwasgreaterthanthestrengthofallthoseyoungmen.AsIwentintotheroom,theevilpowerslookedoutofhereyes,andtheyusedherlips,saying,“Wearemany;youcan’tcastusout.”

Isaid,“Jesuscan.”

Jesusisequaltoeveryoccasion.Heiswaitingforanopportunitytobless.Heisreadyforeveryopportunitytodeliversouls.WhenwereceiveJesus,thefollowingverseistrueofus:“Greaterishethatisin[us],thanhethatisintheworld”(1John4:4kjv).Heisgreaterthanallthepowersofdarkness.Nomancanmeetthedevilinhisownstrength,butanymanfilledwiththeknowledgeofJesus,filledwithHispresence,filledwithHispower,ismorethanamatchforthepowersofdarkness.Godhascalledustobe“morethanconquerorsthroughHimwholovedus”(Rom.8:37).

ThelivingWordisabletodestroysatanicforces.ThereispowerinthenameofJesus.IwishthateverywindowonthestreethadthenameofJesuswrittenonitinlargeletters.

ThroughfaithinHisname,deliverancewasbroughttothispoorboundsoul,andthirty-sevendemonscameoutofher,givingtheirnamesastheycameforth.Thedearwomanwascompletelydelivered,andthefamilywasabletogiveherbackherchild.Thatnighttherewasheaveninthathome,andthefather,mother,son,andhiswifewereallunitedinglorifyingChristforHisinfinitegrace.Thenextmorningwehadagracioustimeinthebreakingofbread.

AllthingsarewonderfulwithourwonderfulJesus.IfyouwoulddarerestyouralluponHim,thingswouldtakeplace,andHewouldchangethewholesituation.Inamoment,throughthenameofJesus,aneworderofthingscanbebroughtin.

Intheworld,newdiseasesarealwayssurfacing,andthedoctorscannotidentifythem.Adoctorsaidtome,“Thescienceofmedicineisinitsinfancy,andwedoctorsreallyhavenoconfidenceinourmedicine.Wearealwaysexperimenting.”ButthemanofGoddoesnotexperiment.Heknows,oroughttoknow,redemptioninitsfullness.Heknows,oroughttoknow,themightinessoftheLordJesusChrist.Heisnot,orshouldnot,bemovedbyoutwardobservationbutshouldgetadivinerevelationofthemightinessofthenameofJesusandthepowerofHisblood.IfweexerciseourfaithintheLordJesusChrist,Hewillcomeforthandgetgloryoverallthepowersofdarkness.

ChristBoreOurSicknessesandSin

Wheneveninghadcome,theybroughttoHimmanywhoweredemon-possessed.AndHecastoutthespiritswithaword,andhealedallwhoweresick,thatitmightbefulfilledwhichwasspokenbyIsaiahtheprophet,saying:“HeHimselftookourinfirmitiesandboreoursicknesses.”

(Matt.8:16–17)

Theworkisdoneifyouonlybelieveit.Itisdone.“HeHimselftookourinfirmitiesandboreoursicknesses.”IfonlyyoucanseetheLambofGodgoingtoCalvary!HetookourfleshsothatHecouldtakeuponHimselfthefullburdenofalloursinandalltheconsequencesofsin.ThereonthecrossofCalvary,God

laiduponHimtheiniquitiesofusall(Isa.53:6).Thereonthecross,theresultsofsinwerealsodealtwith.

Inasmuchthenasthechildrenhavepartakenoffleshandblood,HeHimselflikewisesharedinthesame,thatthroughdeathHemightdestroyhimwhohadthepowerofdeath,thatis,thedevil,andreleasethosewhothroughfearofdeathwerealltheirlifetimesubjecttobondage.(Heb.2:14–15)

ThroughJesus’death,thereisdeliveranceforyoutoday.

HusbandHealedofDoubleRuptureandOtherIlls

Oneyearagomyhusbandwasinstantlyhealedofadoubleruptureofthreeyears’standing,dropsy(twoyears),aweakheart,andtobaccochewing(forty-sevenyears).PraisetheLord,itwasalltakenawaywhentheshockfromheaven’sbatterywentthroughhim.

NineweeksagotodaywewenttoPortland,Oregon,tohearBrotherSmithWigglesworth,andmyhusbandwashealedinstantlyofhighbloodpressureandvaricoseveinsthathadbrokeninhisanklesandforayearhadtobedressedtwiceaday.Nodoctorcouldhelphim,but,praiseGod,Jesuswasthedoctorandhealedhim.

—writtenbyMrs.FrankNephews

Newberg,Oregon

7OurRisenChrist

Nowastheyspoketothepeople,thepriests,thecaptainofthetemple,andtheSadduceescameuponthem,beinggreatly

disturbedthattheytaughtthepeopleandpreachedinJesustheresurrectionfromthedead.Andtheylaidhandsonthem,andputthemincustodyuntilthenextday,foritwasalreadyevening.However,manyofthosewhoheardthewordbelieved;andthenumberofthemencametobeaboutfivethousand.Anditcametopass,onthenextday,thattheirrulers,elders,andscribes,aswellasAnnasthehighpriest,Caiaphas,John,andAlexander,andasmanyaswereofthefamilyofthehighpriest,weregatheredtogetheratJerusalem.Andwhentheyhadsettheminthemidst,theyasked,“Bywhatpowerorbywhatnamehaveyoudonethis?”ThenPeter,filledwiththeHolySpirit,saidtothem,

“RulersofthepeopleandeldersofIsrael:Ifwethisdayarejudgedforagooddeeddonetoahelplessman,bywhatmeanshehasbeenmadewell,letitbe

knowntoyouall,andtoallthepeopleofIsrael,thatbythenameofJesusChristofNazareth,whomyoucrucified,whomGodraisedfromthedead,byHimthismanstandsherebeforeyouwhole.Thisisthe‘stonewhichwasrejectedbyyoubuilders,whichhasbecomethechiefcornerstone.’Noristheresalvationinanyother,forthereisnoothernameunderheavengivenamongmenbywhichwe

mustbesaved.”

NowwhentheysawtheboldnessofPeterandJohn,andperceivedthattheywereuneducatedanduntrainedmen,theymarveled.AndtheyrealizedthattheyhadbeenwithJesus.Andseeingthemanwhohadbeenhealedstandingwith

them,theycouldsaynothingagainstit.Butwhentheyhadcommandedthemtogoasideoutofthecouncil,theyconferredamongthemselves,saying,“Whatshallwedotothesemen?For,indeed,thatanotablemiraclehasbeendonethroughthemisevidenttoallwhodwellinJerusalem,andwecannotdenyit.

Butsothatitspreadsnofurtheramongthepeople,letusseverelythreatenthem,thatfromnowontheyspeaktonomaninthisname.”AndtheycalledthemandcommandedthemnottospeakatallnorteachinthenameofJesus.ButPeterandJohnansweredandsaidtothem,“WhetheritisrightinthesightofGodtolistentoyoumorethantoGod,youjudge.Forwecannotbutspeakthethingswhichwehaveseenandheard.”Sowhentheyhadfurtherthreatenedthem,theyletthemgo,findingnowayofpunishingthem,becauseofthepeople,sincethey

allglorifiedGodforwhathadbeendone.Forthemanwasoverfortyyearsoldonwhomthismiracleofhealinghadbeenperformed.Andbeingletgo,theywenttotheirowncompanionsandreportedallthatthechiefpriestsandeldershadsaidtothem.Sowhentheyheardthat,theyraisedtheirvoicetoGodwithoneaccordandsaid:“Lord,YouareGod,whomadeheavenandearthandthesea,andallthatisinthem,whobythemouthofYourservantDavidhavesaid:‘Whydidthenationsrage,andthepeopleplotvainthings?Thekingsofthe

earthtooktheirstand,andtherulersweregatheredtogetheragainsttheLordandagainstHisChrist.’FortrulyagainstYourholyServantJesus,whomYouanointed,bothHerodandPontiusPilate,withtheGentilesandthepeopleofIsrael,weregatheredtogethertodowhateverYourhandandYourpurposedeterminedbeforetobedone.Now,Lord,lookontheirthreats,andgrantto

YourservantsthatwithallboldnesstheymayspeakYourword,bystretchingoutYourhandtoheal,andthatsignsandwondersmaybedonethroughthe

nameofYourholyServantJesus.”Andwhentheyhadprayed,theplacewheretheywereassembledtogetherwasshaken;andtheywereallfilledwiththeHolySpirit,andtheyspokethewordofGodwithboldness.Nowthemultitudeof

thosewhobelievedwereofoneheartandonesoul;neitherdidanyonesaythatanyofthethingshepossessedwashisown,buttheyhadallthingsincommon.AndwithgreatpowertheapostlesgavewitnesstotheresurrectionoftheLordJesus.Andgreatgracewasuponthemall.Norwasthereanyoneamongthemwholacked;forallwhowerepossessorsoflandsorhousessoldthem,and

broughttheproceedsofthethingsthatweresold,andlaidthemattheapostles’feet;andtheydistributedtoeachasanyonehadneed.AndJoses,whowasalsonamedBarnabasbytheapostles(whichistranslatedSonofEncouragement),aLeviteofthecountryofCyprus,havingland,soldit,andbroughtthemoneyand

laiditattheapostles’feet.—Acts4

WepraiseGodthatourgloriousJesusistherisenChrist.ThoseofuswhohavetastedthepoweroftheindwellingSpiritknowsomethingabouthowtheheartsofthosetwodisciplesburnedastheywalkedtoEmmauswiththerisenLordastheircompanion.(SeeLuke24:13–31.)

NotethewordsofActs4:31:“Andwhentheyhadprayed,theplacewheretheywereassembledtogetherwasshaken.”Therearemanychurcheswheretheyneverpraythekindofprayerthatyoureadofhere.Achurchthatdoesnotknow

howtoprayandtoshoutwillneverbeshaken.Ifyouliveorworshipinaplacelikethat,youmightaswellwriteoverthethreshold:“Ichabod…ThegloryhasdepartedfromIsrael!”(1Sam.4:21).Itisonlywhenmenhavelearnedthesecretofprayer,power,andpraisethatGodcomesforth.Somepeoplesay,“Well,IpraiseGodinwardly,”butifthereisanabundanceofpraiseinyourheart,yourmouthcannothelpspeakingit.

WhatIsInsideWillComeOut

AmanwhohadalargebusinessinLondonwasagreatchurchgoer.Thechurchheattendedwasbeautifullydecorated,andhispewwasdelightfullycushioned—justenoughtomakeiteasytosleepthroughthesermons.Hewasaprosperousmaninbusiness,buthehadnopeaceinhisheart.Therewasaboyathisbusinesswhoalwayslookedhappy.Hewasalwaysjumpingandwhistling.Onedayhesaidtothisboy,“Iwanttoseeyouinmyoffice.”

Whentheboycametohisoffice,themanaskedhim,“Howisitthatyoucanalwayswhistleandbehappy?”

“Icannothelpit,”answeredtheboy.

“Wheredidyougetthishappiness?”askedthegentleman.

“IgotitatthePentecostalmission.”

“Whereisthat?”Theboytoldhim,andthemanbeganattending.TheLordreachedhisheart,andinashortwhile,hewasentirelychanged.Oneday,shortlyafterthis,hefoundthatinsteadofbeingdistractedbyhisbusinessasheformerlyhadbeen,hewasactuallywhistlingandjumping.Hisdispositionandhiswholelifehadbeenchanged.

Theshoutcannotcomeoutunlessitiswithin.TheinnerworkingofthepowerofGodmustcomefirst.ItisHewhochangestheheartandtransformsthelife.Beforethereisanyrealoutwardevidence,theremustbetheinflowofdivinelife.

SometimesIsaytopeople,“Youweren’tatthemeetingtheothernight.”

Theyreply,“Oh,yes,Iwasthereinspirit.”

Isaytothem,“Well,nexttimecomewithyourbodyalso.Wedon’twanta

lotofspiritshereandnobodies.WewantyoutocomeandgetfilledwithGod.”

Whenallthepeoplecomeandprayandpraiseasdidtheseearlydisciples,therewillbesomethinghappening.Peoplewhocomewillcatchfire,andtheywillwanttocomeagain;buttheywillhavenouseforaplacewhereeverythinghasbecomeformal,dry,anddead.

ThepowerofPentecostcametoloosemen.Godwantsustobefree.Menandwomenaretiredofimitations;theywantreality;theywanttoseepeoplewhohavethelivingChristwithin,whoarefilledwithHolySpiritpower.

GodIsAlwaysonTime

Ireceivedseverallettersandtelegramsaboutacertaincase,butwhenIarrived,IwastoldIwastoolate.Isaid,“Thatcannotbe.Godhasneversentmeanywheretoolate.”GodshowedmethatsomethingdifferentwouldhappenthananythingIhadeverseenbefore.ThepeopleIwenttowereallstrangers.

Iwasintroducedtoayoungmanwholayhelpless,andforwhomtherewasnohope.Thedoctorhadbeentoseehimthatmorningandhaddeclaredthathewouldnotlivethroughtheday.Helaywithhisfacetothewall,andwhenIspoketohim,hewhispered,“Icannotturnover.”Hismothersaidthattheyhadhadtolifthimoutofbedonsheetsforweeks,andthathewassofrailandhelplessthathehadtostayinoneposition.

Theyoungmansaid,“Myheartisveryweak.”Iassuredhim,“‘Godisthestrengthof[your]heartand[your]portionforever’(Ps.73:26).IfyouwillbelieveGod,itwillbesotoday.”

OurChristisrisen.HeisalivingChristwholiveswithinus.Wemustnothavethistruthmerelyasatheory.ChristmustberiseninusbythepoweroftheSpirit.ThepowerthatraisedHimfromthedeadmustanimateus,andasthisgloriousresurrectionpowersurgesthroughourbeings,wewillbefreedfromallourweaknesses.Wewill“bestrongintheLordandinthepowerofHismight”(Eph.6:10).ThereisaresurrectionpowerthatGodwantsyoutohaveandtohavetoday.Whynotreceiveyourportionhereandnow?

Isaidtothesepeople,“Ibelieveyoursonwillrisetoday.”Theyonlylaughed.Peopledonotexpecttoseesignsandwonderstodayasthedisciplessawthemofold.HasGodchanged,orhasourfaithdiminishedsothatwearenotexpecting

thegreaterworksthatJesuspromised?Wemustnotsinginanyminorkey.Ourmessagemustrisetoconcertpitch,andtheremustbenothingleftoutthatisintheBook.

Itwaswintertime,andIsaidtotheparents,“Willyougettheboy’ssuitandbringithere?”Theywouldnotlistentotherequest,becausetheywereexpectingtheboytodie.ButIhadgonetothatplacebelievingGod.

WereadaboutAbraham:

(Asitiswritten,“Ihavemadeyouafatherofmanynations”)inthepresenceofHimwhomhebelieved;God…giveslifetothedeadandcallsthosethingswhichdonotexistasthoughtheydid.(Rom.4:17)

MayGodhelpustounderstandthis.ItistimepeopleknewhowtoshoutinfaithastheycontemplatetheeternalpowerofourGod,towhomitisnothingto“givelifetoyourmortalbodies”(Rom.8:11)andraisethedead.IcomeacrosssomewhowouldbegiantsinthepowerofGod,buttheyhavenoshoutoffaith.Everywhere,Ifindpeoplewhobecomediscouragedevenwhentheyareprayingsimplybecausetheyarejustbreathingsentenceswithoututteringspeech.Youcannotwinthevictorythatway.Youmustlearntotakethevictoryandshoutinthefaceofthedevil,“Itisdone!”

Thereisnomanwhocandoubtifhelearnstoshout.Whenweknowhowtoshoutproperly,thingswillbedifferent,andtremendousthingswillhappen.InActs4:24weread,“TheyraisedtheirvoicetoGodwithoneaccord.”Itsurelymusthavebeenaloudprayer.WemustknowthatGodmeansforustohavelife.Ifthereisanythingintheworldthathaslifeinit,itisthisPentecostalrevivalwearein.IbelieveinthebaptismoftheHolySpiritwiththespeakingintongues,andIbelievethateverymanwhoisbaptizedintheHolySpiritwill“speakwithothertongues,astheSpirit[giveshim]utterance”(Acts2:4).IbelieveintheHolySpirit.AndifyouarefilledwiththeSpirit,youwillbesuperaboundinginlife,andlivingwaterswillflowfromyou.

AtlastIpersuadedtheparentstobringtheboy’sclothesandlaythemonthebed.Fromthehumanviewpoint,theyoungmanlaydying.Ispoketotheafflictedlad,“GodhasrevealedtomethatasIlaymyhandsonyou,theplacewillbefilledwiththeHolySpirit,thebedwillbeshaken,youwillbeshakenandthrownoutofbedbythepoweroftheHolySpirit,andyouwilldressyourself

andbestrong.”Isaidthistohiminfaith.IlaidhandsonhiminthenameofJesus,andinstantlythepowerofGodfellandfilledtheplace.Ifelthelplessandfellflatonthefloor.Iknewnothingexceptthatashortwhileaftertheplacewasshaken.

ThenIheardtheyoungmanwalkingovermeandsaying,“ForYourglory,Lord!ForYourglory,Lord!”

Hedressedhimselfandcried,“Godhashealedme.”Thefatherfell,themotherfell,andanotherwhowaspresentalsofell.GodmanifestedHispowerthatdayinsavingthewholehouseholdandhealingtheyoungman.ItisthepoweroftherisenChristweneed.Today,thatyoungmanispreachingtheGospel.

GodIsatWork

ForyearswehavebeenlongingforGodtocomeforth,and,praiseHim,Heiscomingforth.Thetideisrisingeverywhere.IwasinSwitzerlandnotlongago,preachinginmanyplaceswherethePentecostalmessagehadnotbeenheard.Today,thereareninenewPentecostalassembliesindifferentplacesgoingonblessedlyforGod.Allovertheworlditisthesame;thisgreatPentecostalworkisinmotion.YoucanhardlygotoaplacenowwhereGodisnotpouringoutHisSpirituponhungryhearts.GodhaspromisedtopouroutHisSpirituponallflesh,andHispromisesneverfail.OurChristisrisen.Hissalvationwasnotathingdoneinacorner.TrulyHewasamanofglorywhowenttoCalvaryforusinorderthatHemightfreeusfromallthatwouldmarandhinder,thatHemighttransformusbyHisgraceandbringusoutfromunderthepoweroftheenemyintothegloriouspowerofGod.OnetouchofourrisenChristwillraisethedead.Hallelujah!

Oh,thiswonderfulJesusofourscomesandindwellsus!Hecomestoabide.ItisHewhobaptizesuswiththeHolySpiritandmakeseverythingdifferent.Wearetobea“kindoffirstfruits”(James1:18)untoGodandaretobelikeChristwhoistheFirstFruit.WearetowalkinHisfootstepsandliveinHispower.Whatasalvationthisis,havingthisrisenChristinus.Ifeelthateverythingelsemustgotonothingness,helplessness,andruin.EventhebestthoughtofholinessmustbeonthedecreaseinorderthatChristmayincrease.AllthingsareunderthepoweroftheSpirit.

GodIswithYou

DareyoutakeyourinheritancefromGod?DareyoubelieveGod?DareyoustandontherecordofHisWord?Whatistherecord?Ifyouwillbelieve,youwillseethegloryofGod(John11:40).Youwillbesiftedaswheat.Youwillbetestedasthoughsomestrangethingtriedyou.(See1Peter4:12.)YouwillbeputinplaceswhereyouwillhavetoputyourwholetrustinGod.ThereisnosuchthingasanyonebeingtestedbeyondwhatGodwillallow.Thereisnotemptationthatwillcome,butGodwillbewithyourightinthetemptationtodeliveryou(1Cor.10:13),andwhenyouhavebeentried,Hewillbringyouforthasgold(Job23:10).EverytrialistobringyoutoagreaterpositioninGod.ThetrialthattriesyourfaithwilltakeyouontotheplacewhereyouwillknowthatthefaithofGodwillbeforthcominginthenexttest.NomanisabletowinanyvictoryexceptthroughthepoweroftherisenChristwithinhim.Youwillneverbeabletosay,“Ididthisorthat.”YouwilldesiretogiveGodthegloryforeverything.

Ifyouaresureofyourground,ifyouarecountingonthepresenceofthelivingChristwithin,youcanlaughwhenyouseethingsgettingworse.GodwantsyoutobesettledandgroundedinChrist,anditisonlyasyouarefilledwiththeHolySpiritthatyoubecomesteadfastandunmoveableinHim.

TheLordJesussaid,“Ihaveabaptismtobebaptizedwith,andhowdistressedIamtillitisaccomplished!”(Luke12:50).Assuredly,Hewasdistressedallalongtheway:inGethsemane,inthejudgmenthall,and,afterthat,onthecross,whereHe,“throughtheeternalSpiritofferedHimselfwithoutspottoGod”(Heb.9:14).Godwilltakeusrightoninlikemanner,andtheHolySpiritwillleadeverystepoftheway.GodledHimrightthroughtotheemptytomb,tothegloryoftheAscension,toaplaceonthethrone.TheSonofGodwillneverbesatisfieduntilHehasuswithHimself,sharingHisgloryandsharingHisthrone.

8Righteousness

Youhavelovedrighteousnessandhatedlawlessness;thereforeGod,YourGod

hasanointedYouwiththeoilofgladnessmorethanYourcompanions.

—Hebrews1:9

AsweareindweltbytheHolySpirit,Godpurposesthat,likeourLord,weshouldloverighteousnessandhatelawlessness.IseethatthereisaplaceforusinChristJesuswherewearenolongerundercondemnationbutwheretheheavensarealwaysopentous.IseethatGodhasarealmofdivinelifeopeninguptouswherethereareboundlesspossibilities,wherethereislimitlesspower,wherethereareuntoldresources,andwherewehavevictoryoverallthepowerofthedevil.Ibelievethat,aswearefilledwiththedesiretopressonintothislifeoftrueholiness,desiringonlythegloryofGod,nothingcanhinderourtrueadvancement.

PreciousFaith

Peterbeganhissecondletterwiththesewords:

SimonPeter,abondservantandapostleofJesusChrist,tothosewhohaveobtainedlikepreciousfaithwithusbytherighteousnessofourGodandSaviorJesusChrist.(2Pet.1:1)

Throughfaith,werealizethatwehaveablessedandgloriousunionwithourrisenLord.WhenHewasonearth,Jesustoldus,“IamintheFatherandtheFatherinMe”(John14:11).“TheFatherwhodwellsinMedoestheworks”(v.10).AndHeprayedtoHisFather,notonlyforHisdisciples,butforthosewhowouldbelieveonHimthroughtheirtestimonies:“Thattheyallmaybeone,asYou,Father,areinMe,andIinYou;thattheyalsomaybeoneinUs,thattheworldmaybelievethatYousentme”(John17:21).Whataninheritanceisourswhentheverynature,theveryrighteousness,theverypoweroftheFatherandtheSonaremaderealinus.ThisisGod’spurpose,andasbyfaith,wetakeholdofthepurpose,wewillalwaysbeconsciousthat“Hewhoisin[us]isgreaterthanhewhoisintheworld”(1John4:4).ThepurposeofallScriptureisto

moveustothiswonderfulandblessedelevationoffaithwhereourconstantexperienceisthemanifestationofGod’slifeandpowerthroughus.

Petergoesonwritingtothosewhohaveobtained“likepreciousfaith,”saying,“GraceandpeacebemultipliedtoyouintheknowledgeofGodandofJesusourLord”(2Pet.1:2).Wecanhavethemultiplicationofthisgraceandpeaceonlyasweliveintherealmoffaith.Abrahamattainedtotheplacewherehebecamea“friendofGod”becausehe“believedGod”(James2:23).He“believedGod,anditwasaccountedtohimforrighteousness”(v.23).Righteousnesswascreditedtohimonnoothergroundthanthathe“believedGod.”Canthisbetrueofanybodyelse?Yes,everypersoninthewholeworldwhoissavedbyfaithisblessedalongwithfaithfulAbraham.ThepromisethatcametohimbecausehebelievedGodwasthatinhimallthefamiliesoftheearthwouldbeblessed(Gen.18:18).WhenwebelieveGod,thereisnotellingwheretheblessingsofourfaithwillend.

Someareanxiousbecause,whentheyareprayedfor,thethingthattheyareexpectingdoesnothappenthatsamenight.Theysaytheybelieve,butyoucanseethattheyarereallyinturmoilfromtheirunbelief.AbrahambelievedGod.YoucanhearhimsayingtoSarah,“Sarah,thereisnolifeinyou,andthereisnothinginme;butGodhaspromisedusason,andIbelieveGod.”ThatkindoffaithisajoytoourFatherinheaven.

EyesofFaith

OnedayIwashavingameetinginBury,inLancashire,England.AyoungwomanfromaplacecalledRamsbottomcametobehealedofagoiter.Beforeshecameshesaid,“Iamgoingtobehealedofthisgoiter,Mother.”Afteronemeeting,shecameforwardandwasprayedfor.Thenextmeetingshegotupandtestifiedthatshehadbeenwonderfullyhealed.Shesaid,“IwillbesohappytogoandtellMotheraboutmyhealing.”

Shewenttoherhomeandtestifiedhowwonderfullyshehadbeenhealed.Thenextyearwhenwewerehavingtheconvention,shecameagain.Fromahumanperspective,itlookedasthoughthegoiterwasjustasbigasever,butthatyoungwomanwasbelievingGod.Soonshewasonherfeetgivinghertestimony,saying,“Iwasherelastyear,andtheLordwonderfullyhealedme.Iwanttotellyouthatthishasbeenthebestyearofmylife.”Sheseemedtobegreatlyblessedinthatmeeting,andshewenthometotestifymorestronglythan

everthattheLordhadhealedher.

ShebelievedGod.Thethirdyear,shewasatthemeetingagain,andsomepeoplewholookedathersaid,“Lookhowbigthatgoiterhasbecome!”Butwhenthetimecamefortestimonies,shewasonherfeetandtestified,“Twoyearsago,theLordgloriouslyhealedmeofagoiter.Oh,Ihadamostwonderfulhealing.ItisgrandtobehealedbythepowerofGod.”

Thatdaysomeonequestionedherandsaid,“Peoplewillthinkthereissomethingthematterwithyou.Whydon’tyoulookinthemirror?Youwillseeyourgoiterisbiggerthanever.”TheyoungwomanwenttotheLordaboutitandsaid,“Lord,Yousowonderfullyhealedmetwoyearsago.Won’tYoushowallthepeoplethatYouhealedme?”ShewenttosleeppeacefullythatnightstillbelievingGod.Whenshecamedownthenextday,therewasnotatraceoramarkofthatgoiter.

TheMirrorofFaith

God’sWordisfromeverlastingtoeverlasting.HisWordcannotfail.God’sWordistrue,andwhenwerestinitstruth,whatmightyresultswecanget.Faithneverlooksinthemirror.Themirroroffaithistheperfectlawofliberty:

Buthewholooksintotheperfectlawoflibertyandcontinuesinit,andisnotaforgetfulhearerbutadoerofthework,thisonewillbeblessedinwhathedoes.(James1:25)

TothemanwholooksintothisperfectlawofGod,alldarknessisremoved.HeseeshiscompletenessinChrist.Thereisnodarknessinfaith.Darknessisonlyinnature.Darknessexistswhenthenaturalreplacesthedivine.

GraceandpeacearemultipliedtousthroughaknowledgeofGodandofJesusChrist.AswereallyknowourGod,andJesusChrist,whomHehassent,wewillhavepeacemultipliedtouseveninthemultipliedfiresoftenthousandNebuchadnezzars.(SeeDaniel3:10–30.)Ourpeacewillbemultipliedtouseventhoughweareputintoadenoflions,andwewilllivewithjoyinthemiddleofthewholething.

WhatwasthedifferencebetweenDanielandthekingthatnightwhenDanielwasputintothedenoflions?Daniel’sfaithwascertain,buttheking’sfaithwasexperimental.Thekingcamearoundthenextmorningandcried,“Daniel,

servantofthelivingGod,hasyourGod,whomyouservecontinually,beenabletodeliveryoufromthelions?”(Dan.6:20).Danielanswered,“MyGodsentHisangelandshutthelions’mouths”(v.22).Thethingwasdone.ItwasdonewhenDanielprayedwithhiswindowsopentowardheaven.

Allourvictoriesarewonbeforewegointothefight.Theyarewonaswepray.PrayerlinksustoourlovelyGod,ourpeacefulGod,ouraboundingGod,ourmultiplyingGod.Oh,IloveHim.Heissowonderful!

HolinessOpenstheDoor

Youwillnoteasyouread2Peter1:1–2thatthisgraceandpeacearemultipliedthroughtheknowledgeofGod,butthatfirstourfaithcomesthroughtherighteousnessofGod.Notethatrighteousnesscomesfirstandknowledgeafterwards.Itcannotbeotherwise.IfyouexpectanyrevelationofGodapartfromholiness,youwillhaveonlyamixture.HolinessopensthedoortoallthetreasuresofGod.Hemustfirstbringustotheplacewherewe,likeourLord,loverighteousnessandhatelawlessness(Heb.1:9),beforeHeopensuptousthesegoodtreasures.Whenwe“regardiniquityin[ourhearts],theLordwillnothear”us(Ps.66:18);anditisonlyaswearemaderighteous,pure,andholythroughthepreciousbloodofGod’sSonthatwecanenterintothislifeofholinessandrighteousnessintheSon.ItistherighteousnessofourLordHimselfmaderealinusasourfaithremainsinHim.

AfterIwasbaptizedwiththeHolySpirit,theLordgavemeablessedrevelation.IsawAdamandEveturnedoutoftheGardenfortheirdisobedience.TheywereunabletopartakeoftheTreeofLife,forthecherubimwithflamingswordkeptthemawayfromthistree.WhenIwasbaptized,IsawthatIhadbeguntoeatofthisTreeofLife,andIsawthattheflamingswordsurroundedit.Itwastheretokeepthedevilaway.Oh,whatprivilegesareourswhenwearebornofGod!HowmarvelouslyHekeepsussothatthewickedonecannottouchus.IseeaplaceinGodwheretheenemydoesnotdaretocome.Weare“hiddenwithChristinGod”(Col.3:3).Heinvitesusalltocomeandsharethiswonderfulhiddenplace.Wedwell“inthesecretplaceoftheMostHigh”and“abideundertheshadowoftheAlmighty”(Ps.91:1).Godhasthisplaceforyouinthisblessedrealmofgrace.

Peterwentontosay,“AsHisdivinepowerhasgiventousallthingsthatpertaintolifeandgodliness,throughtheknowledgeofHimwhocalledusby

gloryandvirtue”(2Pet.1:3).Godiscallingustothisrealmofgloryandvirtuewhere,aswefeedonHis“exceedinglygreatandpreciouspromises,”wearemade“partakersofthedivinenature”(v.4).

DaretoBelieveGod

“Faithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor”(Heb.11:1)righthereinthislife.ItisherethatGodwantsustoshareinHisdivinenature.ItisnothinglessthanthelifeoftheLordHimselfimpartedandflowingintoourwholebeings,sothatourverybodiesarequickened,sothateverytissue,everydropofblood,andourbones,joints,andmarrowreceivethisdivinelife.IbelievethattheLordwantsthisdivinelifetoflowrightintoournaturalbodies,this“lawofthespiritoflifeinChristJesus”thatmakesus“freefromthelawofsinanddeath”(Rom.8:2).

Godwantstoestablishourfaithsothatwewillgraspthisdivinelife,thisdivinenatureoftheSonofGod,inorderthatour“spirit,soul,andbody[will]be[sanctifiedcompletelyand]preservedblamelessatthecomingofourLordJesusChrist”(1Thess.5:23).

Whenthewomanwhohadsufferedfortwelveyearsfromaflowofbloodwashealed,JesusperceivedthatpowerhadgoneoutofHim(Mark5:25–34).Thewoman’sfaithreachedoutandtookhold,andHispowerwasimparted.Immediately,thewoman’sbeingwaschargedwithlife,andherweaknessdeparted.Theconveyingofthispowerproduceseverythingyouneed,butitcomesonlyasyourfaithreachesoutforitsimpartation.Faithisthevictory.Ifyoucanbelieve,thehealingpowerisyours.

Isufferedformanyyearsfromhemorrhoids,untilmywholebodywasthoroughlyweak;thebloodusedtogushfromme.OnedayIgotdesperate,andItookabottleofoilandanointedmyself.IsaidtotheLord,“DowhatYouwantto,quickly.”Iwashealedatthatverymoment.GodwantsustohaveanactivityoffaiththatdarestobelieveGod.Thereiswhatseemstobefaith,anappearanceoffaith,butrealfaithbelievesGodrighttotheend.

WhatwasthedifferencebetweenZachariasandMary?TheangelcametoZachariasandtoldhim,“YourwifeElizabethwillbearyouason”(Luke1:13).ZachariaswasintheHolyPlace,buthebegantoquestionthismessage,saying,“Iamanoldman,andmywifeiswelladvancedinyears”(v.18).Gabriel,theangeloftheLord,rebukedhimforhisunbeliefandtoldhim,“Youwillbemute

andnotabletospeakuntilthedaythesethingstakeplace,becauseyoudidnotbelievemywords”(v.20).

NotethecontrastwhentheangelcametoMary.Shesaid,“BeholdthemaidservantoftheLord!Letitbetomeaccordingtoyourword”(v.38).

AndElizabethgreetedMarywiththewords,“Blessedisshewhobelieved,fortherewillbeafulfillmentofthosethingswhichweretoldherfromtheLord”(v.45).

GodwantsustobelieveHisWordinthesameway.Hewantsustocomewithaboldnessoffaith,declaring,“Youhavepromisedit,Lord.Nowdoit.”GodrejoiceswhenwemanifestafaiththatholdsHimtoHisWord.Canwegetthere?

FaithClaimstheVictory

TheLordhascalledustothis“gloryandvirtue”(2Pet.1:3).AsourfaithclaimsHispromises,wewillseethisevidenced.

IrememberonedayIwasholdingameeting.Myunclecameandsaid,“AuntMarywouldliketoseeSmithbeforeshedies.”Iwenttoseeher,andshewasassuredlydying.

Isaid,“Lord,can’tYoudosomething?”AllIdidwasstretchoutmyhandsandlaythemonher.ItseemedasthoughtherewasanimmediatetouchofthegloryandpoweroftheLord.

AuntMarycried,“Itisgoingallovermybody.”Thatdayshewasmadeperfectlywhole.

OnedayIwaspreaching,andamanbroughtaboywhowaswrappedinbandages.Itwasimpossibleforhimtowalk,soitwasdifficultforthemtogethimtotheplatform.Theypassedhimoveraboutsixseats.ThepoweroftheLordwaspresenttoheal,anditenteredrightintothechildasIplacedmyhandsonhim.Thechildcried,“Daddy,itisgoingalloverme.”Theytookofftheboy’sbandagesandfoundnothingwrongwithhim.

TheLordwantsustobewalkinglettersofHisWord.JesusistheWordandthepowerinus.ItisHisdesiretoworkinandthroughus“forHisgood

pleasure”(Phil.2:13).WemustbelievethatHeisinus.ThereareboundlesspossibilitiesforusifwedaretoactinGodanddaretobelievethatthewonderfulpowerofourlivingChristwillbemadeclearthroughusaswelayourhandsonthesickinHisname(Mark16:18).

The“exceedinglygreatandpreciouspromises”(2Pet.1:4)oftheWordaregiventousthatwemightbe“partakersofthedivinenature”(v.4).IfeeltheHolySpiritisgrievedwithuswhenweknowthesethingsbutdonotdogreaterdeedsforGod.DoesnottheHolySpiritshowuswide-opendoorsofopportunity?WillwenotletGodleadustogreaterthings?WillwenotbelieveGodtotakeusontogreaterdemonstrationsofHispower?Hecallsustoforgetthethingsthatarebehind,reachtowardthethingsahead,and“presstowardthegoalfortheprizeoftheupwardcallofGodinChristJesus”(Phil.3:13–14).

9TheWordsofThisLife

ButacertainmannamedAnanias,withSapphirahiswife,soldapossession.Andhekeptbackpartoftheproceeds,hiswifealsobeingawareofit,and

broughtacertainpartandlaiditattheapostles’feet.ButPetersaid,“Ananias,whyhasSatanfilledyourhearttolietotheHolySpiritandkeepbackpartofthepriceofthelandforyourself?Whileitremained,wasitnotyourown?Andafteritwassold,wasitnotinyourowncontrol?Whyhaveyouconceivedthisthinginyourheart?YouhavenotliedtomenbuttoGod.”ThenAnanias,hearingthesewords,felldownandbreathedhislast.Sogreatfearcameuponallthosewhoheardthesethings.Andtheyoungmenaroseandwrappedhimup,carriedhimout,andburiedhim.Nowitwasaboutthreehourslaterwhenhiswifecamein,notknowingwhathadhappened.AndPeteransweredher,“Tellmewhetheryousoldthelandforsomuch?”Shesaid,“Yes,forsomuch.”ThenPetersaidtoher,“HowisitthatyouhaveagreedtogethertotesttheSpiritoftheLord?Look,thefeetofthosewhohaveburiedyourhusbandareatthedoor,andtheywill

carryyouout.”Thenimmediatelyshefelldownathisfeetandbreathedherlast.Andtheyoungmencameinandfoundherdead,andcarryingherout,buriedherbyherhusband.Sogreatfearcameuponallthechurchanduponallwhoheardthesethings.Andthroughthehandsoftheapostlesmanysignsandwondersweredoneamongthepeople.AndtheywereallwithoneaccordinSolomon’sPorch.Yetnoneoftherestdaredjointhem,butthepeopleesteemedthem

highly.AndbelieverswereincreasinglyaddedtotheLord,multitudesofbothmenandwomen,sothattheybroughtthesickoutintothestreetsandlaidthemonbedsandcouches,thatatleasttheshadowofPeterpassingbymightfallon

someofthem.AlsoamultitudegatheredfromthesurroundingcitiestoJerusalem,bringingsickpeopleandthosewhoweretormentedbyunclean

spirits,andtheywereallhealed.Thenthehighpriestroseup,andallthosewhowerewithhim(whichisthesectoftheSadducees),andtheywerefilledwithindignation,andlaidtheirhandsontheapostlesandputtheminthecommonprison.ButatnightanangeloftheLordopenedtheprisondoorsandbroughtthemout,andsaid,“Go,standinthetempleandspeaktothepeopleallthe

wordsofthislife.”—Acts5:1–20

NoticethisexpressionthattheLordgivesofthegospelmessage—“thewords

ofthislife.”Itisthemostwonderfullifepossible—thelifeoffaithintheSonofGod.ThisisthelifewhereGodispresentallthetime.Heisallaround,andHeiswithin.ItisthelifeofmanyrevelationsandofmanymanifestationsofGod’sHolySpirit,alifeinwhichtheLordiscontinuallyseen,known,felt,andheard.Itisalifewithoutdeath,for“wehavepassedfromdeathtolife”(1John3:14).TheverylifeofGodhascomewithinus.Wherethatlifeisinitsfullness,diseasecannotexist.Itwouldtakemeamonthtotellwhatthereisinthiswonderfullife.Everyonecanenterinandpossessandbepossessedbythislife.

Itispossibleforyoutobewithinthevicinityofthislifeandyetmissit.ItispossibleforyoutobeinaplacewhereGodispouringoutHisSpiritandyetmisstheblessingthatGodissowillingtobestow.ThisisallduetoalackofrevelationandamisunderstandingoftheinfinitegraceofGodandof“theGodofallgrace”(1Pet.5:10),whoiswillingtogivetoallwhowillreachoutthehandoffaith.ThislifethatHefreelybestowsisagift.Somethinktheyhavetoearnit,andtheymissthewholething.Oh,forasimplefaithtoreceiveallthatGodsolavishlyoffers!Youcanneverbeordinaryfromthedayyoureceivethislifefromabove.Youbecomeextraordinary,filledwiththeextraordinarypowerofourextraordinaryGod.

WhyDidAnaniasandSapphiraDie?

AnaniasandSapphirawereinthewonderfulrevivalthatGodgavetotheearlychurch,yettheymissedit.Theythoughtthatpossiblythethingmightfail.Theywantedtohaveareserveforthemselvesincaseitturnedouttobeafailure.

Therearemanypeoplelikethemtoday.ManypeoplemakevowstoGodintimesofgreatcrisisintheirlivesbutfailtokeeptheirvows,andintheendtheybecomespirituallybankrupt.Blessedistheman“whoswearstohisownhurtanddoesnotchange”(Ps.15:4),whokeepsthevowhehasmadetoGod,whoiswillingtolayhisallatGod’sfeet.Themanwhodoesthisneverbecomesaleansoul.Godhaspromisedto“strengthen[his]bones”(Isa.58:11).Thereisnodryplaceforsuchaman.Heisalways“freshandflourishing”(Ps.92:14),andhebecomesstrongerandstronger.ItpaystotrustGodwithallandtoholdbacknothing.

IwishIcouldmakeyouseehowgreataGodwehave.AnaniasandSapphirawerereallydoubtingGodandwerequestioningwhetherthisworkthatHehadbegunwouldgoon.Theywantedtogetsomegloryforsellingtheirproperty,but

becauseoftheirlackoffaith,theykeptpartoftheproceedsinreserveincasetheworkofGodweretofail.

ManyaredoubtingwhetherthisPentecostalrevivalwillgoon.DoyouthinkthisPentecostalworkwillstop?Never.ForfifteenyearsIhavebeeninconstantrevival,andIamsurethatitwillneverstop.

WhenGeorgeStephensonbuilthisfirstengine,hetookhissisterMarytoseeit.Shelookedatitandsaidtoherbrother,“George,it’llnevergo.”Hesaidtoher,“Getin,Mary.”Shesaidagain,“It’llnevergo.”Hesaidtoher,“We’llsee;yougetin.”Maryatlastgotin.Thewhistleblew,therewasapuffandarattle,andtheenginestartedoff.ThenMarycriedout,“George,it’llneverstop!”

PeoplearelookingatthisPentecostalrevival,andtheyareverycritical.Theyaresaying,“It’llnevergo.”However,whentheyareinducedtocomeintothework,theyoneandallsay,“It’llneverstop.”ThisrevivalofGodissweepingonandon,andthereisnostoppingthecurrentoflife,oflove,ofinspiration,andofpower.

InterpretationofTongues

ItisthelivingWordwhohasbroughtthis.ItistheLambinthemidst,“thesameyesterday,today,andforever.”

Godhasbroughtunlimitedresourcesforeveryone.Donotdoubt.Hearwiththeearoffaith.Godisinthemidst.MakesurethatitisGodwhohassetforthwhatyouseeandheartoday(Acts2:33).

Iwantyoutoseethatintheearlychurch,controlledbythepoweroftheHolySpirit,itwasnotpossibleforalietoexist.Themomentitcameintothechurch,therewasinstantdeath.Likewise,asthepoweroftheHolySpiritincreasesinthesedaysofthelatterrain,itwillbeimpossibleforanymantoremaininourmidstwithalyingspirit.Godwillpurifythechurch.TheWordofGodwillbeinsuchpowerinhealingandotherspiritualmanifestations,thatgreatfearwillbeuponallthosewhoseethesethings.

Tothenaturalmind,itseemsasmallthingforAnaniasandSapphiratowanttohavealittletofallbackon,butIwanttotellyouthatyoucanpleaseGodandgetthingsfromGodonlythroughalivingfaith.Godneverfails.Godnevercanfail.

OurMercifulandHealingGod

WhenIwasinBergen,Norway,ayoungwomancametothemeetingwhowasemployedatthehospitalasanurse.Abigcanceroustumorhaddevelopedonhernose.Thenosewasenlargedandhadbecomeblackandveryinflamed.

Shecameforprayer,andIaskedher,“Whatisyourcondition?”

Shesaid,“Idarenottouchmynose;itgivesmesomuchpain.”

Isaidtoallthepeople,“Iwantyoutolookatthisnurseandnoticeherterriblecondition.IbelievethatourGodismerciful,thatHeisfaithful,andthatHewillbringtonothingthisconditionthatthedevilhasbroughtabout.Iamgoingtocursethisdiseaseintheall-powerfulnameofJesus.Thepainwillgo.IbelieveGodwillgiveusanexhibitionofHisgrace,andIwillaskthisyoungwomantocometothemeetingtomorrownightanddeclarewhatGodhasdoneforher.”

Oh,theawfulnessofsin!Oh,theawfulnessofthepowerofsin!Oh,theawfulnessoftheconsequencesoftheFall!WhenIseecancer,Ialwaysknowitisanevilspirit.Icanneverbelieveitisotherwise.Itisthesamewaywithtumors.CanthisbetheworkofGod?MayGodhelpmetoshowyouthatthisistheworkofthedevil,andtoshowyouthewayout.

Idonotcondemnpeoplewhosin.Idon’tscoldpeople.Iknowwhatisbehindthesin.Iknowthatthedevilisalwaysgoingabout“likearoaringlion,seekingwhomhemaydevour”(1Pet.5:8).IalwaysrememberthepatienceandloveoftheLordJesusChrist.WhentheybroughttoHimawomanwhomtheyhadtakeninadultery,tellingHimthattheyhadcaughtherintheveryact,Hesimplystoopeddownandwroteontheground.ThenHequietlysaid,“Hewhoiswithoutsinamongyou,lethimthrowastoneatherfirst”(John8:7).Ihaveneverseenamanwithoutsin.“AllhavesinnedandfallshortofthegloryofGod”(Rom.3:23).ButIreadinthisblessedgospelmessagethatGod“haslaidonHim[Jesus]theiniquityofusall”(Isa.53:6).

WhenIseeanevilcondition,IfeelthatImuststandinmypositionandrebukethecondition.Ilaidmyhandsonthenoseofthatsufferingnurseandcursedtheevilpowerthatwascausinghersomuchdistress.Thenextnighttheplacewaspacked.Thepeopleweresojammedtogetherthatitseemedasiftherewasnotroomforonemoretoenterthathouse.HowGod’srainfelluponus!

HowgoodGodis,sofullofgraceandsofulloflove.Isawthenurseintheaudience,andaskedhertocomeforward.ShecameandshowedeveryonewhatGodhaddone.Hehadperfectlyhealedher.Oh,Itellyou,HeisjustthesameJesus.Heisjustthesametoday(Heb.13:8).AllthingsarepossibleifyoudaretotrustGod(Mark9:23).

ChurchGrowthandNumerousHealings

WhenthepowerofGodcamesomightilyupontheearlychurch,eveninthedeathofAnaniasandSapphira,greatfearcameuponallthepeople.AndwhenweareinthepresenceofGod,whenGodisworkingmightilyinourmidst,therecomesagreatfear,areverence,aholinessoflife,apuritythatfearstodispleaseGod.Wereadthatnomandaredtojointhem,butGod“addedtothechurch…thosewhowerebeingsaved”(Acts2:47).IwouldratherhaveGodaddtoourPentecostalchurchthanhaveallthetownjoinit.GodaddeddailytoHisownchurch.

ThenextthingthathappenedwasthatpeoplebecamesoassuredthatGodwasworkingthattheyknewthatanythingwouldbepossible,andtheybroughttheirsick“intothestreetsandlaidthemonbedsandcouches,thatatleasttheshadowofPeterpassingbymightfallon…them.”Multitudesofsickpeopleandthoseoppressedwithevilspiritswerebroughttotheapostles,andGodhealedeveryoneofthem.IdonotbelievethatitwastheshadowofPeterthathealedthem,butthepowerofGodwasmightilypresent,andthefaithofthepeoplewassoarousedthattheyjoinedwithonehearttobelieveGod.Godwillalwaysmeetpeopleonthebasisoffaith.

RevivalsinNorwayandIreland

God’stideisrisingallovertheearth.IhadbeenpreachinginStavanger,Norway,andwasverytiredandwantedafewhours’rest.Iwenttomynextappointment,arrivingatabout9:30inthemorning.Myfirstmeetingwastobeatnight.Isaidtomyinterpreter,“Afterwehavehadsomethingtoeat,let’sgodowntothefjords.”

Wespentthreeorfourhoursdownbytheseaandatabout4:30returned.Wefoundtheendofthestreet,whichhadanarrowentrance,justfilledwithautomobiles,wagons,andsoon,containinginvalidsandsickpeopleofeverykind.Iwentuptothehouseandwastoldthatthehousewasfullofsickpeople,

too.ItremindedmeofthescenedescribedinthefifthchapterofActs.Ibeganprayingforthepeopleinthestreet,andGodbegantohealthepeople.HowwonderfullyHehealedthosepeoplewhowereinthehouse.

Whenwesatdownforlunch,thetelephonerang,andsomeoneattheotherendwassaying,“Whatshallwedo?Thetownhallisalreadyfull;thepolicecannotcontrolthings.”

InthatlittleNorwegiantown,thepeoplewerejammedtogether,andoh,howthepowerofGodfelluponus!Acrywentupfromeveryone,“Isn’tthistherevival?”Revivaliscoming.ThebreathoftheAlmightyiscoming.ThebreathofGodshowseverydefect,andasitcomesflowinginlikeariver,everybodywillneedafreshanointing,afreshcleansingoftheblood.Youcandependonitthatthatbreathisuponus.

OnetimeIwasatameetinginIreland.Manysickpeoplewerecarriedtothatmeeting,andhelplessoneswerebroughtthere.ManypeopleinthatplacewereseekingthebaptismintheHolySpirit.Someofthemhadbeenseekingforyears.Thereweresinnerstherewhowereundermightyconviction.AmomentcamewhenthebreathofGodsweptthroughthemeeting.Inabouttenminutes,everysinnerintheplacewassaved.EveryonewhohadbeenseekingtheHolySpiritwasbaptized,andeverysickonewashealed.Godisareality,andHispowercanneverfail.Asourfaithreachesout,Godwillmeetus,andthesamerainwillfall.Itisthesamebloodthatcleanses,thesamepower,thesameHolySpirit,andthesameJesusmaderealthroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit!WhatwouldhappenifwewouldbelieveGod?

Rightnow,thepreciousbloodoftheLordJesusChristiseffectivetocleanseyourheartandputthislife,thiswonderfullifeofGod,withinyou.Thebloodwillmakeyoueverybitwholeifyoudaretobelieve.TheBibleisfullofentreatyforyoutocomeandpartakeandreceivethegrace,thepower,thestrength,therighteousness,andthefullredemptionofJesusChrist.Heneverfailstohearwhenwebelieve.

ALameManandHisSon

AtoneplacewhereIwas,alamemanwasbroughttomewhohadbeeninbedfortwoyears,withnohopeofrecovery.Hewasbroughtthirtymilestothemeeting,andhecameuponcrutchestobeprayedfor.Hisboywasalsoafflicted

intheknees,andtheyhadfourcrutchesbetweenthetwoofthem.Theman’sfacewasfulloftorture.ButthereishealingpowerintheLord,andHeneverfailstohealwhenwebelieve.InthenameofJesus—thatnamesofullofpower—Iputmyhanddownthatlegthatwassodiseased.Themanthrewdownhiscrutches,andallwereastonishedastheysawhimwalkingupanddownwithoutaid.Thelittleboycalledouttohisfather,“Papa,me;papa,me,me,me!”Thelittleboy,whohadtwowitheredknees,wantedthesametouch.AndthesameJesuswastheretobringarealdeliverancetothelittlecaptive.Hewascompletelyhealed.

Thesewerelegsthatweretouched.IfGodwillstretchoutHismightypowertolooseafflictedlegs,whatmercywillHeextendtothatsoulofyoursthatmustexistforever?HeartheLordsay,

TheSpiritoftheLordisuponMe,becauseHehasanointedMetopreachthegospeltothepoor;HehassentMetohealthebrokenhearted,toproclaimlibertytothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,tosetatlibertythosewhoareoppressed.(Luke4:18)

Heinvitesyou,“CometoMe,allyouwholaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest”(Matt.11:28).GodiswillinginHisgreatmercytotouchyourlimbswithHismighty,vitalpower,andifHeiswillingtodothis,howmuchmoreeagerHeistodeliveryoufromthepoweroftheenemyandtomakeyouachildoftheKing!Howmuchmorenecessaryitisforyoutobehealedofyoursoulsicknessthanofyourbodilyailments!AndGodiswillingtogivethedoublecure.

AYoungManWhoHadFallenintoSin

IwaspassingthroughthecityofLondononetime,andMr.Mundell,thesecretaryofthePentecostalMissionaryUnion,foundoutthatIwasthere.Hearrangedformetomeethimatacertainplaceat3:30intheafternoon.IwastomeetacertainboywhosefatherandmotherlivedinthecityofSalisbury.TheyhadsentthisyoungmantoLondontotakecareoftheirbusiness.HehadbeenaleaderinSundayschoolwork,buthehadbeenbetrayedandhadfallen.Sinisawful,and“thewagesofsinisdeath”(Rom.6:23).Yet,thereisanotherword:“butthegiftofGodiseternallife.”

Thisyoungmanwasingreatdistress;hehadcontractedahorribledisease

andwasafraidtotellanyone.Therewasnothingbutdeathaheadforhim.Whenthefatherandmotherfoundoutabouthiscondition,theysufferedinexpressiblegrief.

Whenwegottothehouse,BrotherMundellsuggestedthatwebegintopray.Isaid,“Goddoesnotsayso.Wearenotgoingtoprayyet.IwanttoquoteaScripture:‘Fools,becauseoftheirtransgression,andbecauseoftheiriniquities,wereafflicted.Theirsoulabhorredallmanneroffood,andtheydrewneartothegatesofdeath’(Ps.107:17).”

Theyoungmancriedout,“Iamthatfool.”Hebrokedownandtoldusthestoryofhisfall.Oh,ifmenwouldonlyrepentandconfesstheirsins,howGodwouldstretchoutHishandtohealandtosave!Themomentthatyoungmanrepented,agreatabscessburst,andGodsentpowerintohislife,givinghimamightydeliverance.

Godisgraciousandis“notwillingthatanyshouldperish”(2Pet.3:9).Howmanyarewillingtomakeacleanbreakfromtheirsins?Itellyouthatthemomentyoudothis,Godwillopenheaven.ItisaneasythingforHimtosaveyoursoulandhealyourdiseaseifyouwillonlycomeandtakesheltertodayin“thesecretplaceoftheMostHigh”(Ps.91:1).HewillsatisfyyouwithalonglifeandshowyouHissalvation(v.16).“In[His]presenceisfullnessofjoy;at[His]righthandarepleasuresforevermore”(Ps.16:11).ThereisfullredemptionforallthroughthepreciousbloodoftheSonofGod.

10LifeintheSpirit

Dowebeginagaintocommendourselves?Ordoweneed,assomeothers,epistlesofcommendationtoyouorlettersofcommendationfromyou?Youareourepistlewritteninourhearts,knownandreadbyallmen;clearlyyouareanepistleofChrist,ministeredbyus,writtennotwithinkbutbytheSpiritofthelivingGod,notontabletsofstonebutontabletsofflesh,thatis,oftheheart.

AndwehavesuchtrustthroughChristtowardGod.Notthatwearesufficientofourselvestothinkofanythingasbeingfromourselves,butoursufficiencyisfromGod,whoalsomadeussufficientasministersofthenewcovenant,notoftheletterbutoftheSpirit;fortheletterkills,buttheSpiritgiveslife.Butiftheministryofdeath,writtenandengravedonstones,wasglorious,sothatthechildrenofIsraelcouldnotlooksteadilyatthefaceofMosesbecauseofthe

gloryofhiscountenance,whichglorywaspassingaway[“doneaway”kjv],howwilltheministryoftheSpiritnotbemoreglorious?Foriftheministryof

condemnationhadglory,theministryofrighteousnessexceedsmuchmoreinglory.Forevenwhatwasmadeglorioushadnogloryinthisrespect,becauseof

theglorythatexcels.Forifwhatispassingaway[“doneaway”kjv]wasglorious,whatremainsismuchmoreglorious.Therefore,sincewehavesuch

hope,weusegreat

boldnessofspeech;unlikeMoses,whoputaveiloverhisfacesothatthechildrenofIsraelcouldnotlooksteadilyattheendofwhatwaspassingaway.Buttheirmindswereblinded.ForuntilthisdaythesameveilremainsunliftedinthereadingoftheOldTestament,becausetheveilistakenaway[“doneaway”kjv]inChrist.Buteventothisday,whenMosesisread,aveilliesontheirheart.NeverthelesswhenoneturnstotheLord,theveilistakenaway.NowtheLordistheSpirit;andwheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.Butweall,with

unveiledface,beholdingasinamirrorthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,justasbytheSpiritofthe

Lord.—2Corinthians3

WearetoldinHebrews6:1–2thatwearetoleavethefirstprinciplesofthedoctrineofChristandgoontoperfection,notlayingagainthefoundationofrepentancefromdeadworksandthedoctrineofbaptismsandtheotherfirst

principles.Whatwouldyouthinkofabuilderwhowascontinuallypullingdownhishouseandputtinginfreshfoundations?NeverlookbackifyouwantthepowerofGodinyourlife.Youwillfindoutthatinthemeasureyouhaveallowedyourselftolookback,youhavemissedwhatGodhadforyou.

TheHolySpiritshowsusthatwemustneverlookbacktothelawofsinanddeathfromwhichwehavebeendelivered.(SeeRomans8:2.)Godhasbroughtusintoaneworderofthings,alifeofloveandlibertyinChristJesusthatisbeyondallhumancomprehension.ManyarebroughtintothisnewlifethroughthepoweroftheSpiritofGod,andthen,liketheGalatians,whoranwellatthebeginning,theytrytoperfectthemselvesthroughlegalism.(SeeGalatians3:1–3;5:7.)TheyturnbackfromalifeintheSpirittoalifealongnaturallines.Godisnotpleasedwiththis,forHehasnoplaceforthepersonwhohaslostthevision.Theonlythingtodoistorepent.Don’ttrytocoverupanything.Ifyouhavebeentrippedupinanyarea,confessit;thenlooktoGodtobringyoutoaplaceofstabilityoffaithwhereyourwholewalkwillbeintheSpirit.

TheJoyofBeingGod’sChild

Wealloughttohaveaclearconvictionthat“salvationisoftheLord”(Jonah2:9).Salvationismorethanahumanorderofthings.Iftheenemycanmoveyoufromaplaceoffaith,hecangetyououtsideoftheplanofGod.Themomentamanfallsintosin,divinelifeceasestoflow,andhislifebecomesoneofhelplessness.ButthisisnotGod’splanforanyofHischildren.

ReadthethirdchapterofJohn’sfirstepistle,andtakeyourplaceasachildofGod.TaketheplaceofknowingthatyouareachildofGod,andrememberthatasyourhopeissetinChrist,itshouldhaveapurifyingeffectonyourlife.TheHolySpiritsays,“WhoeverhasbeenbornofGoddoesnotsin,forHisseedremainsinhim;andhecannotsin,becausehehasbeenbornofGod”(1John3:9).ThereislifeandpowerintheseedoftheWordthatisimplantedwithin.Godisinthat“cannot,”andthereismorepowerinthatwordofHisthaninanyhumanobjections.God’sthoughtforeveryoneofusisthatwewillreigninlifebyJesusChrist(Rom.5:17).YoumustcometoseehowwonderfulyouareinGodandhowhelplessyouareinyourself.

GoddeclaredHimselftobemightierthaneveryopposingpowerwhenHecastoutthepowersofdarknessfromheaven.Iwantyoutoknowthatthesamepowerthatcastthedeviloutofheavendwellsineverypersonwhoisbornof

God.Ifyouwouldonlyrealizethis,youwould“reigninlife”(Rom.5:17).Whenyouseepeoplelaidoutunderanevilpower,whenyouseethepowersofevilmanifestingthemselves,alwaysaskthemthequestion,“DidJesuscomeintheflesh?”Ihaveneverheardanevilpoweranswerintheaffirmative.(See1John4:2–3.)Whenyouknowyouhaveanevilspirittodealwith,youhavepowertocastitout.Believethisfact,andactonit,for“greaterishethatisinyou,thanhethatisintheworld”(1John4:4kjv).Godintendsforyoutoovercomeandhasputaforcewithinyouwherebyyoumaydefeatthedevil.

TriumphinginTrials

Temptationswillcometoall.Ifyouarenotworthtempting,youarenotworthmuch.Jobsaid,“WhenHehastestedme,Ishallcomeforthasgold”(Job23:10).Ineverytemptationthatcomes,theLordallowsyoutobetemptedtotheveryhilt,butHewillneverallowyoutobedefeatedifyouwalkinobedience.Rightinthemidstofthetemptation,Hewillalways“makethewayofescape”(1Cor.10:13).

InterpretationofTongues

GodcomesforthandwithHispowersweepsawaytherefugeofliesandallthepowersofdarknessandcausesyoualwaystotriumphinChristJesus.TheLordlovesHissaintsandcoversthemwithHisalmightywings.

MayGodhelpustoseethistruth.Wecannotbe“tothepraiseofHisglory”(Eph.1:12)untilwearereadyfortrialsandareabletotriumphinthem.Wecannotgetawayfromthefactthatsincameinbynature,butGodcomesintoournatureandputssinintotheplaceofdeath.Why?SothattheSpiritofGodmaycomeintothetempleinallHispowerandliberty,andsothatrighthereinthispresent,evilworld,thedevilmaybedethronedbythebeliever.

TheSpirit’sWorkinOurHearts

SatanisalwaysendeavoringtobringthesaintsofGodintodisreputebybringingagainstthemslanderousaccusations,buttheHolySpiritnevercomeswithcondemnation.HealwaysrevealsthebloodofChrist.Healwaysbringsushelp.TheLordJesusreferredtoHimastheComforterwhowouldcome(John14:16kjv).Heisalwaysonhandtohelpintheseasonsoftestingandtrial.TheHolySpiritistheliftingpowerofthechurchofChrist.

Paultoldusthatweare“clearly…anepistleofChrist...writtennotwithinkbutbytheSpiritofthelivingGod,notontabletsofstonebutontabletsofflesh,thatis,oftheheart.”TheHolySpiritbeginsintheheart,rightinthedepthsofhumanaffections.HebringsintothehearttherichesoftherevelationofChrist,implantingapurityandholinessthere,sothatoutofthedepthsoftheheart,praisesmaywellupcontinually.

TheHolySpiritwillmakeusepistlesofChrist,everproclaimingthatJesusourLordisourRedeemerandthatHeiseverbeforeGodasaslainLamb.Godhasneversetasidethatrevelation.BecauseoftheperfectatonementofthatslainLamb,thereissalvation,healing,anddeliveranceforall.Somepeoplethinkthattheyhavetobecleansedonlyonce,butaswewalkinthelight,thebloodofJesusChristisevercleansingus(1John1:7).

TheverylifeofChristhasbeenputwithinusandismovingwithinus—aperfectlife.MaytheLordhelpustoseethepowerofthislife.Thedaysofaman’slifeareseventyyears(Ps.90:10).Andso,inthenaturalorderofthings,mylifewillbefinishedinsevenyears,butIhavebegunanewlifethatwillneverend.“Fromeverlastingtoeverlasting,YouareGod”(v.2).ThisisthelifeIhavecomeinto,andthereisnoendtothislife.Inmeisworkingapowerthatisstrongerthaneveryotherpower.Christ,thepowerofGod,isformedwithinme.Icanseewhyweneedtobeclothedfromabove,forthelifewithinmeisathousandtimesbiggerthanIamoutside.Theremustbeatremendousexpansion.Isee,andcannothelpseeing,thatthislifecannotbeunderstoodinthenatural.Nonaturalreasoncancomprehendthedivineplan.

OurAll-SufficientGod

Wearenot“sufficientofourselvestothinkofanythingasbeingfromourselves,butoursufficiencyisfromGod.”Weleavetheoldorderofthings.Ifwegoback,wemisstheplan.Wecanneverhaveconfidenceintheflesh(Phil.3:3);wecannottouchthat.Weareinaneworder,aspiritualorder.ItisanewlifeofabsolutefaithinourGod’ssufficiencyineverythingthatpertainsto“lifeandgodliness”(2Pet.1:3).

YoucouldnevercomeintothisplaceandbeaSeventh-dayAdventist,forthelawhasnoplaceinyou.Youaresetfreefromit.Atthesametime,likePaul,youareboundintheSpirit(Acts20:22)sothatyouwouldnotdoanythingtogrievetheLord.

PaulfurthertoldusthatGodhas“madeussufficientasministersofthenewcovenant,notoftheletterbutoftheSpirit;fortheletterkills,buttheSpiritgiveslife.”Itisonethingtoreadthisandanotherthingtohavetherevelationofitandtoseethespiritualforceofit.Anymancanliveintheletterandbecomedryandwordy,limitedinknowledgeofspiritualtruthsandspendingallhistimesplittinghairs.ButassoonashetouchestherealmoftheSpirit,allthedrynessgoes;thespiritofcriticismleaves.TherecanbenodivisionsinalifeintheSpirit.TheSpiritofGodbringssuchpliabilityandsuchlove!ThereisnoloveliketheloveintheSpirit.Itisapure,holy,divinelovethatispouredoutinourheartsbytheSpirit(Rom.5:5).ItlovestoserveandtohonortheLord.

TheHolySpirit’sLife-ChangingPower

IcanneverestimatewhatthebaptismintheHolySpirithasmeanttomethesepastfifteenyears.Itseemsasifeveryyearhashadthreeyearspackedintoit,sothatIfeelasifIhavehadforty-fiveyearsofhappyservicesince1907.Lifeisgettingbetterallthetime.ItisaluxurytobefilledwiththeSpirit,andatthesametimeitisadivinecommandforus:“Donotbedrunkwithwine,inwhichisdissipation;butbefilledwiththeSpirit”(Eph.5:18).NoPentecostalpersonoughttogetoutofbedwithoutbeinglostintheSpiritandspeakingintonguesastheSpiritgivesutterance.Nooneshouldcomethroughthedoorofthechurchwithoutspeakingintonguesorhavingapsalmoranoteofpraise(1Cor.14:26).

RegardingtheincomingoftheSpirit,IemphasizethatHeshouldsofillusthateverymemberinthebodyisyieldedtoHim.IalsoemphasizethatnooneisbaptizedintheSpiritwithoutspeakingintonguesastheSpiritgivesutterance.Imaintainthatwithaconstantfilling,youwillspeakintonguesmorning,noon,andnight.AsyouliveintheSpirit,whenyouwalkdownthestepsofyourhouse,thedevilwillhavetofleebeforeyou.Youwillbemorethanaconqueroroverthedevil(Rom.8:37).

IseeeverythingasafailureexceptwhatisdoneintheSpirit.ButasyouliveintheSpirit,youmove,act,eat,drink,anddoeverythingtothegloryofGod(1Cor.10:31).Ourmessageisalwaysthis:“BefilledwiththeSpirit.”ThisisGod’splaceforyou,anditisasfarabovethenaturallifeastheheavensareabovetheearth.YieldyourselfsothatGodwillfillyou.

TheWonderfulNewCovenant

TheIsraelitestriedMosestremendously.Theywerealwaysintrouble.ButashewentupontothemountainandGodunfoldedtohimtheTenCommandments,thegloryfell.Herejoicedtobringthosetwotabletsofstonedownfromthemountain,andhisveryfaceshonewiththeglory.HewasbringingtoIsraelthatwhich,ifobeyed,wouldbringlife.

IthinkofmyLordcomingfromheaven.Ithinkallheavenwasmovedbythesight.TheletterofthelawwasbroughtbyMoses,anditwasmadeglorious,butallitsglorywasdimmedbeforetheexcellingglorythatJesusbroughttousintheSpiritoflife.ThegloryofSinaipaledbeforethegloryofPentecost.Thosetabletsofstonewiththeir“Thoushaltnot’s”aredoneawaywith,fortheyneverbroughtlifetoanyone.TheLordhasbroughtinanewcovenant,puttingHislawinourmindsandwritingitinourhearts(Jer.31:33)—thisnew“lawoftheSpiritoflife”(Rom.8:2).AstheHolySpiritcomesin,Hefillsuswithsuchloveandlibertythatweshoutforjoy,“Doneaway!Doneaway!”(See2Corinthians3:11kjv.)Henceforth,thereisanewcryinourhearts:“IdelighttodoYourwill,OmyGod”(Ps.40:8).“HetakesawaythefirstthatHemayestablishthesecond”(Heb.10:9).Inotherwords,Hetakesaway“theministryofdeath,writtenandengravedonstones,”sothatHemayestablish“theministryofrighteousness,”thislifeintheSpirit.

Youask,“DoesamanwhoisfilledwiththeSpiritceasetokeepthecommandments?”IsimplyrepeatwhattheSpiritofGodhastoldushere,thatthis“ministryofdeath,writtenandengravedonstones”(andyouknowthattheTenCommandmentswerewrittenonstones)is“doneaway[with]”(2Cor.3:11kjv).ThemanwhobecomesalivingepistleofChrist,writtenbytheSpiritofthelivingGod,hasceasedtobeanadultereroramurdereroracovetousman;thewillofGodishisdelight.IlovetodothewillofGod;thereisnoirksomenesstoit.Itisnotrialtopray,notroubletoreadtheWordofGod;itisnotahardthingtogototheplaceofworship.WiththepsalmistIsay,“Iwasgladwhentheysaidtome,‘LetusgointothehouseoftheLord’”(Ps.122:1).

Howdoesthisnewlifeworkout?ItworksoutbecauseGod“worksinyoubothtowillandtodoforHisgoodpleasure”(Phil.2:13).Thereisabigdifferencebetweenapumpandaspring.Thelawisapump;thebaptismintheHolySpiritisaspring.Theoldpumpgetsoutoforder;thepartswearout,andthewellrunsdry.“Theletterkills.”Butthespringiseverbubblingup,andthereisaceaselessflowdirectfromthethroneofGod.Thereislife.

ItiswrittenofChrist,“Youloverighteousnessandhatewickedness”(Ps.45:7).InthisnewlifeintheSpirit,inthisnewcovenantlife,youlovethethingsthatarerightandpureandholy,andyoushudderatallthingsthatarewrong.Jesuswasabletosay,“Therulerofthisworldiscoming,andhehasnothinginMe”(John14:30),andthemomentwearefilledwiththeSpiritofGod,wearebroughtintoawonderfulconditionlikethis.Furthermore,aswecontinuetobefilledwiththeSpirit,theenemycannothaveaninchofterritoryinus.

HowtoBringConvictionofSin

Don’tyoubelievethatyoucanbesofilledwiththeSpiritthatapersonwhoisnotlivingrightcanbejudgedandconvictedbyyourpresence?AswegooninthelifeoftheSpirit,itwillbesaidofus,“Inwhoseeyesavilepersonisdespised”(Ps.15:4).Jesuslivedinthisrealmandmovedinit,andHislifewasaconstantreprooftothewickednessaroundHim.“ButHewastheSonofGod,”yousay.God,throughHim,hasbroughtusintotheplaceofsonship,andIbelievethatiftheHolySpirithasachanceatus,Hecanmakesomethingofusandbringustothesameplace.

Idon’twanttoboast.IfIgloryinanything,itisonlyintheLord,whohasbeensogracioustome(1Cor.1:31).ButIrememberonetimesteppingoutofarailwaycoachtowashmyhands.Ihadaseasonofprayer,andtheLordjustfilledmetooverflowingwithHislove.IwasgoingtoaconventioninIreland,andIcouldnotgettherefastenough.AsIreturnedtomyseat,IbelievethattheSpiritoftheLordwassoheavyuponmethatmyfacemusthaveshone.(WhentheSpirittransformsaman’sverycountenance,hecannottellthisonhisown.)Thereweretwoclericalmensittingtogether,andasIgotintothecoachagain,oneofthemcriedout,“Youconvictmeofsin.”WithinthreeminuteseveryoneinthecoachwascryingtoGodforsalvation.Thishashappenedmanytimesinmylife.Itisthe“ministryoftheSpirit”thatPaulspokeof.ThisfillingoftheSpiritwillmakeyourlifeeffective,sothateventhepeopleinthestoreswhereyoushopwillwanttoleaveyourpresencebecausetheyarebroughtunderconviction.

Wemustmoveawayfromeverythingthatpertainstotheletter.AllthatwedomustbedoneundertheanointingoftheSpirit.OurproblemhasbeenthatweasPentecostalpeoplehavebeenlivingintheletter.BelievewhattheHolySpiritsaidthroughPaul—thatthisentire“ministryofcondemnation”thathashindered

yourlibertyinChristisdoneawaywith.Thelawhasbeendoneawaywith!Asfarasyouareconcerned,thatoldorderofthingsisforeverdoneawaywith,andtheSpiritofGodhasbroughtinanewlifeofpurityandlove.TheHolySpirittakesitforgrantedthatyouarefinishedwithallthethingsoftheoldlifewhenyoubecomeanewcreationinChrist.InthelifeintheSpirit,theoldallurementshavelosttheirpower.Satanwillmeetyouateveryturn,buttheSpiritofGodwillalways“liftupastandardagainsthim”(Isa.59:19).

Oh,ifGodhadHisway,wewouldbeliketorches,purifyingtheveryatmospherewhereverwego,movingbacktheforcesofwickedness.

InterpretationofTongues

“TheLordisthatSpirit.”Hemovesinyourheart.Heshowsyouthatthepowerwithinyouismightierthanallthepowersofdarkness.

WhatdoImeanwhenIsaythatthelawhasbeendoneawaywith?DoImeanthatyouwillbedisloyal?No,youwillbemorethanloyal.Willyougrumblewhenyouaretreatedbadly?No,youwillturntheothercheek(Matt.5:39).YouwillalwaysdothiswhenGodlivesinyou.LeaveyourselfinGod’shands.Enterintorest.“ForhewhohasenteredHisresthashimselfalsoceasedfromhisworksasGoddidfromHis”(Heb.4:10).Oh,thisisalovelyrest!ThewholelifeisaSabbath.ThisistheonlylifethatcanglorifyGod.Itisalifeofjoy,andeverydayisadayofheavenonearth.

DailyTransformation

Thereisacontinualtransformationinthislife.BeholdingtheLordandHisglory,weare“transformedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,justasbytheSpiritoftheLord.”Thereisacontinualunveiling,aconstantrevelation,arepeatedclothingfromabove.IwantyoutopromiseGodnevertolookback,nevertogobacktowhattheSpirithassaidisdoneawaywith.IpromisedtheLordthatIwouldneverallowmyselftodoubtHisWord.

Thereisonethingaboutababy:hetakesallthatcomestohim.Aso-calledprudentmanletshisreasoncheathimoutofGod’sbest,butababytakesallthemilkhismotherbringsandeventriestoswallowthebottle.Thebabycan’twalk,butthemothercarrieshim;thebabycan’tdresshimself,butthemotherdresseshim.Thebabycan’teventalk.Similarly,inthelifeoftheSpirit,Godundertakes

todowhatwecannotdo.WearecarriedalongbyHim.Heclothesus,andHegivesusutterance.Oh,thatweallhadthesimplicityofbabes!

11WhatItMeanstoBeFulloftheHolySpirit

Andinthosedays,whenthenumberofthediscipleswasmultiplied,therearoseamurmuringoftheGreciansagainsttheHebrews,becausetheirwidowswereneglectedinthedailyministration.Thenthetwelvecalledthemultitudeofthedisciplesuntothem,andsaid,ItisnotreasonthatweshouldleavethewordofGod,andservetables.Wherefore,brethren,lookyeoutamongyousevenmenofhonestreport,fulloftheHolyGhostandwisdom,whomwemayappointover

thisbusiness.Butwewillgiveourselvescontinuallytoprayer,andtotheministryoftheword.Andthesayingpleasedthewholemultitude:andtheychoseStephen,amanfulloffaithandoftheHolyGhost,andPhilip,and

Prochorus,andNicanor,andTimon,andParmenas,andNicolasaproselyteofAntioch:Whomtheysetbeforetheapostles:andwhentheyhadprayed,they

laidtheirhandsonthem.AndthewordofGodincreased;andthenumberofthedisciplesmultipliedinJerusalemgreatly;andagreatcompanyofthepriestswereobedienttothefaith.AndStephen,fulloffaithandpower,didgreatwondersandmiraclesamongthepeople.Thentherearosecertainofthe

synagogue,whichiscalledthesynagogueoftheLibertines,andCyrenians,andAlexandrians,andofthemofCiliciaandofAsia,disputingwithStephen.Andtheywerenotabletoresistthewisdomandthespiritbywhichhespake.Thentheysubornedmen,whichsaid,WehaveheardhimspeakblasphemouswordsagainstMoses,andagainstGod.Andtheystirredupthepeople,andtheelders,andthescribes,andcameuponhim,andcaughthim,andbroughthimtothecouncil,andsetupfalsewitnesses,whichsaid,Thismanceasethnottospeakblasphemouswordsagainstthisholyplace,andthelaw:forwehaveheardhimsay,thatthisJesusofNazarethshalldestroythisplace,andshallchangethecustomswhichMosesdeliveredus.Andallthatsatinthecouncil,looking

stedfastlyonhim,sawhisfaceasithadbeenthefaceofanangel.—Acts6

Inthedayswhenthenumberofdisciplesbegantomultiply,therearoseasituationinwhichtheTwelvehadtomakeadefinitedecisionnottooccupythemselveswithservingtables,buttogivethemselvescontinuallytoprayerandtotheministryoftheWord.HowimportantitisforallGod’sministerstobecontinuallyinprayerandconstantlyfeedingontheScripturesofTruth.IoftenofferarewardtoanyonewhocancatchmeanywherewithoutmyBibleormy

NewTestament.

NoneofyoucanbestronginGodunlessyouarediligentlyandconstantlylisteningtowhatGodhastosaytoyouthroughHisWord.YoucannotknowthepowerandthenatureofGodunlessyoupartakeofHisinbreathedWord.Readitinthemorning,intheevening,andateveryopportunityyouget.Aftereverymeal,insteadofindulginginunprofitableconversationaroundthetable,readachapterfromtheWord,andthenhaveaseasonofprayer.IendeavortomakeapointofdoingthisnomatterwhereorwithwhomIamstaying.

ThepsalmistsaidthathehadhiddenGod’sWordinhisheartsothathemightnotsinagainstHim(Ps.119:11).YouwillfindthatthemoreofGod’sWordyouhideinyourheart,theeasieritistoliveaholylife.HealsotestifiedthatGod’sWordhadgivenhimlife(v.50).AsyoureceiveGod’sWord,yourwholephysicalbeingwillbegivenlife,andyouwillbemadestrong.AsyoureceivetheWordwithmeekness(James1:21),youwillfindfaithspringingupwithinyourself.YouwillhavelifethroughtheWord.

ABetterPlanforYou

TheTwelvetoldtherestofthedisciplestofindsevenmentolookafterthebusinesssideofthings.TheyweretobemenwithagoodreputationandfilledwiththeHolySpirit.Thosewhowerechosenwerejustordinarymen,buttheywerefilledwiththeHolySpirit,andthisinfillingalwaysliftsamantoaplaneabovetheordinary.ItdoesnottakeaculturedoraneducatedmantofillapositioninGod’schurch.WhatGodrequiresisayielded,consecrated,holylife,andHecanmakeitaflameoffire.Hecanbaptize“withtheHolySpiritandfire”(Matt.3:11)!

Themultitudechosesevenmentoservetables.Undoubtedly,theywerefaithfulintheirappointedtasks,butwecanseethatGodsoonhadabetterplanfortwoofthem—PhilipandStephen.PhilipwassofulloftheHolySpiritthathecouldhavearevivalwhereverGodputhimdown.(SeeActs8:5–8,26–40.)Manchosehimtoservetables,butGodchosehimtowinsouls.

Oh,ifIcouldonlystiryouuptoseethat,asyouarefaithfulinthehumblestrole,GodcanfillyouwithHisSpirit,makeyouachosenvesselforHimself,andpromoteyoutoaplaceofmightyministryinthesalvationofsoulsandinthehealingofthesick!NothingisimpossibletoamanfilledwiththeHolySpirit.

Thepossibilitiesarebeyondallhumancomprehension.WhenyouarefilledwiththepoweroftheSpirit,Godwillwonderfullyworkwhereveryougo.

WhenyouarefilledwiththeSpirit,youwillknowthevoiceofGod.Iwanttogiveyouoneillustrationofthis.WhenIwasgoingtoAustraliarecently,ourboatstoppedatAdenandBombay.InAdenthepeoplecamearoundtheshipsellingtheirwares—beautifulcarpetsandallsortsofOrientalthings.Therewasonemansellingsomeostrichfeathers.AsIwaslookingoverthesideoftheshipwatchingthetrading,agentlemansaidtome,“Wouldyoujoinmeinbuyingthatbunchoffeathers?”WhatdidIwantwithfeathers?Ihadnouseforsuchthingsandnoroomforthem,either.Butthegentlemanaskedmeagain,“Willyoujoinmeinbuyingthatbunch?”

TheSpiritofGodsaidtome,“Doit.”

Thefeathersweresoldtousforthreepounds,andthegentlemansaid,“Ihavenomoneyonme,butifyouwillpaythemanforthem,Iwillsendthecashdowntoyoubythesteward.”Ipaidforthefeathersandgavethegentlemanhisshare.

Hewastravelingfirstclass,andIwastravelingsecondclass.Isaidtohim,“No,pleasedon’tgivethatmoneytothesteward.Iwantyoutobringittomepersonallyinmycabin.”

IaskedtheLord,“Whataboutthesefeathers?”HeshowedmethatHehadapurposeinmybuyingthem.

Ataboutteno’clock,thegentlemancametomycabinandsaid,“I’vebroughtthemoney.”

Isaidtohim,“ItisnotyourmoneythatIwant;itisyoursoulthatIamseekingforGod.”RightthereheopenedupthewholestoryofhislifeandbegantoseekGod,andthatmorninghewepthiswaythroughtoGod’ssalvation.

YouhavenoideawhatGodcandothroughyouwhenyouarefilledwithHisSpirit.EverydayandeveryhouryoucanhavethedivineleadingofGod.TobefilledwiththeHolySpiritisgreatineveryrespect.Ihaveseensomewhohadbeensufferingforyears,butwhentheyhavebeenfilledwiththeHolySpirit,everybitoftheirsicknesshaspassedaway.TheSpiritofGodhasmaderealtothemthelifeofJesus,andtheyhavebeencompletelyliberatedfromeverysicknessandinfirmity.

LookatStephen.Hewasjustanordinarymanchosentoservetables.ButtheHolySpiritwasinhim,andhewas“fulloffaithandpower”;therefore,hedidgreatwondersandmiraclesamongthepeople.Therewasnoresisting“thewisdomandtheSpiritbywhichhespoke.”HowimportantitisthateverymanbefilledwiththeSpirit.

InterpretationofTongues

ThedivinewillisthatyoushouldbefilledwithGod;forthepoweroftheSpirittofillyouwiththemightinessofGod.ThereisnothingGodwillwithholdfromamanfilledwiththeHolySpirit.

Iwanttoimpresstheimportanceofthisuponyou.ItisnothealingthatIampresentingtoyou—itisthelivingChrist.ItisagloriousfactthattheSonofGodcamedowntobring“libertytothecaptives”(Luke4:18).

TheBlessingofPersecution

HowisitthatthemomentyouarefilledwiththeHolySpiritpersecutionstarts?ItwassowiththeLordJesusHimself.WedonotreadofanypersecutionbeforetheHolySpiritcamedownuponHimlikeadove.Shortlyafterthis,wefindthatafterHepreachedinHishometown,thepeoplewantedtothrowHimoverthebrowofahill.(SeeLuke4:16–30.)Itwasthesamewaywiththetwelvedisciples.TheyhadnopersecutionbeforetheDayofPentecost,butaftertheywerefilledwiththeSpirit,theyweresooninprison.

SatanandthepriestsofreligionwillalwaysgetstirredupwhenamanisfilledwiththeSpiritanddoesthingsinthepoweroftheSpirit.Nevertheless,persecutionisthegreatestblessingtoachurch.Whenwehavepersecution,wehavepurity.IfyoudesiretobefilledwiththeSpirit,youcancountononething,andthatispersecution.TheLordcametobringdivision(Luke12:51),andeveninyourownhouseholdyoumayfind“threeagainsttwo”(v.52).

TheLordJesuscametobringpeace,butsoonafteryouhavepeacewithin,yougetpersecutionwithout.Ifyouremainstationary,thedevilandhisagentswillnotdisturbyoumuch.ButwhenyoupressonandgothewholelengthwithGod,theenemyhasyouasatarget.Nevertheless,Godwillvindicateyouinthemidstofthewholething.

AtameetingIwasholding,theLordwasworking,andmanywerebeing

healed.Amansawwhatwastakingplaceandremarked,“I’dliketotrythisthing.”Hecameupforprayerandtoldmethathisbodywasbrokenintwoplaces.

IlaidmyhandsonhiminthenameoftheLordandsaidtohim,“Now,believeGod.”

Thenextnighthewasatthemeeting,andhegotuplikealion.Hesaid,“Iwanttotellyoupeoplethatthismanhereisdeceivingyou.Helaidhishandsonmelastnightforaruptureintwoplaces,butI’mnotabitbetter.”

Istoppedhimandsaid,“Youarehealed;yourtroubleisthatyouwon’tbelieveit.”

Hewasatthemeetingthenextnight,andwhentherewasopportunityfortestimonies,thismanarose.Hesaid,“I’mamasonbytrade.TodayIwasworkingwithalaborer,andhehadtoputabigstoneinplace.Ihelpedhimanddidnotfeelanypain.Isaidtomyself,‘HowdidIdothat?’IwenttoaprivateplacewhereIcouldtakeoffmyclothes,andIfoundthatIwashealed.”

Itoldthepeople,“LastnightthismanwasagainsttheWordofGod,butnowhebelievesit.Itistruethat‘thesesignswillfollowthosewhobelieve:…theywilllayhandsonthesick,andtheywillrecover’(Mark16:17–18).HealingisthroughthepowerthatisinthenameofChrist.”ItistheSpiritwhohascometorevealtheWordofGodandtomakeitspiritandlifetous(John6:63).

ThoseofyouwhoareseekingthebaptismintheHolySpiritareenteringaplacewhereyouwillhavepersecution.Yourbestfriendswillleaveyou—orthoseyoumaythinkareyourbestfriends.Notrulygoodfriendwilleverleaveyou.Butbeassuredthatyourseekingisworthwhile.Youwillenterintoarealmofillumination,arealmofrevelationbythepoweroftheHolySpirit.HerevealsthepreciousnessandthepowerofthebloodofChrist.IhavefoundbytherevelationoftheSpiritthatthereisnotonethinginmethattheblooddoesnotcleanse(1John1:9).IhavefoundthatGodsanctifiesmebythebloodandrevealstheeffectivenessofHisworkbytheSpirit.

LifeintheSpirit

Stephenwasjustanordinaryman,buthewasclothedwiththedivine.Hewas“fulloffaithandpower,”andgreatwondersandmiraclesweredonebyhim.Oh,

thislifeintheHolySpirit!Oh,thislifeofdeepinwardrevelation,oftransformationfromonestatetoanother,ofgrowingingrace,inallknowledge,andinthepoweroftheSpirit.Inthisstate,thelifeandthemindofChristarerenewedinyou,andHegivesconstantrevelationsofthemightofHispower.Itisonlythiskindofthingthatwillenableustostand.

Inthislife,theLordputsyouinallsortsofplacesandthenrevealsHispower.IhadbeenpreachinginNewYork,andonedayIsailedforEnglandontheLusitania.AssoonasIgotonboard,Iwentdowntomycabin.Twomenwerethere,andoneofthemsaid,“Well,willIdoforcompany?”Hetookoutabottleandpouredaglassofwhiskeyanddrankit,andthenhefilleditupforme.

“Inevertouchthatstuff,”Isaid.

“Howcanyoulivewithoutit?”heasked.

“HowcouldIlivewithit?”Iasked.

Headmitted,“Ihavebeenundertheinfluenceofthisstuffformonths,andtheysaymyinsidesareallshriveledup.IknowthatIamdying.IwishIcouldbedelivered,butIjusthavetokeepondrinking.Oh,ifIcouldonlybedelivered!MyfatherdiedinEnglandandhasgivenmehisfortune,butwhatgoodwillitbetomeexcepttohastenmetomygrave?”

Isaidtothisman,“Saytheword,andyouwillbedelivered.”

Heasked,“Whatdoyoumean?”

Isaid,“Saytheword—showthatyouarewillingtobedelivered—andGodwilldeliveryou.”

ButitwasjustasifIhadbeentalkingtothisplatformforalltheunderstandingheshowed.Isaidtohim,“Standstill,”andIlaidmyhandsonhisheadinthenameofJesusandcursedthatalcoholdemonthatwastakinghislife.

Hecriedout,“I’mfree!I’mfree!IknowI’mfree!”Hetooktwobottlesofwhiskeyandthrewthemoverboard,andGodsaved,sobered,andhealedhim.Iwaspreachingallthewayacrosstheocean.Hesatbesidemeatthetable.Previoustothis,hehadnotbeenabletoeat,butnowateverymealhewentrightthroughthemenu.

YouneedonlyatouchfromJesustohaveagoodtime.ThepowerofGodisjustthesametoday.Tome,He’slovely.Tome,He’ssavinghealth.Tome,He’stheLilyoftheValley.Oh,thisblessedNazarene,thisKingofKings!Hallelujah!

WillyouletHimhaveyourwill?WillyouletHimhaveyou?Ifso,allHispowerisatyourdisposal.

It’sWorthIt!

ThosewhodisputedwithStephen“werenotabletoresistthewisdomandtheSpiritbywhichhespoke.”Fullofrage,theybroughthimtothecouncil.However,Godfilledhisfacewitharayofheaven’slight.

BeingfilledwiththeSpiritisworthwhile,nomatterwhatitcosts.ReadinActs7themightypropheticutterancebythisholyman.Withoutfearhetoldthem,“Youstiffneckedanduncircumcisedinheartandears!YoualwaysresisttheHolySpirit”(Acts7:51).Whenhisenemiesheardthesethings,“theywerecuttotheheart”(v.54).Therearetwowaysofbeingcuttotheheart.Heretheygnashedathimwiththeirteeth,casthimoutofthecity,andstonedhim.OntheDayofPentecost,whenthepeoplewerecuttotheheart,theycriedout,“Whatshallwedo?”(Acts2:37).Theyrespondedintheoppositeway.Satan,ifhecanhavehisway,willcauseyoutocommitmurder.IfJesushasHisway,youwillrepent.

Stephen,fulloftheHolySpirit,lookedupsteadfastlyintoheavenandsawthegloryofGodandtheSonofManstandingontherighthandofGod.Oh,thisbeingfulloftheHolySpirit!Howmuchitmeans!Iwasridingforsixtymilesonesummerday,andasIlookedupattheheavens,IhadanopenvisionofJesusalltheway.IttakestheHolySpirittogivethis.

Stephencriedout,“Lord,donotchargethemwiththissin”(Acts7:60).SincehewasfulloftheSpirit,hewasfulloflove.HemanifestedtheverysamecompassionforhisenemiesthatJesusdidatCalvary.

ThisbeingfilledwiththeHolySpiritisgreatineveryrespect.Itmeansconstantfilling,quickening,andanewlifecontinually.Oh,it’slovely!WehaveawonderfulGospelandagreatSavior!IfyouwillonlybefilledwiththeHolySpirit,youwillhaveaconstantspringwithin.Yes,asyourfaithcentersontheLordJesus,fromwithinyou“willflowriversoflivingwater”(John7:38).

12BiblicalEvidenceoftheBaptism

WhentheDayofPentecosthadfullycome,theywereallwithoneaccordinoneplace.Andsuddenlytherecameasoundfromheaven,asofarushingmighty

wind,anditfilledthewholehousewheretheyweresitting.Thenthereappearedtothemdividedtongues,asoffire,andonesatuponeachofthem.Andthey

wereallfilledwiththeHolySpiritandbegantospeakwithothertongues,astheSpiritgavethemutterance.AndthereweredwellinginJerusalemJews,devoutmen,fromeverynationunderheaven.Andwhenthissoundoccurred,themultitudecametogether,andwereconfused,becauseeveryoneheardthem

speakinhisownlanguage.Thentheywereallamazedandmarveled,sayingtooneanother,“Look,arenotallthesewhospeakGalileans?Andhowisitthatwehear,eachinourownlanguageinwhichwewereborn?ParthiansandMedesandElamites,thosedwellinginMesopotamia,JudeaandCappadocia,PontusandAsia,PhrygiaandPamphylia,EgyptandthepartsofLibyaadjoining

Cyrene,visitorsfromRome,bothJewsandproselytes,CretansandArabs;wehearthemspeakinginourowntonguesthewonderfulworksofGod.”Sotheywereallamazedandperplexed,sayingtooneanother,“Whatevercouldthismean?”Othersmockingsaid,“Theyarefullofnewwine.”ButPeter,standingupwiththeeleven,raisedhisvoiceandsaidtothem,“MenofJudeaandallwhodwellinJerusalem,letthisbeknowntoyou,andheedmywords.Fortheseare

notdrunk,asyousuppose,sinceitisonlythethirdhouroftheday.ButthisiswhatwasspokenbytheprophetJoel:

‘Anditshallcometopassinthelastdays,saysGod,thatIwillpouroutofMySpiritonallflesh;yoursonsandyourdaughtersshallprophesy,youryoungmen

shallseevisions,youroldmenshalldreamdreams.’”—Acts2:1–17

ButthemanifestationoftheSpiritisgiventoeachonefortheprofitofall:fortooneisgiven…differentkindsoftongues,toanothertheinterpretationoftongues.

ButoneandthesameSpiritworksallthesethings,distributingtoeachoneindividuallyasHewills.

—1Corinthians12:7–8,10–11

ThereismuchcontroversytodayregardingthegenuinenessofthisPentecostalwork.However,thereisnothingsoconvincingasthefactthatover

fifteenyearsago,arevivalonHolySpiritlinesbeganandhasneverceased.Youwillfindthatineveryregionthroughouttheworld,GodhaspouredoutHisSpiritinaremarkableway,inamannerparalleltothegloriousrevivalthatinauguratedthechurchofthefirstcentury.PeoplewhocouldnotunderstandwhatGodwasdoingwhenHekeptthemconcentratedinprayer,wonderedasthesedayswerebeingbroughtaboutbytheHolySpirit,andtheyfoundthemselvesinexactlythesameplaceandenteringintoanidenticalexperienceastheapostlesontheDayofPentecost.

OurLordJesussaidtoHisdisciples,“Behold,IsendthePromiseofMyFatheruponyou;buttarryinthecityofJerusalemuntilyouareenduedwithpowerfromonhigh”(Luke24:49).GodpromisedthroughtheprophetJoel,“IwillpouroutMySpiritonallflesh….OnMymenservantsandonMymaidservantsIwillpouroutMySpiritinthosedays”(Joel2:28–29).AsthereisawidespreadmisconceptionconcerningthisreceivingoftheHolySpirit,IbelievetheLordwouldhaveusexaminetheScripturesonthissubject.

TonguesandtheBaptism

LetmetellyouaboutmyownexperienceofbeingbaptizedwiththeHolySpirit.Youknow,beloved,thatithadtobesomethingthatwasbasedonsolidfactsinordertomoveme.IwasascertainaspossiblethatIhadreceivedtheHolySpirit,andIwasabsolutelyrigidinthisconviction.WhenthisPentecostaloutpouringbeganinEngland,IwenttoSunderlandandmetwiththepeoplewhohadassembledforthepurposeofreceivingtheHolySpirit.Iwascontinuouslyinthosemeetingscausingdisturbances,untilthepeoplewishedIhadnevercome.TheysaidthatIwasdisruptingtheconditionsforpeopletoreceivethebaptism.ButIwashungryandthirstyforGod,andIhadgonetoSunderlandbecauseIhadheardthatGodwaspouringoutHisSpiritinanewway.IhadheardthatGodhadnowvisitedHispeopleandmanifestedHispower,andthatpeoplewerespeakingintonguesasontheDayofPentecost.

Thus,whenIfirstgottoSunderland,Isaidtothepeople,“Icannotunderstandthismeeting.IhaveleftameetinginBradfordallonfireforGod.Thefirefelllastnight,andwewerealllaidoutunderthepowerofGod.Ihavecomeherefortongues,andIdon’thearthem—Idon’thearanything.”

“Oh!”theysaid.“WhenyougetbaptizedwiththeHolySpirit,youwillspeakintongues.”

“Oh,isthatit?”Isaid.“WhenthepresenceofGodcameuponme,mytonguewasloosened,andwhenIwentintheopenairtopreach,IreallyfeltthatIhadanewtongue.”

“Ah,no,”theysaid,“thatisnotit.”

“Whatisit,then?”Iasked.

“WhenyougetbaptizedintheHolySpirit—”

“Iambaptized,”Iinterjected,“andthereisnooneherewhocanpersuademethatIamnotbaptized.”

SoIwasupagainstthem,andtheywereupagainstme.

Irememberamangettingupandsaying,“Youknow,brothersandsisters,IwasherethreeweeksandthentheLordbaptizedmewiththeHolySpirit,andIbegantospeakwithothertongues.”

Isaid,“Letushearit.That’swhatI’mherefor.”

Buthecouldnotspeakintongues.Iwasdoingwhatothersaredoingtoday,confusingthetwelfthchapterof1CorinthianswiththesecondchapterofActs.Thesetwochaptersdealwithdifferentthings;onedealswiththegiftsoftheSpirit,andtheotherdealswiththebaptismoftheSpiritwiththeaccompanyingsignoftongues.Ididnotunderstandthis,andsoIsaidtotheman,“Let’shearyouspeakintongues.”Buthecouldnot.Hehadnotreceivedthegiftoftongues,butthebaptismintheHolySpirit.

Asthedayspassed,IbecamemoreandmorehungryforGod.Ihadopposedthemeetingssomuch,buttheLordwasgracious,andIwillalwaysrememberthatlastday—thedayIwastoleave.Godwaswithmesomuch.Theyweretohaveameeting,andIwent,butIcouldnotbestill.ThisrevivalwastakingplaceatanEpiscopalchurch.Iwenttotherectorytosaygood-bye,andthereinthelibrary,IsaidtoMrs.Boddy,therector’swife,“Icannotrestanylonger;Imusthavethesetonguesnow.”

Shereplied,“BrotherWigglesworth,itisnotthetonguesyouneedbutthebaptism.IfyouwillallowGodtobaptizeyou,theotherwillbeallright.”

Ianswered,“Mydearsister,IknowIambaptized.YouknowthatIhaveto

leavehereatfouro’clock.PleaselayhandsonmesothatImayreceivethetongues.”

Shestoodupandlaidherhandsonme,andthefirefellonme.

Isaid,“Thefire’sfalling.”Therecameapersistentknockatthedoor,andshehadtogoout.Thatwasthebestthingthatcouldhavehappened,forIwasalonewithGod.

ThenHegavemearevelation.Oh,itwaswonderful!HeshowedmeanemptycrossandJesusglorified.IdothankGodthatthecrossisempty,thatChristisnolongeronthecross.ItwastherethatHeborethecurse,foritiswritten,“Cursediseveryonewhohangsonatree”(Gal.3:13;seeDeuteronomy21:23).Hebecame“sinforus,thatwemightbecometherighteousnessofGodinHim”(2Cor.5:21).Andnow,thereHeisintheglory.

ThenIsawthatGodhadpurifiedme.ItseemedthatGodgavemeanewvision,andIsawaperfectbeingwithinme,withmouthopen,saying,“Clean!Clean!Clean!”WhenIbegantorepeatit,Ifoundmyselfspeakinginothertongues.Thejoywassogreatthat,whenIwenttoutterit,mytonguefailed,andIbegantoworshipGodinothertongues“astheSpiritgave[me]utterance”(Acts2:4).

ItwasallasbeautifulandpeacefulaswhenJesussaid,“Peace,bestill!”(Mark4:39).ThetranquillityandthejoyofthatmomentsurpassedanythingIhadeverknownuptothattime.But,hallelujah,thesedayshavegrownwithgreater,mightier,morewonderfuldivinemanifestationsandpower!Thatwasonlythebeginning.Thereisnoendtothiskindofbeginning.YouwillnevercometotheendoftheHolySpirituntilyouhavearrivedinglory—untilyouarerightinthepresenceofGodforever—andeventhenwewillalwaysbeconsciousofHispresence.

WhathadIreceived?Ihadreceivedthebiblicalevidence.Thisbiblicalevidenceiswonderfultome.IknewIhadreceivedtheveryevidenceoftheSpirit’sincomingthattheapostleshadreceivedontheDayofPentecost.IknewthateverythingIhadhaduptothattimewasinthenatureofananointing,bringingmeinlinewithGodinpreparation.However,nowIknewIhadthebiblicalbaptismintheSpirit.IthadthebackingoftheScriptures.YouarealwaysrightwhenyouhavethebackingoftheScriptures,andyouarenever

rightifyoudonothaveafoundationforyourtestimonyintheWordofGod.

Formanyyears,IhavethrownoutachallengetoanypersonwhocanprovetomethathehasthebaptismwithoutthespeakingintonguesastheSpiritgivesutterance—toproveitbytheWordthathehasbeenbaptizedintheHolySpiritwithoutthebiblicalevidence—butsofar,noonehasacceptedthechallenge.IonlysaythisbecausesomanyarelikeIwas;theyhavearigidideathattheyhavereceivedthebaptism,withouthavingthebiblicalevidence.TheLordJesuswantsthosewhopreachtheWordtohavetheWordinevidence.Don’tbemisledbyanythingelse.Haveabiblicalproofforeverythingyouhave,andthenyouwillbeinaplacewherenomancanmoveyou.

IwassofullofjoythatIwiredhometosaythatIhadreceivedtheHolySpirit.

AssoonasIgothome,myboycamerunninguptomeandsaid,“Father,haveyoureceivedtheHolySpirit?”

Isaid,“Yes,myboy.”

Hesaid,“Let’shearyouspeakintongues.”

ButIcouldnot.Why?IhadreceivedthebaptismintheSpiritwiththespeakingintonguesasthebiblicalevidence,accordingtoActs2:4,buthadnotreceivedthegiftoftonguesaccordingto1Corinthians12.IhadreceivedtheGiverofallgifts.

Sometimelater,whenIwashelpingsomesoulstoseekandreceivethebaptismoftheSpirit,GodgavemethegiftoftonguessothatIcouldspeakthematanytime.Icanspeakthem,butIwillnotspeakthematjustanytime—no,never!ImustallowtheHolySpirittousethegift.Thisisthewayitshouldbe,sothatwewillhavedivineutterancesonlybytheSpirit.Iwouldbeverysorrytouseagiftinmyownstrength,buttheGiverhasallpowertouseallninegiftsoftheHolySpirit.

ThreeWitnessestotheBaptism

IwanttotakeyoutotheScripturestoprovemypositionthattonguesaretheevidenceofthebaptismintheHolySpirit.Businessmenknowthatincasesoflawwheretherearetwoclearwitnesses,theycouldwinacasebeforeanyjudge.

Ontheclearevidenceoftwowitnesses,anyjudgewillgiveaverdict.WhathasGodgivenus?HehasgivenusthreeclearwitnessesonthebaptismintheHolySpirit—morethanarenecessaryinlawcourts.ThefirstwasgivenontheDayofPentecost:“TheywereallfilledwiththeHolySpiritandbegantospeakwithothertongues,astheSpiritgavethemutterance”(Acts2:4).Herewehavetheoriginalpattern.GodgavetoPeteraneternalwordthatcouplesthisexperiencewiththepromisethatcamebeforeit:“ThisiswhatwasspokenbytheprophetJoel”(v.16).Godwantsyoutohavethis—nothinglessthanthis.HewantsyoutoreceivethebaptismintheHolySpiritaccordingtothisoriginalPentecostalpattern.

InActs10,wehaveanotherwitness.PeterwasinthehouseofCornelius,becauseCorneliushadhadavisionofaholyangelandhadsentforPeter.Awomansaidtomeoneday,“Youdon’tadmitthatIamfilledandbaptizedwiththeHolySpirit.Why,IwastendaysandtennightsonmybackbeforetheLord,andHewasfloodingmysoulwithjoy.”Isaid,“PraisetheLord,sister,thatwasonlythebeginning.Thediscipleswerewaitingforthatlengthoftime,andthemightypowerofGodfelluponthem.TheBibletellsuswhathappenedwhenthepowerfell.”AndthatisjustwhathappenedinthehouseofCornelius.TheHolySpiritfellonallthosewhoheardtheWord.

Andthoseofthecircumcisionwhobelievedwereastonished,asmanyascamewithPeter,becausethegiftoftheHolySpirithadbeenpouredoutontheGentilesalso.(Acts10:45)

WhatconvincedtheseprejudicedJewsthattheHolySpirithadcome?“FortheyheardthemspeakwithtonguesandmagnifyGod”(v.46).Therewasnootherwayforthemtoknow.Thisevidencecouldnotbecontradicted.Itisthebiblicalevidence.

Wehaveheardtwowitnesses,andthatissufficienttosatisfytheworld.ButGodgoesonebetter.LetuslookatActs19:6,whichrecordsPaulministeringtocertaindisciplesinEphesus:

AndwhenPaulhadlaidhandsonthem,theHolySpiritcameuponthem,andtheyspokewithtonguesandprophesied.

TheseEphesiansreceivedtheidenticalbiblicalevidencethattheapostleshadreceivedatthebeginning,andtheyprophesiedinaddition.Threetimesthe

ScripturesshowusthisevidenceofthebaptismintheSpirit.Idonotglorifytongues.No,byGod’sgrace,IglorifytheGiveroftongues.Andaboveall,IglorifyHimwhomtheHolySpirithascometorevealtous,theLordJesusChrist.ItisHewhosendstheHolySpirit,andIglorifyHimbecauseHemakesnodistinctionbetweenusandthosewhobelievedatthebeginning.

Butwhataretonguesfor?Lookatthesecondverseof1Corinthians14,andyouwillseeaveryblessedtruth.Oh,hallelujah!Haveyoubeenthere,beloved?Itellyou,Godwantstotakeyouthere.“ForhewhospeaksinatonguedoesnotspeaktomenbuttoGod,fornooneunderstandshim;however,inthespirithespeaksmysteries.”Thepassagegoesontosay,“Hewhospeaksinatongueedifieshimself”(v.4).

EnterintothepromisesofGod.Itisyourinheritance.YouwilldomoreinoneyearifyouarereallyfilledwiththeHolySpiritthanyoucoulddoinfiftyyearsapartfromHim.

13ConcerningSpiritualGifts

Nowconcerningspiritualgifts,brethren,Idonotwantyoutobeignorant.

—1Corinthians12:1

ThereisagreatweaknessinthechurchofChristbecauseofanawfulignoranceconcerningtheSpiritofGodandthegiftsHehascometobring.GodwantsustobepowerfulineverywaybecauseoftherevelationoftheknowledgeofHiswillconcerningthepowerandmanifestationofHisSpirit.HedesiresustobecontinuallyhungrytoreceivemoreandmoreofHisSpirit.

Inthepast,Ihaveorganizedmanyconferences,andIhavefoundthatitisbettertohaveamanonmyplatformwhohasnotreceivedthebaptismbutwhoishungryforallthatGodhasforhim,thanamanwhohasreceivedthebaptismandissatisfiedandhassettleddownandbecomestationaryandstagnant.ButofcourseIwouldpreferamanwhoisbaptizedwiththeHolySpiritandisstillhungryformoreofGod.AmanwhoisnothungrytoreceivemoreofGodisoutoforderinanyChristianconference.

TheImportanceofBeingFilled

ItisimpossibletooverestimatetheimportanceofbeingfilledwiththeSpirit.Itisimpossibleforustomeettheconditionsoftheday,to“walkinthelightasHeisinthelight”(1John1:7),tosubduekingdomsandworkrighteousnessandbindthepowerofthedevil,unlesswearefilledwiththeHolySpirit.

Wereadthat,intheearlychurch,“theycontinuedsteadfastlyintheapostles’doctrineandfellowship,inthebreakingofbread,andinprayers”(Acts2:42).Itisimportantforusalsotocontinuesteadfastlyinthesesamethings.

ForsomeyearsIwasassociatedwiththePlymouthBrethren.TheyareverystrongintheWordandaresoundonwaterbaptism.Theydonotneglectthecommunionservice;rather,theyhaveitonthemorningofeveryLord’sDay,astheearlychurchdid.Thesepeopleseemtohaveeverythingexceptthematch.Theyhavethewood,buttheyneedthefire;thentheywouldbeallablaze.

BecausetheylackthefireoftheHolySpirit,thereisnolifeintheirmeetings.

OneyoungmanwhoattendedtheirmeetingsreceivedthebaptismwiththespeakinginothertonguesastheSpiritgaveutterance(Acts2:4).Thebrethrenwereveryupsetaboutthis,andtheycametotheyoungman’sfatherandsaidtohim,“Youmusttakeyoursonasideandtellhimtocease.”Theydidnotwantanydisturbance.

Thefathertoldtheson,“Myboy,Ihavebeenattendingthischurchfortwentyyearsandhaveneverseenanythingofthiskind.Weareestablishedinthetruthanddonotwantanythingnew.Wewon’thaveit.”

Thesonreplied,“IfthatisGod’splan,Iwillobey,butsomehoworotherIdon’tthinkitis.”

Astheyweregoinghome,thehorsestoodstill;thewheelsoftheircarriagewereindeepruts.Thefatherpulledatthereins,butthehorsedidnotmove.Heasked,“Whatdoyouthinkisup?”

Thesonanswered,“Ithasgottenestablished.”Godsaveusfrombecomingstationary.

Godwantsustounderstandspiritualgiftsandto“earnestlydesirethebestgifts”(1Cor.12:31).Healsowantsustoenterintothe“moreexcellentway”(v.31)ofthefruitoftheSpirit.WemustimploreGodforthesegifts.Itisaseriousthingtohavethebaptismandyetbestationary.Tolivetwodaysinsuccessiononthesamespiritualplaneisatragedy.WemustbewillingtodenyourselveseverythingtoreceivetherevelationofGod’struthandtoreceivethefullnessoftheSpirit.OnlythatwillsatisfyGod,andnothinglessmustsatisfyus.

AyoungRussianreceivedtheHolySpiritandwasmightilyclothedwithpowerfromonhigh.Somesisterswereanxioustoknowthesecretofhispower.ThesecretofhispowerwasacontinuouswaitinguponGod.AstheHolySpiritfilledhim,itseemedasthougheverybreathbecameaprayer,andsohisentireministrywascontinuallyincreasing.

IknewamanwhowasfulloftheHolySpiritandwouldpreachonlywhenheknewthathewasmightilyanointedbythepowerofGod.HewasonceaskedtopreachataMethodistchurch.Hewasstayingattheminister’shouseandhesaid,“Yougoontochurch,andIwillfollow.”

Theplacewaspackedwithpeople,butthismandidnotshowup.The

Methodistminister,becominganxious,senthislittlegirltoinquirewhyhedidnotcome.Asshecametothebedroomdoor,sheheardhimcryingoutthreetimes,“Iwillnotgo.”Shewentbackandreportedthatshehadheardthemansaythreetimesthathewouldnotgo.Theministerwastroubledaboutit,butalmostimmediatelyafterwardthemancamein.Ashepreachedthatnight,thepowerofGodwastremendouslymanifested.

Thepastorlateraskedhim,“Whydidyoutellmydaughterthatyouwerenotcoming?”

Heanswered,“IknowwhenIamfilled.Iamanordinaryman,andItoldtheLordthatIdidnotdaretogoandwouldnotgountilHegavemeafreshfillingoftheSpirit.Themomentthegloryfilledmeandoverflowed,Icametothemeeting.”

Yes,thereisapower,ablessing,anassurance,arestinthepresenceoftheHolySpirit.YoucanfeelHispresenceandknowthatHeiswithyou.YoudonotneedtospendanhourwithoutthisinnerknowledgeofHisholypresence.WithHispoweruponyou,therecanbenofailure.Youareaboveparallthetime.

“YouknowthatyouwereGentiles,carriedawaytothesedumbidols,howeveryouwereled”(1Cor.12:2).ThisistheageoftheGentiles.WhentheJewsrefusedtheblessingsofGod,Hescatteredthem,andHehasgraftedtheGentilesintotheolivetreewheremanyoftheJewswerebrokenoff.(SeeRomans11:17–25.)

TherehasneverbeenatimewhenGodhasbeensofavorabletoapeoplewhowerenotapeople.(See1Peter2:9–10.)HehasbroughtintheGentilestocarryoutHispurposeofpreachingtheGospeltoallnationsandreceivingthepoweroftheHolySpirittoaccomplishthistask.ItisbecauseofGod’smercythatHehasturnedtotheGentilesandmadeuspartakersofalltheblessingsthatbelongtotheJews.Here,underthiscanopyofglory,becausewebelieve,wegetalltheblessingsoffaithfulAbraham.

GuardagainstError

ThereforeImakeknowntoyouthatnoonespeakingbytheSpiritofGodcallsJesusaccursed,andnoonecansaythatJesusisLordexceptbytheHolySpirit.(1Cor.12:3)

Manyevil,deceivingspiritshavebeensentforthintheselastdayswhoendeavortorobJesusofHislordshipandofHisrightfulplace.Manypeopleareopeningthedoorstotheselatestdevils,suchasNewTheologyandNewThoughtandChristianScience.TheseevilcultsdenythefundamentaltruthsofGod’sWord.TheyalldenyeternalpunishmentandthedeityofJesusChrist.YouwillneverseethebaptismoftheHolySpiritcomeuponamanwhoacceptstheseerrors,norwillyouseeanyonereceivethebaptismwhoputsMaryintheplaceoftheHolySpirit.

Noonecanknowheissavedbyworks.Ifyoueverspeaktosomeonewhobelievesthis,youwillknowthatheisnotdefiniteonthematterofthenewbirth.Hecannotbe.Andthereisanotherthing:youwillneverfindaJehovah’sWitnessbaptizedintheHolySpirit.ThesameistrueforamemberofanyothercultwhodoesnotbelievethattheLordJesusChristispreeminent.

Theall-importantthingistomakeJesusLordofyourlife.“IfyouconfesswithyourmouththeLordJesusandbelieveinyourheartthatGodhasraisedHimfromthedead,youwillbesaved”(Romans10:9).“FortothisendChristdiedandroseandlivedagain,thatHemightbeLordofboththedeadandtheliving”(Romans14:9).Mencanbecomelopsidedbyemphasizingthetruthofdivinehealing.Mencangetintoerrorbypreachingonwaterbaptismallthetime.ButwenevergowronginexaltingtheLordJesusChrist,ingivingHimthepreeminentplaceandglorifyingHimasbothLordandChrist,yes,as“veryGodofveryGod.”AswearefilledwiththeHolySpirit,ouronedesireistoglorifyHim.WeneedtobefilledwiththeSpirittogetthefullrevelationoftheLordJesusChrist.

God’scommandisforusto“befilledwiththeSpirit”(Eph.5:18).Wearenogoodifwehaveonlyafullcup.Weneedtohaveanoverflowingcupallthetime.Itisatragedynottoliveinthefullnessofoverflowing.Seethatyouneverlivebelowtheoverflowingtide.

UsetheGiftsProperly

“Therearediversitiesofgifts,butthesameSpirit”(1Cor.12:4).EverymanifestationoftheSpiritisgiven“fortheprofitofall”(v.7).WhentheHolySpiritismovinginanassemblyofbelieversandHisgiftsareinoperation,everyonewillprofit.

Ihaveseensomepeoplewhohavebeenterriblyofftrack.Theybelieveingifts—prophecy,inparticular—andtheyusethesegiftsapartfromthepoweroftheHolySpirit.WemustlooktotheHolySpirittoshowushowtousethegifts,whattheyarefor,andwhentousethem,sothatwemayneverusethemwithoutthepoweroftheHolySpirit.Idonotknowofanythingthatissoawfultodayaspeopleusingagiftwithoutthepower.Neverdoit.MayGodsaveusfromdoingit.

WhileamanwhoisfilledwiththeHolySpiritmaynotbeconsciousofhavinganygiftoftheSpirit,thegiftscanbemademanifestthroughhim.Ihavegonetomanyplacestominister,andIhavefoundthat,undertheunction,oranointing,oftheHolySpirit,manywonderfulthingshavehappenedinthemidstoftheassemblywhenthegloryoftheLordwasuponthepeople.AnymanwhoisfilledwithGodandfilledwithHisSpiritmightatanymomenthaveanyoftheninegiftslistedin1Corinthians12mademanifestthroughhim,withoutknowingthathehasagift.

SometimesIhavewonderedwhetheritisbettertoalwaysbefulloftheHolySpiritandtoseesignsandwondersandmiracleswithoutanyconsciousnessofpossessingagiftorwhetheritisbettertoknowonehasagift.IfyouhavereceivedthegiftsoftheSpiritandtheyhavebeenblessed,youshouldneverunderanycircumstancesusethemwithoutthepowerofGoduponyoupressingthegiftthrough.Somehaveusedthepropheticgiftwithouttheholytouch,andtheyhavecomeintotherealmofthenatural.Ithasbroughtruin,causeddissatisfaction,brokenhearts,andupsetassemblies.DonotseekthegiftsunlessyouhavepurposedtoabideintheHolySpirit.TheyshouldbemanifestedonlyinthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

UsetheGiftswithWisdom

TheLordwillallowyoutobeverydrunkintheSpiritinHispresence,butsoberamongpeople.IliketoseepeoplesofilledwiththeSpiritthattheyaredrunkintheSpiritlikethediscipleswereontheDayofPentecost,butIdon’tliketoseepeopledrunkintheSpiritinthewrongplace.Thatiswhattroublesus:somebodybeingdrunkintheSpiritinaplaceofworshipwherealotofpeoplecomeinwhoknownothingabouttheWord.Ifyouallowyourselftobedrunkthere,yousendpeopleaway;theylookatyouinsteadofseeingGod.Theycondemnthewholethingbecauseyouhavenotbeensoberattherighttime.

Paulwrote,“Forifwearebesideourselves,itisforGod;orifweareofsoundmind,itisforyou”(2Cor.5:13).Youcanbebesideyourself.Youcangoabitfurtherthanbeingdrunk;youcandance,ifyouwilldoitattherighttime.SomanythingsarecommendablewhenallthepeopleareintheSpirit.ManythingsareveryfoolishifthepeoplearoundyouarenotintheSpirit.WemustbecarefulnottohaveagoodtimeintheLordattheexpenseofsomebodyelse.Whenyouhaveagoodtime,youmustseethatthespiritualconditionsintheplacelendthemselvestoitandthatthepeoplearefallinginlinewithyou.Thenyouwillalwaysfinditablessing.

Whileitisrightto“earnestlydesirethebestgifts”(1Cor.12:31),youmustrecognizethattheall-importantthingistobefilledwiththepoweroftheHolySpiritHimself.YouwillneverhavetroublewithpeoplewhoarefilledwiththepoweroftheHolySpirit,butyouwillhavealotoftroublewithpeoplewhohavethegiftsbutnopower.TheLorddoesnotwantusto“comeshortin[any]gift”(1Cor.1:7).Butatthesametime,HewantsustobesofilledwiththeHolySpiritthatitwillbetheHolySpiritmanifestingHimselfthroughthegifts.WherethegloryofGodaloneisdesired,youcanexpectthateverygiftthatisneededwillbemademanifest.ToglorifyGodisbetterthantoidolizegifts.WeprefertheSpiritofGodtoanygift;butwecanseethemanifestationoftheTrinityinthegifts:differentgiftsbutthesameSpirit,differentadministrationsbutthesameLord,diversitiesofoperationbutthesameGodworkingallinall(1Cor.12:4–6).CanyouconceiveofwhatitwillmeanforourtriuneGodtobemanifestingHimselfinHisfullnessinourassemblies?

Imaginealargelocomotiveboilerthatisbeingfilledwithsteam.Youcanseetheenginelettingoffsomeofthesteamasitremainsstationary.Itlooksasthoughthewholethingmightburst.Youcanseebelieverswhoarelikethat.Theystarttoscream,butthatdoesnotedifyanyone.However,whenthelocomotivemoveson,itservesthepurposeforwhichitwasbuiltandpullsalongmanycarswithgoodsinthem.ItisthesamewaywithbelieverswhentheyareoperatinginthegiftsoftheSpiritproperly.

InwardPowerManifestedOutwardly

ItiswonderfultobefilledwiththepoweroftheHolySpiritandforHimtoserveHisownpurposesthroughus.Throughourlips,divineutterancesflow,ourheartsrejoice,andourtonguesareglad.Itisaninwardpowerthatismanifested

inoutwardexpression.JesusChristisglorified.AsyourfaithinHimisquickened,fromwithinyouthere“willflowriversoflivingwater”(John7:38).TheHolySpiritwillpourthroughyoulikeagreatriveroflife,andthousandswillbeblessedbecauseyouareayieldedchannelthroughwhomtheSpiritmayflow.

Themostimportantthing,theonethingthatcounts,istoseethatwearefilledwiththeHolySpirit,filledtooverflowing.AnythinglessthanthisisdispleasingtoGod.WearecommandedbyGodtobefilledwiththeSpirit,andinthemeasurethatyoulackthis,youarethatfarshortoftheplanofGod.TheLordwantsustomoveonfrom“faithtofaith”(Rom.1:17),from“glorytoglory”(2Cor.3:18),fromfullnesstooverflowing.Itisnotgoodforustobealwaysthinkinginthepasttense;rather,weshouldbemovingontotheplacewherewedaretobelieveGod.HehasdeclaredthataftertheHolySpiritcomesuponus,wewillhavepower(Acts1:8).IbelievethereisanavalancheofpowerfromGodtobeapprehendedifwewillbutcatchthevision.

AtonetimePaulwrote,“I[now]cometovisionsandrevelations”(2Cor.12:1).GodhasputusinaplacewhereHeexpectsustohaveHislatestrevelation,therevelationofthatmarvelousfactof“Christin[us]”(Col.1:27)andwhatthisreallymeans.WecanunderstandChristfullyonlyaswearefilledandoverflowingwiththeSpiritofGod.Ouronlysafeguardfromdroppingbackintoournaturalminds,fromwhichwecannevergetanything,istobefilledandfilledagainwiththeSpiritofGod,andtobetakenontonewvisionsandrevelations.ThereasonwhyIemphasizetheimportanceofthefullnessoftheHolySpiritisthatIwanttogetyoubeyondallhumanplansandthoughtsandintothefullnessofvision,intothefullrevelationoftheLordJesusChrist.

Doyouwantrest?ItisinJesus.Doyouwanttobesavedfromeverythingthedevilisbringingupintheselasttimes?ReceiveandcontinueinthefullnessoftheHolySpirit,andHewillbealwaysrevealingtoyouthatallyouneedforalltimesisinChristJesusyourLord.

IdesiretoemphasizetheimportanceoftheSpirit’sministryandofthemanifestationoftheSpiritthatis“giventoeachonefortheprofitofall”(1Cor.12:7).AsyouyieldtotheSpiritoftheLord,Hehaspoweroveryourintellect,overyourheart,andoveryourvoice.TheHolySpirithaspowertounveilChristandtoprojectthevisionofChristuponthecanvasofyourmind.ThenHeuses

yourtonguetoglorifyandmagnifyHiminawaythatyoucouldneverdoapartfromtheSpirit’spower.

NeversaythatwhenyouarefilledwiththeHolySpirit,youare“obligated”todothisorthat.Whenpeoplesaythattheyareobligatedtodoaparticularthing,IknowitisnottheSpiritofGod,buttheirownspirits,movingthemtodowhatisunseemlyandunprofitable.Forexample,manypeoplespoilprayermeetingsbyscreamingduringthem.Ifyouwanttodothatkindofthing,youhadbetterdoitdowninsomecellar,becauseitdoesnotedifypeople.Ibelievethat,whentheSpiritofGodisuponyouandmovingyoutospeakasHegivesutterance,itwillalwaysedifypeople.

Don’tspoiltheprayermeetingbycontinuingtopraywhenyououghttohavestopped.Whospoilsaprayermeeting?ThepersonwhostartsintheSpiritandfinishesintheflesh.Nothingismorelovelythanprayer,butaprayermeetingiskilledifyougoonandoninyourownspiritaftertheSpiritofGodhasfinishedspeakingthroughyou.Wesay,aswecomefromsomemeetings,“Thatwouldhavebeenalovelymessage,ifthepreacherhadonlystoppedhalfanhourbeforehedid.”LearntoceaseimmediatelywhentheanointingoftheSpiritlifts.TheHolySpiritisjealous.YourbodyisthetempleofGod(1Cor.3:16),theofficeoftheHolySpirit.Hedoesnotfillthetempleforhumanglorification,butonlyforthegloryofGod.Youhavenolicensetocontinuebeyonda“ThussaystheLord.”

Thereisanothersidetothis.Godwantstheassemblytobeasfreeaspossible,andyoumustnothindertheworkingoftheSpirit,oritwillsurelybringtrouble.Youmustbepreparedtoallowacertainamountofextravaganceinyoungandnewlybaptizedsouls.YoumustrememberthatwhenyouwerebroughtintothislifeoftheSpirit,youhadasmanyextravagancesasanybody,butyouhavenowbecomesomewhat“soberedup.”Itisapitythatsomepeopledogetsoberedup,fortheyarenotwheretheywereintheearlydays.WehavetolooktoGodforwisdom,sothatwedonotinterferewithordampentheSpirit,orquenchthepowerofGodwhenHeismanifestedinourmeetings.Ifyouwanttohaveanassemblythatisfulloflife,youmusthaveanassemblythatisfullofmanifestation.Nobodywillcometothemeetingsifthereisnomanifestation.WeneedtolooktoGodforspecialgrace,sothatwedonotmovebacktolookingatthingsfromanaturalviewpoint.

Ifapreacherhaslosthisanointing,heshouldinwardlyrepent,getrightwithGod,andreceivetheanointingagain.WearenogoodwithouttheanointingoftheSpiritofGod.IfyouarefilledwiththegraceofGod,youwillnotjudgeeverybodyintheassembly,butyouwillrathertrusteverybody;youwillnotbefrightenedatwhatisbeingdone,butyouwillhaveaheartto“believeallthings”(see1Corinthians13:7)andtobelievethatthoughtheremaybesomeextravagances,theSpiritofGodwilltakecontrolandwillseethattheLordJesusChristHimselfisexalted,glorified,andrevealedtohungryheartswhodesiretoknowHim.TheLordwantsustobe“wiseinwhatisgood,andsimpleconcerningevil”(Rom.16:19).Hewantsustobefreefromdistrust,enteringintoadivinelikenesstoJesusthatdarestobelievethatGodAlmightywillsurelywatchoverall.Hallelujah!

TheHolySpiritistheOnewhoglorifiestheLordJesusChrist,theOnewhoilluminatesHim.IfyouarefilledwiththeHolySpirit,itisimpossibleforyoutokeepyourtonguestill.Thereisnosuchthingasamutebaptizedsoul!ItisnottobefoundintheScripturesoroutsideoftheScriptures.WearefilledwiththeSpiritinorderthatwemaymagnifytheLord,andthereshouldbenomeetinginwhichbelieversdonotglorify,magnify,praise,andworshiptheLordinSpiritandintruth(John4:23–24).

Iwouldliketogiveawordofcaution,forfailureoftencomesthroughournotrecognizingthefactthatwearealwaysinthebody.Wewillneedourbodiesaslongaswelive,butourbodiesaretobeusedandcontrolledbytheSpiritofGod.Wearetopresentourbodies“holy,acceptabletoGod,whichis[our]reasonableservice”(Rom.12:1).EverymemberofourbodiesmustbesosanctifiedthatitworksinharmonywiththeSpiritofGod.Ourveryeyesmustbesanctified.Godhatesthe“winkingoftheeye.”FromthedaythatIreadinProverbswhatGodhastosayaboutthewinkingoftheeye(seeProverbs6:13;10:10),Ihaveneverwinked.IdesirethatmyeyesmaybesosanctifiedthattheycanalwaysbeusedfortheLord.TheSpiritofGodwillbringinusacompassionforsoulsthatwillbeseeninourveryeyes.

Godhasneverchangedtheorderofthings:firstcomesthenatural,andthencomesthespiritual.Forinstance,whenitisonyourhearttopray,youbegininthenatural,butyoursecondwordwillprobablybeunderthepoweroftheSpirit.Youbegin,andthenGodwilltakeovertotheend.ItisthesameingivingforthutterancesundertheSpirit’spower.YoufeelthemovingoftheSpiritwithin,

andyoubegintospeakinthenatural,andthentheSpiritofGodgivesforthutterances.Thousandshavemissedwonderfulblessingsbecausetheyhavenothadthefaithtomoveoutandbegininthenatural,infaiththattheLordwouldtakethemintotherealmofthesupernatural.

WhenyoureceivetheHolySpirit,youreceiveGod’sgift,inwhomareallthegiftsoftheSpirit.PaulcounseledTimothyto“stirupthegift”(2Tim.1:6)thatwaswithinhim.YouhavepowertostirupGod’sgiftwithinyou.Thewayyoustirupthegiftwithinyouisbybeginninginfaith.ThenHegivesforthwhatisneededfortheoccasion.YouwouldneverbeginunlessyouwerefullofGod.Whenweyieldtotimidityandfear,wesimplyyieldtothedevil.Satanwhispers,“Itisallself.”Heisaliar.IhavelearnedthatiftheSpiritofGodisstirringmeup,Ihavenohesitationinbeginningtospeakintongues,andtheSpiritofGodgivesmeutteranceandgivesmetheinterpretation.IfindthateverytimeIyieldtotheLordinthisway,Igetadivinetouch.IreceiveguidanceordirectionfromtheSpiritofGod,andthemeetingistakentoahigherplanebecausefaithwasexercised.

Supposeyouattendameetinginfaith,believingthattheLordisgoingtomeetyouthere.ButsupposealsothattheevangelistisnotinharmonywithGod,andthepeopleintheassemblyarenotgettingwhatGodwants.TheLordknowsit.HeknowsHispeoplearehungry.Whathappens?HewilltakeperhapsthesmallestvesselsandputHispoweruponthem.AstheyyieldtotheSpirit,theybreakforthintongues.AnotheryieldstotheSpirit,andtheinterpretationisgiven.TheLord’schurchhastobefed,andtheLordwillusethismeansofspeakingtoHispeople.Pentecostalpeoplecannotbesatisfiedwithanaturalmessage.Theyareintouchwithheavenlythingsandcannotbesatisfiedwithanythingless.Theyfeelwhenthereissomethinglackinginameeting,theylooktoGod,andHesupplieswhatislacking.

WhenapersonisfilledwiththeSpirit,hehasnoconceptionofwhathehas.Wearesolimitedinourconceptionofwhatwehavereceived.TheonlywaywecanknowthepowerthathasbeengiventousisthroughtheministryandmanifestationoftheSpiritofGod.DoyouthinkthatPeterandJohnknewwhattheyhadwhentheywentuptothetempletopray?(SeeActs3:1–10.)Theywerelimitedinthoughtandlimitedintheirexpressionofthought.ThenearerwegettoGod,themoreconsciousweareofthepovertyofhumanbeings,andwecryoutwithIsaiah,“Iamundone;…Iamamanofuncleanlips”(Isa.6:5).Butthe

Lordwillbringthepreciousbloodandtheflamingcoals(seeverses6–7)forcleansingandrefining,andwillsendusouttolaborforHimempoweredbyHisSpirit.

Godhassentforththisoutpouringsothatwemayallbebroughtintoarevelationofoursonship—thatwehave“becomesonsofGod”(John1:12kjv),thatwearetobeliketheLordJesusChrist,thatwearetohavethepowersofsonship,thepowertolayholdofwhatisweakandtoquickenit.ThebaptismoftheSpiritisforthepurposeofmakingussonsofGodwithpower.(SeeRomans1:4.)Wewillbeconsciousofourhumanlimitations,butwewillnotlimittheHolyOnewhohascometodwellwithinus.WemustbelievethatsincetheHolySpirithascomeuponus,weareindeedsonsofGodwithpower.Neversay“Ican’t.”“Allthingsarepossibletohimwhobelieves”(Mark9:23).LaunchoutintothedeepandbelievethatGodhasHisallforyouandthatyoucandoallthingsthroughHimwhostrengthensyou(Phil4:13).

PeterandJohnknewthattheyhadbeenintheUpperRoom,thattheyhadfeltthegloryandhadbeengivendivineutterances.Theyhadseenconvictiononthefacesofthepeople.Theyknewthattheyhadcomeintoawonderfulthing.Theyknewthatwhattheyhadwouldbecontinuouslyincreasing,andthatitwouldalwaysbenecessarytocry,“Enlargethevessel,sothattheHolySpiritmayhavemoreroomwithin.”Theyknewthatalltheoldthingshadbeenmovedaway,thattheyhadenteredintoanincreasingandeverincreasingknowledgeofGod,thatitwastheirMaster’swishthattheybefilledwiththeSpiritofGodandwithpowereverydayandeveryhour.ThesecretofpoweristheunveilingofChrist,theall-powerfulOnewithin,theRevelationofGodwhocomestoabidewithinus.

AsPeterandJohnlookeduponthecrippledmanattheBeautifulGateofthetemple,theywerefilledwithcompassion.TheywerepromptedbytheSpirittostopandspeakwithhim.Theysaidtothelameman,“Lookatus”(Acts3:4).ItwasGod’splanthatthemanshouldopenhiseyeswithexpectation.Petersaid,“Ofsilverandgoldwehavenone.Butwehavesomethingelse,andwewillgiveittoyou.Wedon’tknowwhatitis,butwegiveittoyou.ItisallinthenameofJesus.”(Seeverse6.)AndthentheministryofGodbegan.Youbegininfaith,andyouseewhatwillhappen.Itishiddenfromusatthebeginning,butaswehavefaithinGod,Hewillcomeforth.ThecomingforthofthepowerisnotofusbutofGod.ThereisnolimittowhatHewilldo.ItisallinanutshellasyoubelieveGod.That’swhy,whenPetersaid,“WhatIdohaveIgiveyou:Inthe

nameofJesusChristofNazareth,riseupandwalk”(v.6),themanwhohadbeenlameforfortyyearsstoodupandbegantoleapandenteredintothetemple“walking,leaping,andpraisingGod”(v.8).

“FortooneisgiventhewordofwisdomthroughtheSpirit”(1Cor.12:8).IwantyoutokeepinmindtheimportanceofneverexpectingthegiftsoftheSpiritapartfromthepoweroftheSpirit.Inearnestlydesiringthebestgifts(v.31),earnestlydesiretobesofullofGodandHisglorythatthegiftsinmanifestationwillalwaysglorifyHim.Wedonotknowallandwecannotknowallthatcanbebroughtforthinthemanifestationofthewordofwisdom.OnewordofwisdomfromGod,oneflashoflightontheWordofGod,issufficienttosaveusfromathousandpitfalls.PeoplehavebuiltwithoutawordfromGod,theyhaveboughtthingswithoutawordfromGod,andtheyhavebeenensnared.TheyhavelackedthatwordofwisdomthatwillbringthemintoGod’splanfortheirlives.IhavebeeninmanyplaceswhereIhaveneededawordofwisdomfromGodandithasbeengrantedtome.

Iwillgiveyouoneinstance.ThereisonethingIamverygratefultotheLordfor,andthatisthatHehasgivenmegracenottohaveadesireformoney.Theloveofmoneyisagreathindrancetomany;manyamaniscrippledinhisministrybecauseheletshisheartrunafterfinancialmatters.IwasoutwalkingonedaywhenImetagodlymanwholivedoppositeme,andhesaid,“MywifeandIhavebeentalkingtogetheraboutsellingourhouse,andwefeelconstrainedtosellittoyou.”Aswetalkedtogether,hepersuadedmetobuyhisplace,andbeforewesaidgood-bye,ItoldhimthatIwouldtakeit.Wealwaysmakebigmistakeswhenweareinahurry.

ItoldmywifewhatIhadpromised,andshesaid,“Howwillyoumanageit?”ItoldherthatIhadmanagedthingssofar,butIdidnotknowhowIwasgoingtogetthroughthis.IsomehowknewthatIwasoutofthedivineorder.Still,whenafellowgetsoutofthedivineorder,itseemsthatthelastpersonhegoestoisGod.Iwasrelyingonanarchitecttohelpmewiththefinances,butthatschemefellthrough.ThenIturnedtomyrelatives,andIwascertainlysweatingasoneafteranotherturnedmedown.Itriedmyfriendsandmanagednobetter.

Mywifesaidtome,“YouhavenotbeentoGodyet.”WhatcouldIdo?

IhaveacertainplaceinourhousewhereIgotopray.Ihavebeenthereveryoften.AsIwentthere,Isaid,“Lord,ifYouwillgetmeoutofthisscrape,Iwill

nevertroubleYouaboutthiskindofthingagain.”AsIwaitedontheLord,Hegavemejustoneword.Itseemedlikearidiculousthing,butitwasthewisestcounsel.ThereisdivinewisdomineverywordHespeaks.

Icamedowntomywifesaying,“Whatdoyouthink?TheLordhastoldmetogotoBrotherWebster.Itseemsveryridiculous,forheisoneofthepoorestmenIknow.”HewasthepoorestmanIknew,buthewasalsotherichestmanIknew,forheknewGod.

Mywifesaid,“DowhatGodsays,anditwillberight.”

Iwentoffatoncetoseehim,andhesaidashegreetedme,“Smith,whatbringsyouheresoearly?”

Ianswered,“ThewordofGod.”ThenIsaidtohim,“Aboutthreeweeksago,Ipromisedtobuyaman’shouse,butIamshortfivehundreddollars.Ihavetriedtogetthismoney,butsomehowIseemtohavemissedGod.”

“Howisit,”heasked,“thatyouhavecometomeonlynow?”

Ianswered,“BecauseIwenttotheLordaboutitonlylastnight.”

“Well,”hesaid,“itisastrangething.Threeweeksago,Ihadfivehundreddollars.ForyearsIhavebeenputtingmoneyintoacooperative,andthreeweeksagoIhadtogoanddrawoutfivehundreddollars.Ihiditunderthemattress.Comewithme,andyoushallhaveit.Takeit.Ihopeitwillbringasgreatablessingtoyouasithasbeenatroubletome.”

IhadhadawordfromGod,andallmytroubleswereended.Thishasbeenmultipliedinahundredwayssincethattime.IfIhadbeenwalkingalongfilledwiththeHolySpirit,Iwouldnothaveboughtthathouseandwouldnothavehadallthatstrain.IbelievetheLordwantstolooseusfromthethingsofearth.ButIamevergratefulforthatwordfromGod.

TherehavebeentimesinmylifewhenIhavebeeningreatcrisesandundergreatweightofintercession.IhavegonetoameetingwithoutknowingwhatIwouldsay,butsomehoworotherGodwouldgrantthecomingforthofsomewordofwisdomunderthepoweroftheSpirit,justwhatsomesoulsinthatmeetingneeded.AswelooktoGod,Hismindwillbemadeknown,andHisrevelationandHiswordofwisdomwillbeforthcoming.

14TheWordofKnowledgeandtheGiftofFaith

Toanother[isgiven]thewordofknowledgethroughthesameSpirit,toanotherfaithbythesameSpirit.—1Corinthians12:8–9

Wehavenotpassedthiswaybefore.Ibelievethatthedevilhasmanydevicesandthattheyareworsetodaythaneverbefore.ButIalsobelievethatthereistobeafullmanifestationontheearthofthepowerandgloryofGodtodefeateverydeviceoftheenemy.

InEphesianswearetold:

Endeavor…tokeeptheunityoftheSpiritinthebondofpeace.ThereisonebodyandoneSpirit…oneLord,onefaith,onebaptism;oneGodandFatherofall,whoisaboveallandthroughall,andinyouall.(Eph.4:3–6)

ThebaptismoftheSpiritistomakeusallone.Paultoldusthat“byoneSpiritwewereallbaptizedintoonebody…andhaveallbeenmadetodrinkintooneSpirit”(1Cor.12:13).ItisGod’sintentionthatwespeakthesamething.IfweallhavethefullrevelationoftheSpiritofGod,wewillallseethesamething.PaulaskedtheCorinthians,“IsChristdivided?”(1Cor.1:13).WhentheHolySpirithasfullcontrol,Christisneverdivided.Hisbodyisnotdivided;thereisnodivision.Schismanddivisionareproductsofthecarnalmind.

TheWordofKnowledge

Howimportantitisthatwehavethemanifestationof“thewordofknowledge”inourmidst.ThesameSpiritwhobringsforththewordofwisdombringsforththewordofknowledge.TherevelationofthemysteriesofGodcomesbytheSpirit,andwemusthaveasupernaturalwordofknowledgeinordertoconveytoothersthethingsthattheSpiritofGodhasrevealed.TheSpiritofGodrevealsChristinallHiswonderfulfullness,andHeshowsHimtousfromthebeginningtotheendoftheScriptures.ItistheWordthatmakeus“wiseforsalvation”(2Tim.3:15)andthatopentousthedepthsofthekingdomofheaven,revealingallofthedivinemindtous.

TherearethousandsofpeoplewhoreadandstudytheWordofGod,butitis

notquickenedtothem.TheBibleisadeadletterexceptbytheSpirit.TheWordofGodcanneverbevitalandpowerfulinusexceptbytheSpirit.ThewordsthatChristspokewerenotjustdeadwords,buttheywerespiritandlife(John6:63).Andso,itistheintentionofGodthatalivingword,awordoftruth,thewordofGod,asupernaturalwordofknowledgewillcomeforthfromusthroughthepoweroftheSpiritofGod.ItistheHolySpiritwhowillbringforthutterancesfromourlipsandadivinerevelationofallthemindofGod.

ThechildofGodoughttothirstfortheWord.HeshouldknownothingelsebuttheWord,andheshouldknownothingamongmenexceptJesus(1Cor.2:2).“Manshallnotlivebybreadalone,butbyeverywordthatproceedsfromthemouthofGod”(Matt.4:4).ItisaswefeedontheWordandmeditateonthemessageitcontainsthattheSpiritofGodcanvitalizewhatwehavereceivedandbringforththroughusthewordofknowledge.ThiswordwillbeasfullofpowerandlifeaswhenHe,theSpiritofGod,moveduponholymeninancienttimesandgavethemtheinspiredScriptures.AlltheScriptureswereinspiredbyGod(2Tim.3:16)astheycameforthatthebeginning,andthroughthesameSpirittheyshouldcomeforthfromusvitalized,“livingandpowerful,andsharperthananytwo-edgedsword”(Heb.4:12).

WiththegiftsoftheSpiritshouldcomethefruitoftheSpirit.Withwisdomweshouldhavelove,withknowledgeweshouldhavejoy,andwithfaithweshouldhavethefruitofpeace.Faithisalwaysaccompaniedbypeace.Faithalwaysrests.Faithlaughsatimpossibilities.Salvationisbyfaith,throughgrace,and“itisthegiftofGod”(Eph.2:8).

ThePowerofFaith

WearekeptbythepowerofGodthroughfaith.Godgivesfaith,andnothingcantakeitaway.ByfaithwehavepowertoenterintothewonderfulthingsofGod.Therearethreekindsoffaith:savingfaith,whichisthegiftofGod;thefaithoftheLordJesus;andthegiftoffaith.YouwillrememberthewordthattheLordJesusChristgavetoPaul,towhichhereferredinActs26,wheretheLordcommissionedhimtogototheGentiles:

Toopentheireyes,inordertoturnthemfromdarknesstolight,andfromthepowerofSatantoGod,thattheymayreceiveforgivenessofsinsandaninheritanceamongthosewhoaresanctifiedbyfaithinMe.

(Acts26:18,emphasisadded)

Oh,thiswonderfulfaithoftheLordJesus.Ourfaithcomestoanend.ManytimesIhavebeentotheplacewhereIhavehadtotelltheLord,“IhaveusedallthefaithIhave,”andthenHehasplacedHisownfaithwithinme.

OneofmyfellowworkersinministrysaidtomeatChristmastime,“Wigglesworth,Iwasneversoneartheendofmyfinancesinmylife.”Ireplied,“ThankGod,youarejustattheopeningofGod’streasures.”ItiswhenweareattheendofourownresourcesthatwecanenterintotherichesofGod’sresources.Itiswhenwepossessnothingthatwecanpossessallthings.TheLordwillalwaysmeetyouwhenyouhavealivingfaith.

IwasinIrelandonetime,andIwenttoahouseandsaidtotheladywhocametothedoor,“IsBrotherWallacehere?”Shereplied,“Oh,hehasgonetoBangor,butGodhassentyouhereforme.Ineedyou.Comein.”ShetoldmeherhusbandwasadeaconofthePresbyterianChurch.SheherselfhadreceivedthebaptismoftheSpiritwhileshewasamemberofthePresbyterianChurch,buttheydidnotacceptitasfromGod.Thepeopleofthechurchsaidtoherhusband,“Thisthingcannotgoon.Wedon’twantyoutobeadeaconanylonger,andyourwifeisnotwantedinthechurch.”

Themanwasveryenraged,andhebecameincensedagainsthiswife.Itseemedasthoughanevilspirithadpossessedhim,andthehomethathadoncebeenpeacefulbecameveryterrible.Finally,helefthomewithoutleavingbehindanymoneyforhiswife.Thewomanaskedmewhatsheshoulddo.

Wewenttoprayer,andbeforewehadprayedfiveminutes,thewomanwasmightilyfilledwiththeHolySpirit.Isaidtoher,“Sitdownandletmetalktoyou.AreyouoftenintheSpiritlikethis?”

Shesaid,“Yes,andwhatcouldIdowithouttheHolySpiritnow?”

Isaidtoher,“Thesituationisyours.TheWordofGodsaysthatyouhavepowertosanctifyyourhusband.(See1Corinthians7:14.)DaretobelievetheWordofGod.Nowthefirstthingwemustdoistopraythatyourhusbandcomesbacktonight.”

Shesaid,“Iknowhewon’t.”

Ireplied,“Ifweagreetogether,itisdone.”

Shesaid,“Iwillagree.”

ThenIsaidtoher,“Whenhecomeshome,showhimallpossiblelove;lavisheverythinguponhim.Ifhewon’thearwhatyouhavetosay,lethimgotobed.Thesituationisyours.GetdownbeforeGodandclaimhimfortheLord.Getintothegloryjustasyouhavegottenintoittoday,andastheSpiritofGodpraysthroughyou,youwillfindthatGodwillgrantallthedesiresofyourheart.”

AmonthlaterIsawthissisterataconference.Shetoldhowherhusbandcamehomethatnight.Hewenttobed,butsheprayedrightthroughtovictoryandthenplacedherhandsonhim.Themomentshelaidherhandsonhim,hecriedoutformercy.TheLordsavedhimandbaptizedhimintheHolySpirit.ThepowerofGodisbeyondallourconception.ThetroubleisthatwedonothavethepowerofGodinafullmanifestationbecauseofourfinitethoughts,butaswegoonandletGodhaveHisway,thereisnolimittowhatourlimitlessGodwilldoinresponsetoalimitlessfaith.ButyouwillnevergetanywhereunlessyouareinconstantpursuitofallthepowerofGod.

OnedaywhenIcamehomefromouropen-airmeetingateleveno’clock,Ifoundthatmywifewasout.Iasked,“Whereisshe?”IwastoldthatshewasdownatMitchell’s.IhadseenMitchellthatdayandknewthathewasatthepointofdeath.IknewthatitwouldbeimpossibleforhimtosurvivethedayunlesstheLordundertooktohealhim.

TherearemanywholetupinsicknessanddonottakeholdofthelifeoftheLordJesusChristthatisprovidedforthem.Forexample,Iwastakentoseeawomanwhowasdying,andIsaidtoher,“Howarethingswithyou?”

Sheanswered,“Ihavefaith;Ibelieve.”

Isaid,“Youknowthatyoudonothavefaith.Youknowthatyouaredying.Itisnotfaiththatyouhave;itislanguage.”Thereisadifferencebetweenlanguageandfaith.Isawthatshewasinthehandsofthedevil.Therewasnopossibilityoflifeuntilhewasremovedfromthepremises.Ihatethedevil,andIlaidholdofthewomanandshouted,“Comeout,youdemonofdeath.IcommandyoutocomeoutinthenameofJesus.”Inoneminuteshestoodonherfeetinvictory.

ButtoreturntothecaseofBrotherMitchell,Ihurrieddowntothehouse,and

asIgotnear,Iheardterriblescreams.Iknewthatsomethinghadhappened.IsawMrs.Mitchellonthestaircaseandasked,“What’sup?”

Shereplied,“Heisgone!Heisgone!”

Ijustpassedbyherandwentintotheroom.ImmediatelyIsawthatMitchellhadgone.Icouldnotunderstandit,butIbegantopray.MywifewasalwaysafraidthatIwouldgotoofar,andshelaidholdofmeandsaid,“Don’t,Dad!Don’tyouseethatheisdead?”Icontinuedtoprayandmywifecontinuedtocryouttome,“Don’t,Dad.Don’tyouseethatheisdead?”ButIcontinuedpraying.

IgotasfarasIcouldwithmyownfaith,andthenGodlaidholdofme.Oh,itwassuchalayingholdthatIcouldbelieveforanything.ThefaithoftheLordJesuslaidholdofme,andasolidpeacecameintomyheart.Ishouted,“Helives!Helives!Helives!”Andheislivingtoday.

ThereisadifferencebetweenourfaithandthefaithoftheLordJesus.ThefaithoftheLordJesusisneeded.Wemustchangefaithfromtimetotime.Yourfaithmaygettoaplacewhereitwavers.ThefaithofChristneverwavers.WhenyouhaveHisfaith,thethingisfinished.Whenyouhavethatfaith,youwillneverlookatthingsastheyare.YouwillseethethingsofnaturegivewaytothethingsoftheSpirit;youwillseethetemporalswallowedupintheeternal.

IwasatacampmeetinginCazadero,California,severalyearsago,andaremarkablethinghappened.Amancamewhowasstonedeaf.Iprayedforhim,andIknewthatGodhadhealedhim.Thencamethetest.Hewouldalwaysmovehischairuptotheplatform,andeverytimeIgotuptospeak,hewouldgetupascloseashecouldandstrainhisearstocatchwhatIhadtosay.

Thedevilsaid,“Itisn’tdone.”

Ideclared,“Itisdone.”

Thiswentonforthreeweeks,andthenthemanifestationcame.Hecouldheardistinctlyfromsixtyyardsaway.Whenhisearswereopened,hethoughtitwassogreatthathehadtostopthemeetingandtelleverybodyaboutit.ImethiminOaklandrecently,andhewashearingperfectly.Asweremainsteadfastandunmovableonthegroundoffaith,wewillseeinperfectmanifestationwhatwearebelievingfor.

TheGiftofFaith

Peoplesaytome,“Don’tyouhavethegiftoffaith?”Isaythatitisanimportantgift,butthatwhatisstillmoreimportantisforustobemakinganadvancementinGodeverymoment.LookingattheWordofGod,Ifindthatitsrealitiesaregreatertometodaythantheywereyesterday.Itisthemostsublime,joyfultruththatGodbringsanenlargement,alwaysanenlargement.Thereisnothingdead,dry,orbarreninthislifeoftheSpirit;Godisalwaysmovingusontosomethinghigher,andaswemoveonintheSpirit,ourfaithwillalwaysrisetotheoccasionasdifferentcircumstancesarise.

Thisishowthegiftoffaithismanifested.Youseesomething,andyouknowthatyourownfaithisnothinginthesituation.TheotherdayIwasinSanFrancisco.Iwassittingonastreetcar,andIsawaboyingreatagonyonthestreet.Isaid,“Letmegetout.”Irushedtowheretheboywas.Hewasinagonybecauseofstomachcramps.IputmyhandsonhisstomachinthenameofJesus.Theboyjumpedandstaredatmewithastonishment.Hefoundhimselfinstantlyfreeofpain.Thegiftoffaithdaredinthefaceofeverything.ItisasweareintheSpiritthattheSpiritofGodwilloperatethisgiftanywhereandatanytime.

WhentheSpiritofGodisoperatingthisgiftwithinaperson,HecauseshimtoknowwhatGodisgoingtodo.Whenthemanwiththewitheredhandwasinthesynagogue,Jesusgotallthepeopletolooktoseewhatwouldhappen.Thegiftoffaithalwaysknowstheresults.Jesussaidtotheman,“Stretchoutyourhand”(Matt.12:13).Hiswordhadcreativeforce.Hewasnotspeculating.Hespokeandsomethinghappened.Hespokeatthebeginning,andtheworldcameintobeing.Hespeakstoday,andthingssuchasIhavejustdescribedhavetocometopass.HeistheSonofGod,andHecametobringusintosonship.Hewasthe“firstfruits”oftheResurrection(1Cor.15:20),andHecallsustobe“firstfruits”(James1:18),tobethesamekindoffruitasHimself.

Thereisanimportantpointhere.Youcannothavethegiftsbymerehumandesire.TheSpiritofGoddistributesthem“toeachoneindividuallyasHewills”(1Cor.12:11).Godcannottrustsomepeoplewithagift,butthosewhohaveahumble,broken,contriteheartHecantrust(Isa.66:2).

OnedayIwasinameetingwherethereweremanydoctorsandeminentmenandministers.Itwasataconference,andthepowerofGodfellonthemeeting.OnehumblelittlegirlwhoservedasawaitressopenedherbeingtotheLord,

andshewasimmediatelyfilledwiththeHolySpiritandbegantospeakintongues.Allthesebigmenstretchedtheirnecksandlookeduptoseewhatwashappening.Theyweresaying,“Whoisit?”Thentheylearneditwas“theservant.”Nobodyreceivedexcepttheservant!Thesethingsarehiddenandkeptbackfromthe“wiseandprudent”(Matt.11:25),butthelittlechildren,thehumbleones,aretheoneswhoreceive.Wecannothavefaithifweshowunduedeferencetooneanother.AmanwhoisgoingonwithGodwon’taccepthonorfromhisfellowbeings.Godhonorsthemanwhohasabroken,contritespirit.HowcanIgettothatplace?

Somanypeoplewanttodogreatthingsandtobeseendoingthem,buttheonewhomGodwilluseistheonewhoiswillingtobehidden.MyLordJesusneversaidHecoulddothings,butHedidthem.WhenthatfuneralprocessionwascomingupfromNainwiththewidow’ssonbeingcarriedinanopencoffin,Jesusmadethemlaythecoffindown.(SeeLuke7:11–14.)Hespoketheword,“Arise”(v.14),andgavethesonbacktothewidow.Hehadcompassionforher.AndyouandIwillneverdoanythingexceptalongthelinesofcompassion.WewillneverbeabletoremovethecanceruntilweareimmersedsodeeplyinthepoweroftheHolySpiritthatthecompassionofChristismovingthroughus.

IfindthatineverythingmyLorddid,HesaidthatHedidnotdoitbutthatAnotherwhowasinHimdidthework(John14:10).Whataholysubmission!HewasjustaninstrumentforthegloryofGod.Havewereachedaplacewherewedaretobetrustedwiththegift?Iseein1Corinthians13thatifIhavefaithtomovemountainsanddonothavelove,allisafailure.WhenmyloveissodeepenedinGodthatImoveonlyforthegloryofGod,thatIseekonlythegloryofGod,thenthegiftscanbemademanifest.GodwantstobemanifestedandtomanifestHisglorytothosewhoarehumble.

Afaintheartcanneverhaveagift.Twothingsareessential:first,love;andsecond,determination—aboldnessoffaiththatwillcauseGodtofulfillHisWord.

WhenIwasbaptizedintheHolySpirit,IhadawonderfultimeandhadutterancesintheSpirit,butforsometimeafterward,Ididnotagainspeakintongues.Oneday,asIwasministeringtoanother,theLordagaingavemeutterancesintheSpirit.Afterthis,Iwasgoingdowntheroadonedayandspeakingintonguesalongwhile.Thereweresomegardenersdoingtheirwork,

andtheystucktheirheadsoutoverthehedgestoseewhatwasgoingon.Isaid,“Lord,Youhavesomethingnewforme.Yousaidthatwhenamanspeaksintongues,heshouldaskfortheinterpretation.Iaskfortheinterpretation,andI’llstayrighthereuntilIgetit.”Andfromthathour,theLordhasgivenmeinterpretation.

OnetimeIwasinLincolnshire,inEngland,andcameintouchwiththeoldrectorofanEpiscopalchurch.HebecameveryinterestedinwhatIhadtosay,andheaskedmeintohislibrary.Ineverheardanythingsweeterthantheprayertheoldmanutteredashegotdowntopray.Hebegantopray,“Lord,makemeholy.Lord,sanctifyme.”

Icalledout,“Wakeup!Wakeupnow!Getupandsitinyourchair.”Hesatupandlookedatme.

Isaidtohim,“Ithoughtyouwereholy.”

Heanswered,“Yes.”

“ThenwhatmakesyouaskGodtodowhatHehasalreadydoneforyou?”

Hebegantolaughandthentospeakintongues.LetusmoveintotherealmoffaithandliveintherealmoffaithandletGodhaveHisway.

15GiftsofHealingandtheWorkingofMiracles

Toanother[aregiven]thegiftsofhealingbythesameSpirit;toanothertheworkingofmiracles.

—1Corinthians12:9–10kjv

Godhasgivenusmuchintheselastdays,andwheremuchisgiven,muchwillberequired(Luke12:48).TheLordhassaidtous:

Youarethesaltoftheearth;butifthesaltlosesitsflavor,howshallitbeseasoned?Itisthengoodfornothingbuttobethrownoutandtrampledunderfootbymen.(Matt.5:13)

OurLordJesusexpressedasimilarthoughtwhenHesaid,“IfanyonedoesnotabideinMe,heiscastoutasabranchandiswithered;andtheygatherthemandthrowthemintothefire,andtheyareburned”(John15:6).Ontheotherhand,Hetoldus,“IfyouabideinMe,andMywordsabideinyou,youwillaskwhatyoudesire,anditshallbedoneforyou”(John15:7).

IfwedonotmoveonwiththeLordinthesedays,andifwedonotwalkinthelightofrevealedtruth,wewillbecomeasflavorlesssaltorawitheredbranch.Thisonethingwemustdo:“Forgettingthosethingswhicharebehind”—boththepastfailuresandthepastblessings—wemustreachforthforthosethingsthatarebeforeusand“presstowardthemarkfortheprizeofthehighcallingofGodinChristJesus”(Phil.3:13–14kjv).

Formanyyears,theLordhasbeenmovingmeonandkeepingmefromspiritualstagnation.WhenIwasintheWesleyanMethodistChurch,IwassureIwassaved,andIwassureIwasallright.TheLordsaidtome,“Comeout,”andIcameout.WhenIwaswiththepeopleknownastheBrethren,IwassureIwasallrightthen.ButtheLordsaid,“Comeout.”ThenIwentintotheSalvationArmy.Atthattime,itwasfulloflife,andtherewererevivalseverywhere.ButtheSalvationArmywentintonaturalthings,andthegreatrevivalsthattheyhadinthoseearlydaysceased.TheLordsaidtome,“Comeout,”andIcameout.Ihavehadtocomeoutthreetimessince.

IbelievethatthisPentecostalrevivalthatwearenowinisthebestthingthattheLordhasontheearthtoday;andyetIbelievethatGodwillbringsomething

outofthisrevivalthatisgoingtobestillbetter.GodhasnouseforanyonewhoisnothungeringandthirstingforevenmoreofHimselfandHisrighteousness.

TheLordhastoldusto“earnestlydesirethebestgifts”(1Cor.12:31),andweneedtoearnestlydesirethosegiftsthatwillbringHimthemostglory.Weneedtoseethegiftsofhealingandtheworkingofmiraclesinoperationtoday.Somesayitisnecessaryforustohavethegiftofdiscernmentinoperationwiththegiftsofhealing,butevenapartfromthisgift,IbelievethattheHolySpiritwillhaveadivinerevelationforusaswedealwiththesick.

Mostpeoplethinktheyhavediscernment;butiftheywouldturntheirdiscernmentonthemselvesfortwelvemonths,theywouldneverwantto“discern”again.Thegiftofdiscernmentisnotcriticism.IamsatisfiedthatinPentecostalcirclestoday,ourparamountneedismoreperfectlove.

Perfectlovewillneverwantthepreeminenceinevery-thing;itwillneverwanttotaketheplaceofanother;itwillalwaysbewillingtotakethebackseat.IfyougotoaBibleconference,thereisalwayssomeonewhowantstogiveamessage,whowantstobeheard.Ifyouhaveadesiretogotoaconference,youshouldhavethreethingssettledinyourmind:DoIwanttobeheard?DoIwanttobeseen?DoIwantanythingonthelineoffinances?IfIhavethesethingsinmyheart,Ihavenorighttobethere.

TheonethingthatmustmoveusistheconstrainingloveofGodtoministerforHim.Apreacheralwayslosesoutwhenhegetshismindonfinances.ItisadvisableforPentecostalpreacherstoavoidmakingmuchoffinancesexcepttostirpeopleuptohelpsupportourmissionariesfinancially.Apreacherwhogetsbigcollectionsforthemissionariesneverneedstofear;theLordwilltakecareofhisfinances.

ApreachershouldnotarriveataplaceandsaythatGodhassenthim.IamalwaysfearfulwhenIhearamanadvertisingthis.IfheissentbyGod,thebelieverswillknowit.GodhasHisplansforHisservants,andwemustliveinHisplanssocompletelythatHewillplaceuswhereHewantsus.IfyouseeknothingbutthewillofGod,Hewillalwaysputyouintherightplaceattherighttime.

IwantyoutoseethatthegiftsofhealingandtheworkingofmiraclesarepartoftheSpirit’splanandwillcomeforthinoperationasweareworkingalongthat

plan.ImustknowthemovementoftheSpiritandthevoiceofGod.ImustunderstandthewillofGodifIamtoseethegiftsoftheSpiritinoperation.

MinisteringHealing

Thegiftsofhealingaresovaried.Youmaygotoseetenpeople,andeverycasewillbedifferent.IamneverhappierintheLordthanwhenIaminabedroomwithasickperson.IhavehadmorerevelationsoftheLord’spresencewhenIhaveministeredtothesickattheirbedsidesthanatanyothertime.ItisasyourheartgoesouttotheneedyonesindeepcompassionthattheLordmanifestsHispresence.Youareabletodiscerntheirconditions.ItisthenthatyouknowyoumustbefilledwiththeSpirittodealwiththeconditionsbeforeyou.

Whenpeoplearesick,youfrequentlyfindthattheyareignorantaboutScripture.TheyusuallyknowthreeScriptures,though.TheyknowaboutPaul’s“thornintheflesh”(2Cor.12:7);theyknowthatPaultoldTimothytotake“alittlewine”forhis“stomach’ssake”(1Tim.5:23);andtheyknowthatPaulleftsomeonesicksomewhere,buttheydon’trememberhisnameortheplace,andtheydon’tknowinwhatchapteroftheBibleitisfound.(See2Timothy4:20.)Mostpeoplethinktheyhaveathornintheflesh.Thechiefthingindealingwithapersonwhoissickistodiscernhisexactcondition.AsyouareministeringundertheSpirit’spower,theLordwillletyouseejustwhatwillbethemosthelpfulandthemostfaith-inspiringtohim.

WhenIwasintheplumbingbusiness,Ienjoyedprayingforthesick.Urgentcallswouldcome,andIwouldhavenotimetowash.Withmyhandsallblack,Iwouldpreachtothesesickones,myheartallaglowwithlove.Ah,yourheartmustbeinitwhenyouprayforthesick.Youhavetogetrighttothebottomofthecancerwithadivinecompassion,andthenyouwillseethegiftsoftheSpiritinoperation.

Iwascalledatteno’clockonenighttoprayforayoungpersonwhowasdyingofconsumptionandwhomthedoctorhadgivenupfordead.AsIlooked,IsawthatunlessGodintervened,itwouldbeimpossibleforhertolive.

Iturnedtothemotherandsaid,“Well,Mother,youwillhavetogotobed.”

Shesaid,“Oh,Ihavenothadmyclothesoffforthreeweeks.”

Isaidtothedaughters,“Youwillhavetogotobed,”buttheydidnotwanttogo.Itwasthesamewiththeson.

Iputonmyovercoatandsaid,“Good-bye,I’mleaving.”

Theysaid,“Oh,don’tleaveus.”

Isaid,“Icandonothinghere.”

Theysaid,“Oh,ifyouwillstay,wewillallgotobed.”

IknewthatGodwouldnotmoveinanatmosphereofmerenaturalsympathyandunbelief.Theyallwenttobed,andIstayed,andthatwassurelyatimeasIkneltbythatbedface-to-facewithdeathandthedevil.ButGodcanchangethehardestsituationandmakeyouknowthatHeisalmighty.

Thenthefightcame.Itseemedasthoughtheheavenswerebrass.Iprayedfrom11:00p.m.to3:30a.m.Isawtheglimmeringlightonthefaceofthesuffererandsawherpassaway.Satansaid,“Nowyouaredonefor.YouhavecomefromBradford,andthegirlhasdiedonyourhands.”

Isaid,“Itcan’tbe.Goddidnotsendmeherefornothing.Thisisatimetochangestrength.”Irememberedthepassagethatsaid,“Menalwaysoughttoprayandnotloseheart”(Luke18:1).Deathhadtakenplace,butIknewthatGodwasall-powerfulandthatHewhohadsplittheRedSeaisjustthesametoday.ItwasatimewhenIwouldnotaccept“No”andGodsaid“Yes.”

Ilookedatthewindow,andatthatmoment,thefaceofJesusappeared.ItseemedasthoughamillionraysoflightwerecomingfromHisface.AsHelookedattheonewhohadjustpassedaway,thecolorcamebacktoherface.Sherolledoverandfellasleep.ThenIhadaglorioustime.Inthemorningshewokeearly,putonadressinggown,andwalkedtothepiano.Shestartedtoplayandtosingawonderfulsong.Themotherandthesisterandthebrotherallcamedowntolisten.TheLordhadintervened.Amiraclehadbeenworked.

TheLordiscallingusalongthisway.IthankGodfordifficultcases.TheLordhascalledusintoheartunionwithHimself;HewantsHisbridetohaveoneheartandoneSpiritwithHimandtodowhatHeHimselflovedtodo.Thatcasehadtobeamiracle.Thelungsweregone;theywerejustinshreds.YettheLordrestoredherlungs,makingthemperfectlysound.

AfruitoftheSpiritthatmustaccompanythegiftofhealingislong-suffering.ThemanwhoisperseveringwithGodtobeusedinhealingmustbeamanoflong-suffering.Hemustalwaysbereadywithawordofcomfort.Ifthesickoneisindistressandhelplessanddoesnotseeeverythingeye-to-eyewithyou,youmustbearwithhim.OurLordJesusChristwasfilledwithcompassionandlivedandmovedinaplaceoflong-suffering,andwewillhavetogetintothisplaceifwearetohelpneedyones.

Therearetimeswhenyouprayforthesick,andyouseemtoberoughwiththem.Butyouarenotdealingwithaperson;youaredealingwithsatanicforcesthatarebindingtheperson.Yourheartisfullofloveandcompassiontowardall;however,youaremovedtoaholyangerasyouseetheplacethedevilhastakeninthebodyofthesickone,andyoudealwithhispositionwitharealforcefulness.

Onedayapetdogfollowedaladyoutofherhouseandranallaroundherfeet.Shesaidtothedog,“Mydear,Icannothaveyouwithmetoday.”Thedogwaggeditstailandmadeabigfuss.Shesaid,“Gohome,mydear.”Butthedogdidnotgo.Atlastsheshoutedroughly,“Gohome,”andoffitwent.Somepeopledealwiththedevillikethat.Satancanstandallthecomfortyouliketogivehim.Casthimout!Youarenotdealingwiththeperson;youaredealingwiththedevil.DemonpowermustbedislodgedinthenameoftheLord.

Youarealwaysrightwhenyoudaretodealwithsicknessaswiththedevil.Muchsicknessiscausedbysomemisconduct;thereissomethingwrong,thereissomeneglectsomewhere,andtheenemyhashadachancetogetin.Itisnecessarytorepentandconfesswhereyouhavegivenplacetothedevil(Eph.4:27),andthenhecanbedealtwith.

Whenyoudealwithacancercase,recognizethatalivingevilspiritisdestroyingthebody.IhadtoprayforawomaninLosAngelesonetimewhowassufferingwithacancerousgrowth,andassoonasthecancerwascursed,itstoppedbleeding.Itwasdead.Thenextthingthathappenedwasthatthenaturalbodypusheditout,becausethenaturalbodyhadnoroomfordeadmatter.Itcameoutlikeagreatbigballwithtensofthousandsoffibers.Allthesefibershadbeenpressingintotheflesh.Theseevilpowersmovetogetfurtherholdofthebody’ssystem,butthemomenttheyaredestroyed,theirholdisgone.JesustoldHisdisciplesthatHegavethempowertolooseandpowertobind(Matt.

16:19).ItisourprivilegeinthepoweroftheHolySpirittoloosetheprisonersoftheenemyandtolettheoppressedgofree.

TakeyourpositionfromthefirstepistleofJohnanddeclare,“Hewhoisin[me]isgreaterthanhewhoisintheworld”(1John4:4).Thenrecognizethatitisnotyouwhohastodealwiththepowerofthedevil,buttheGreaterOnewhoiswithinyou.Oh,whatitmeanstobefilledwithHim!Youcandonothinginyourself,butHewhoisinyouwillwinthevictory.YourbeinghasbecomethetempleoftheHolySpirit.Yourmouth,yourmind,yourwholebeingmaybeusedandworkeduponbytheSpiritofGod.

IwascalledtoacertaintowninNorway.Thehallseatedaboutfifteenhundredpeople.WhenIgottotheplace,itwaspacked,andhundredsweretryingtogetin.Thereweresomepolicementhere.ThefirstthingIdidwastopreachtothepeopleoutsidethebuilding.ThenIsaidtothepolicemen,“Ithurtsmeverymuchthattherearemorepeopleoutsidethaninside,andIfeelImustpreachtothepeople.Iwouldlikeyoutogetmethemarketplacetopreachin.”Theysecuredalargeparkforme,andabigstandwaserected,andIwasabletopreachtothousands.

Afterthepreaching,wehadsomemarvelouscasesofhealing.Onemancameahundredmiles,bringinghisfoodwithhim.Hehadnotbeenpassinganythingthroughhisstomachforoveramonthbecausehehadalargecanceronhisstomach.Hewashealedatthatmeeting,andopeninghispackage,hebeganeatingforallthepeopletosee.

Therewasayoungwomantherewithastiffhand.Whenshewasachild,hermother,insteadofmakingheruseherarm,hadallowedhertokeepitdormantuntilitwasstiff.ThisyoungwomanwaslikethewomanintheBiblewhowasbentoverwiththespiritofinfirmity(Luke13:11).Asshestoodbeforeme,IcursedthespiritofinfirmityinthenameofJesus.Itwasinstantlycastout,andthearmwasfree.Thenshewavedherhandallaround.

Atthecloseofthemeeting,thedevilthrewtwopeopletothegroundwithfits.Whenthedevilismanifestinghimself,thenisthetimetodealwithhim.Bothofthesepeopleweredelivered,andwhentheystoodupandthankedandpraisedtheLord,whatawonderfultimewehad.

WeneedtowakeupandstrivetobelieveGod.BeforeGodcouldbringmeto

thisplace,Hebrokemeathousandtimes.Ihavewept;Ihavegroaned.IhavetravailedmanyanightuntilGodbrokeme.ItseemstomethatuntilGodhasmowedyoudown,youcanneverhavethislong-suffering,thisendurance,forothers.WewillneverhavethegiftsofhealingandtheworkingofmiraclesinoperationunlesswestandinthedivinepowerthatGodgivesus,unlesswestandbelievingGodand“havingdoneall”(Eph.6:13),westillstandbelieving.

Wehavebeenseeingwonderfulmiraclesduringtheselastdays,andtheyareonlyalittleofwhatwearegoingtosee.Ibelievethatwearerightonthethresholdofwonderfulthings,butIwanttoemphasizethatallthesethingswillbeonlythroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.Youmustnotthinkthatthesegiftswillfalluponyoulikeripecherries.Thereisasenseinwhichyouhavetopaythepriceforeverythingyouget.WemustearnestlydesireGod’sbestgiftsandsay“Amen”toanypreparationtheLordtakesusthrough.Inthisway,wewillbehumble,useablevesselsthroughwhomHeHimselfcanoperatebymeansoftheSpirit’spower.

16TheGiftofProphecy

Toanother[isgiven]prophecy.—1Corinthians12:10

Inthetwelfthchapterof1Corinthians,theapostlePaulwaswritingaboutthediversitiesofthegiftsgivenbytheSpirit.Weseetheimportanceofthegiftofprophecyfrom1Corinthians14:1,wherewearetoldto“pursuelove,anddesirespiritualgifts,butespeciallythatyoumayprophesy.”Wealsoseethat“hewhoprophesiesspeaksedificationandexhortationandcomforttomen”(v.3).Howimportantitis,then,thatweshouldhavethisgiftinmanifestationinthechurch,sothatbelieversmightbebuiltupandmadestrongandfilledwiththecomfortofGod.Butwiththis,aswithallothergifts,weshouldseethatitisoperatedbytheSpirit’spowerandbroughtforthintheanointingoftheSpirit,sothateveryonewhohearsprophecy—asitisbroughtforthbytheSpiritofGod—willknowthatitistrulyGodwhoisbringingforthwhatisfortheedificationofthosewhohear.ItistheSpiritofGodwhotakesofthe“deepthingsofGod”(1Cor.2:10)andrevealsthem,andanointstheprophettogiveforthwhatisarevelationofthethingsofGod.

Utteranceinprophecyhasarealliftingpowerandshedsreallightonthetruthtothosewhohear.Prophecyisneverareflectionofourminds;itissomethingfardeeperthanthis.Bymeansofprophecy,wereceivewhatisthemindoftheLord;andaswereceivetheseblessed,freshutterancesthroughtheSpiritoftheLord,thewholeassemblyisliftedintotherealmofthespiritual.OurheartsandmindsandwholebodiesreceiveaquickeningthroughtheSpirit-givenword.AstheSpiritbringsforthprophecy,wefindthereishealing,salvation,andpowerineverysentence.Forthisreason,itisoneofthegiftsthatweoughttocovet.

FalseversusTrueProphecy

Whileweappreciatetrueprophecy,wemustnotforgetthattheScriptureswarnusinnouncertaintermsconcerningwhatisfalse.In1John4:1,wearetold,“Beloved,donotbelieveeveryspirit,buttestthespirits,whethertheyareofGod;becausemanyfalseprophetshavegoneoutintotheworld.”Johnthenwentontotellushowwecantellthedifferencebetweenthetrueandthefalse:

BythisyouknowtheSpiritofGod:EveryspiritthatconfessesthatJesusChristhascomeinthefleshisofGod,andeveryspiritthatdoesnotconfessthatJesusChristhascomeinthefleshisnotofGod.AndthisisthespiritoftheAntichrist,whichyouhaveheardwascoming,andisnowalreadyintheworld.(1John4:2–3)

Therearevoicesthatseemlikeprophecy,andsomebelievershavefallenintoterribledarknessandbondagethroughlisteningtothesecounterfeitsofthetruegiftofprophecy.TrueprophecyisalwaysChrist-exalting,magnifyingtheSonofGod,exaltingthebloodofJesusChrist,encouragingbelieverstopraiseandworshipthetrueGod.Falseprophecydealswiththingsthatdonotedifyandisdesignedtopuffupitshearersandtoleadthemintoerror.

Manypeoplepicturethedevilasagreat,uglymonsterwithlargeears,eyes,andatail;buttheScripturesgiveusnosuchpictureofhim.HewasabeingofgreatbeautywhoseheartbecameliftedupagainstGod.Heismanifestinghimselfeverywheretodayasan“angeloflight”(2Cor.11:14).Heisfullofpride,andifyouaren’tcareful,hewilltrytomakeyouthinkyouaresomebody.Thisistheweaknessofmostpreachersandmostmen—theideaofbeingsomebody!Noneofusareanything,andthemoreweknowwearenothing,themoreGodcanmakeusachannelofHispower.MaythedearLordsaveusfromcontinuallybeingsidetrackedbypride—itisthedevil’strap.TrueprophecywillshowyouthatChristis“allinall”(Eph.1:23),andthatyouare,inyourself,lessthannothingandvanity.FalseprophecywillnotmagnifyChrist,butwillmakeyouthinkthatyouaregoingtobesomeonegreatafterall.Youmaybesurethatsuchthoughtsareinspiredby“thechiefofthesonsofpride.”

Iwanttowarnyouagainstthefoolishnessofcontinuallyseekingtohear“voices.”LookintheBible.TherewehavethevoiceofGod,“whoatvarioustimesandinvariouswaysspokeintimepasttothefathersbytheprophets,[and]hasintheselastdaysspokentousbyHisSon”(Heb.1:1–2).Don’trunawaywithanythingelse.IfyouhearthevoiceofGod,itwillbeaccordingtotheScripturesofTruthgivenintheinspiredWord.InRevelation22:18–19,weseethedangerofattemptingtoaddtoortakefromtheprophecyofthisBook.Trueprophecy,asitcomesforthinthepoweroftheSpiritofGod,willneithertakefromnoraddtotheScriptures,butwillintensifyandquickenwhatalreadyhasbeengiventousbyGod.TheHolySpiritwillbringtoourremembranceallthethingsthatJesussaidanddid(John14:26).Trueprophecywillbringforth

“thingsnewandold”(Matt.13:52)outoftheScripturesofTruthandwillmakethem“livingandpowerful”(Heb.4:12)tous.

Somemayask,“IfwehavetheScriptures,whydoweneedprophecy?”TheScripturesthemselvesanswerthisquestion.GodhassaidthatinthelastdaysHewillpouroutHisSpirituponallflesh,andthat“yoursonsandyourdaughtersshallprophesy”(Acts2:17).TheLordknewthat,intheselastdays,prophecywouldbearealmeansofblessingtous,andthatiswhywecancountonHimtogiveus,bymeansoftheSpirit,throughHismenservantsandHismaidservants,truepropheticmessages(v.18).

TheDangersofListeningtoFalseVoices

Again,Iwanttowarnyouconcerninglisteningtovoices.IwasatameetinginPaisley,Scotland,andIcameintouchwithtwoyoungwomen.Theywereinagreatstateofexcitement.Thesetwogirlsweretelegraphoperatorsandwerepreciousyoungwomen,havingreceivedthebaptismintheSpirit.Theywerebothlongingtobemissionaries.Butwhateverourspiritualstateis,wearesubjecttotemptations.Anevilpowercametooneoftheseyoungwomenandsaid,“Ifyouwillobeyme,Iwillmakeyouoneofthemostwonderfulmissionarieswhoeverwentouttothemissionfield.”Thiswasjustthedeviloroneofhisagentsactingasanangeloflight.Theyoungwomanwascapturedimmediatelybythissuggestion,andshebecamesoexcitedthathersistersawtherewassomethingwrongandaskedtheirworksupervisoriftheycouldbeexcusedforawhile.

Asthesistertookherintoaroom,thepowerofthedevil,endeavoringtoimitatetheSpiritofGod,manifesteditselfinavoice,andledthisyoungwomantobelievethatthemissionaryenterprisewouldbeunfoldedthatnight,ifshewouldobey.Thisevilspiritsaid,“Don’ttellanybodybutyoursister.”IthinkthateverythingofGodcanbetoldtoeverybody.Ifyoucannotpreachwhatyoulive,yourlifeiswrong.Ifyouareafraidoftellingwhatyoudoinsecret,somedayitwillbetoldfromthehousetops(Luke12:3).Don’tthinkyouwillgetoutofit.Whatispurecomestothelight.“Hewhodoesthetruthcomestothelight,thathisdeedsmaybeclearlyseen,thattheyhavebeendoneinGod”(John3:21).

Theevilpowerwentontosaytothisgirl,“Gototherailroadstationtonight,andtherewillbeatraincominginat7:32.Afteryoubuyaticketforyourself

andyoursister,youwillhavesixpenceleft.Youwillfindawomaninarailwaycarriagedressedasanurse,andoppositeherwillbeagentlemanwhohasallthemoneyyouneed.”Thefirstthingcametrue.Sheboughttheticketsandhadjustsixpenceleft.Next,thetraincameinatexactly7:32.Butthenextthingdidnotcometrue.Thetwosistersranfromthefronttothebackofthatrailroadtrainbeforeitmovedout,andnothingturnedoutastheyhadbeentold.Assoonasthetrainmovedout,thesamevoicecameandsaid,“Overontheotherplatform.”Allthatnight,until9:30,thesetwoyoungwomenwererushedfromplatformtoplatform.Assoonasitwas9:30,thissameevilpowersaid,“NowthatIknowyouwillobeyme,Iwillmakeyouthegreatestmissionaries.”Itisalwayssomethingbig!Theymighthaveknownitwasallwrong.Theevilpowersaid,“ThisgentlemanwilltakeyoutoacertainbankatacertaincornerinGlasgow,wherehewilldepositallthatmoneyforyou.”BanksarenotopenatthattimeofnightinGlasgow.Ifshehadgonetothestreetthisevilspiritmentioned,thereprobablywouldnothavebeenabankthere.Alltheyneededwasalittlecommonsense,andtheywouldhaveseenthatitwasnottheLord.Ifyouhaveyourheartopenforthiskindofvoice,youwillsoongetintoatrap.Wemustrememberthattherearemanyevilspiritsintheworld.

Werethesesistersdelivered?Yes,afterterribletravailwithGod,theywereperfectlydelivered.TheireyeswereopenedtoseethatthisthingwasnotofGodbutofthedevil.ThesetwosistersarenowlaboringfortheLordinChinaanddoingablessedworkforHim.Ifyoudogetintoerroralongtheselines,praiseGod,thereisawayout.IpraiseGodthatHewillbreakusdownuntilallprideleavesus.Theworstpridewecanhaveistheprideofself-exaltation.

Paulwrote,atthecommandmentoftheLord,

Lettwoorthreeprophetsspeak,andlettheothersjudge.Butifanythingisrevealedtoanotherwhositsby,letthefirstkeepsilent.Foryoucanallprophesyonebyone,thatallmaylearnandallmaybeencouraged.(1Cor.14:29–31)

Ifyouarenothumbleenoughtoallowyourprophecytobejudged,itisassurelywrongasyouarewrong.Prophecyhastobejudged.AmeetingsuchasthisonethatPaulsuggestedwouldcertainlybethegreatestmeetingyoueverheld.PraiseGod,thetidewillrisetothis.ItwillallcomeintoperfectorderwhenthechurchisbathedandlostinthegreatidealofglorifyingJesusalone.Thenthingswillcometopassthatwillbeworthwhile.

Coupledwithprophecy,youshouldseemanifestedthefruitoftheSpiritthatisgoodness(Gal.5:22).ItwasholymenwhospokeinprophecyindaysofoldastheHolySpiritpromptedthem(2Pet.1:21);andso,today,theprophetwhocanbetrustedisamanwhoisfullofgoodness,thegoodnessthatisthefruitoftheSpirit.Butwhenhegetsoutofthispositionandrestsonhisownindividuality,heisindangerofbeingpuffedupandbecominganinstrumentfortheenemy.

Iknewsomepeoplewhohadawonderfulfarm;itwasveryproductiveandwasinaverygoodneighborhood.TheylistenedtovoicestellingthemtoselleverythingandgotoAfrica.Thesevoiceshadsounhingedthemthattheyhadscarcelyhadtimetosellout.Theysoldtheirpropertyataridiculousprice.Thesamevoicetoldthemofacertainshiptheyweretosailon.Whentheygottotheport,theyfoundtherewasn’tashipofthatname.

Thedifficultywastogetthemnottobelievethesefalsevoices.TheysaidperhapsitwasthemindoftheLordtogivethemanothership,andthevoicesoongavethemthenameofanothership.WhentheyreachedAfrica,theydidn’tknowanylanguagethatwasspokenthere.Butthevoicedidnotletthemstop.Theyeventuallycamebackbrokenhearted,shakenthrough,andhavinglostallconfidenceineverything.IfthesepeoplehadhadthesensetogotosomemenofGodwhowerefilledwiththeSpiritandseektheircounsel,theywouldsoonhavebeenpersuadedthatthesevoiceswerenotofGod.Butlisteningtothesevoicesalwaysbringsaboutaspiritualpridethatmakespeoplethinkthattheyaresuperiortotheirfellowbelievers,andthattheyareabovetakingthecounselofmenwhomtheythinkarenotasfilledwiththeSpiritastheyare.IfyouhearanyvoicesthatmakeyouthinkthatyouaresuperiortothosewhomGodhasputinthechurchtorulethechurch,watchout,forthatissurelythedevil.

WereadinRevelation19:10that“thetestimonyofJesusisthespiritofprophecy.”YouwillfindthattruepropheticutterancealwaysexaltstheLambofGod.

FireandFaith

Noprophetictouchisofanyuseunlessthereisfireinit.IneverexpecttobeusedbyGoduntilthefireburns.IfeelthatifIeverspeak,itmustbebytheSpirit.Atthesametime,rememberthattheprophetmustprophecyaccordingtothemeasureofhisfaith(Rom.12:6).Ifyouriseupinyourweakness,butalsoin

lovebecauseyouwanttohonorGod,andyoujustbegin,youwillfindthepresenceoftheLorduponyou.Actinfaith,andtheLordwillmeetyou.

MayGodtakeusonandonintothisgloriousfactoffaith,sothatwemaybesointheHolySpiritthatGodwillworkthroughusalongthelinesofthemiraculousandalongthelinesofprophecy.WhenweareoperatingintheSpirit,wewillalwaysknowthatitisnolongerwebutHewhoisworkingthroughus,bringingforthwhatisinHisowndivinegoodpleasure(Phil.2:13).

17TheDiscerningofSpirits

Toanother[isgiven]discerningofspirits.—1Corinthians12:10

Thereisavastdifferencebetweennaturaldiscernmentandspiritualdiscernment.Whenitcometonaturaldiscernment,youwillfindthatmanypeopleareloadedwithit,andtheycanseesomanyfaultsinothers.TosuchthewordsofChristsurelyapply,“Whydoyoulookatthespeckinyourbrother’seye,butdonotperceivetheplankinyourowneye?”(Luke6:41).Ifyouwanttomanifestnaturaldiscernment,focusthesameonyourselfforatleasttwelvemonths,andyouwillseesomanyfaultsinyourselfthatyouwillneverwanttofussaboutthefaultsofanother.

InthesixthchapterofIsaiah,wereadoftheprophetbeinginthepresenceofGod.Hefoundthatevenhislipswereunclean,thateverythingwasunclean(Isa.6:5).ButpraiseGod,thereisthesamelivecoalforustoday(vv.6–7),thebaptismoffire,theperfectingoftheheart,thepurifyingofthemind,theregenerationofthespirit.HowimportantitisthatthefireofGodtouchesourtongues!

DiscerningSpirits

In1John4:1wearetold,“Beloved,donotbelieveeveryspirit,buttestthespirits,whethertheyareofGod.”Wearefurthertold:

AndeveryspiritthatdoesnotconfessthatJesusChristhascomeinthefleshisnotofGod.AndthisisthespiritoftheAntichrist,whichyouhaveheardwascoming,andisnowalreadyintheworld.(1John4:3)

Fromtimetotime,asIhaveseenapersonunderthepowerofevilorhavingafit,Ihavesaidtothepowerofevilorsatanicforcethatiswithinthepossessedperson,“DidJesusChristcomeintheflesh?”andrightawaytheyhaveansweredno.Theyeithersaynoorholdtheirtongues,refusingaltogethertoacknowledgethattheLordJesusChristcameintheflesh.Itisatatimelikethiswhen,rememberingthatfurtherstatementofJohn’s,“Hewhoisinyouisgreaterthanhewhoisintheworld”(1John4:4),youcan,inthenameoftheLordJesusChrist,dealwiththeevilpowersandcommandthemtocomeout.We,as

Pentecostalpeople,mustknowthetacticsoftheevilone,andwemustbeabletodisplaceanddislodgehimfromhisposition.

OnetimeinDoncaster,England,Iwaspreachingonthetopicoffaith,andanumberofpeopleweredelivered.TherewasamannamedJackpresentwhowasgreatlyinterestedandmovedbywhathesaw.Hehimselfwassufferingwithastiffkneeandhadyardsandyardsofflannelwoundaroundit.Afterhegothome,hesaidtohiswife,“IhavetakeninWigglesworth’smessage,andnowIamgoingtoactonitandgetdeliverance.Wife,Iwantyoutobetheaudience.”Hetookholdofhiskneeandsaid,“Comeout,devil,inthenameofJesus.”Thenhesaid,“Itisallright,wife.”Hetooktheyardsofflanneloffandfoundhewasallrightwithoutthebandage.

ThenextnighthewenttothelittlePrimitiveMethodistchurchwhereheworshipped.Therewerealotofyoungpeopletherewhowereinbadsituations,andJackhadatremendousministrydeliveringhisfriendsthroughthenameofJesus.Hehadbeengiventoseethatagreatmanyillstowhichfleshisheirarenothingelsebuttheoperationoftheenemy;buthisfaithhadrisen,andhesawthatinthenameofJesustherewasapowerthatwasmorethanamatchfortheenemy.

IarrivedonenightatGottenberginSwedenandwasaskedtoholdameetingthere.Inthemidstofthemeeting,amanfellfulllengthinthedoorway.Theevilspiritthrewhimdown,manifestingitselfanddisturbingthewholemeeting.Irushedtothedoorandlaidholdofthismanandcriedouttotheevilspiritwithinhim,“Comeout,youdevil!InthenameofJesus,wecastyououtasanevilspirit.”Iliftedhimupandsaid,“StandonyourfeetandwalkinthenameofJesus.”Idon’tknowwhetheranybodyinthemeetingunderstoodmeexcepttheinterpreter,butthedevilsknewwhatIsaid.IspokeinEnglish,butthesedemonsinSwedenclearedout.AsimilarthinghappenedinOslo,Norway.

Satanwillalwaysendeavortofascinatepeoplethroughtheeyesandthroughthemind.Onetimetherewasbroughttomeabeautifulyoungwomanwhohadbeenobsessivelyfascinatedwithsomepreacher;justbecausehehadnotgivenhersatisfactiononthelinesofcourtshipandmarriage,thedevilhadtakenadvantageofthesituationandhadmadeherdeliriousandinsane.Concernedfriendshadbroughthertwohundredandfiftymilesinthatcondition.ShehadpreviouslyreceivedthebaptismintheSpirit.

Youask,“IsthereanyplacefortheenemyinonewhohasbeenbaptizedintheHolySpirit?”OuronlysafetyisingoingonwithGodandinconstantlybeingfilledwiththeHolySpirit.YoumustnotforgetDemas.HemusthavebeenbaptizedwiththeHolySpirit,forheappearstohavebeenoneofPaul’sright-handworkers,buttheenemygothimtotheplacewherehelovedthispresentworld,andhefellaway(2Tim.4:10).

Whentheybroughtthisyoungwomantome,IdiscernedtheevilpowerrightawayandimmediatelycastthethingoutinthenameofJesus.Itwasagreatjoytopresentherbeforeallthepeopleinherrightmindagain.

Thereisalifeofperfectdeliverance,andthisiswhereGodwantsyoutobe.IfIfindthatmypeaceisdisturbedinanyway,Iknowitistheenemywhoistryingtowork.HowdoIknowthis?BecausetheLordhaspromisedtokeepyourmindinperfectpeacewhenitisfocusedonHim(Isaiah26:3).Paultoldustopresentourbodiesas“alivingsacrifice,holy,acceptabletoGod,whichis[our]reasonableservice”(Rom.12:1).TheHolySpiritalsospokethiswordthroughPaul:

Anddonotbeconformedtothisworld,butbetransformedbytherenewingofyourmind,thatyoumayprovewhatisthatgoodandacceptableandperfectwillofGod.

(Rom.12:2,emphasisadded)

Paulfurthertoldus,

Finally,brethren,whateverthingsaretrue,whateverthingsarenoble,whateverthingsarejust,

whateverthingsarepure,whateverthingsarelovely,whateverthingsareofgoodreport,ifthereisanyvirtueandifthereisanythingpraiseworthy;meditateonthesethings.(Phil.4:8)

Aswethinkaboutwhatispure,webecomepure.Aswethinkaboutwhatisholy,webecomeholy.AndaswethinkaboutourLordJesusChrist,webecomelikeHim.Wearechangedintothelikenessoftheobjectonwhichourgazeisfixed.

HowtoDiscernSpirits

Todiscernspirits,wemustdwellwithHimwhoisholy,andHewillgivetherevelationandunveilthemaskofsatanicpowerinallitsforms.InAustralia,Iwenttooneplacewherethereweredisruptedandbrokenhomes.Thepeopleweresodeludedbytheevilpowerofthedevilthatmenhadlefttheirwives,andwiveshadlefttheirhusbands,andhadgottenintospiritualaffinitywithoneanother.Thatisthedevil!MayGoddeliverusfromsuchevilsinthesedays.ThereisnoonebetterthanthecompanionGodhasgivenyou.Ihaveseensomanybrokenheartsandsomanyhomesthathavebeenwrecked.Weneedarealrevelationoftheseevilseducingspiritsthatcomeinandfascinatebytheeyeanddestroylives,andbringtheworkofGodintodisrepute.Butthereisalwaysfleshbehindit.Itisneverclean;itisunholy,impure,satanic,devilish;hellisbehindit.Iftheenemycomesintotemptyoualongtheselines,IimploreyoutolookinstantlytotheLordJesus.Hecandeliveryoufromanysuchsatanicpower.YoumustbeseparatedfromevilandseparateduntoGodinallwaysifyouaregoingtohavefaith.

TheHolySpiritwillgiveusthisgiftofdiscerningofspiritsifwedesireitsothatwemayperceivebyrevelationthisevilpowerthatcomesintodestroy.WecanreachoutandgetthisanointingoftheSpiritthatwillrevealthesethingstous.

Sometimesspiritualistswillcometoyourprayermeetings.Youmustbeabletodealwithspiritisticconditions.Youcandealwiththeminsuchawaythattheywillnothaveanypowerinthemeetings.IfyoueverhaveTheosophistsorChristianScientistsinyourmeetings,youmustbeabletodiscernthemandkeepthemundercontrol.Neverplaywiththem;alwaysclearthemout.Theyarealwaysbetterwiththeirowncompany,unlesstheyarewillingtobedeliveredfromthedelusiontheyarein.RememberthewarningoftheLordJesus,“Thethiefdoesnotcomeexcepttosteal,andtokill,andtodestroy”(John10:10).

HindrancestoDiscernment

Beforethedevilcanbringhisevilspirits,therehastobeanopendoor.HearwhattheScripturessay:“Thewickedonedoesnottouchhim”(1John5:18),and“TheLordshallpreserveyoufromallevil;Heshallpreserveyoursoul”(Ps.121:7).Howdoesthedevilgetanopening?Whenthebelieverceasestoseekholiness,purity,righteousness,truth;whenheceasestopray,stopsreadingtheWord,andgiveswaytocarnalappetites.Thenitisthattheenemycomes.So

oftensicknesscomesasaresultofdisobedience.Davidsaid,“BeforeIwasafflictedIwentastray”(Ps.119:67).

SeektheLord,andHewillsanctifyeverythought,everyact,untilyourwholebeingisablazewithholypurity,andyouronedesirewillbeforHimwhohascreatedyouinholiness.Oh,thisholiness!Canwebemadepure?Wecan.Everyinbredsinmustgo.Godcancleanseawayeveryevilthought.Canwehaveahatredforsinandaloveforrighteousness?Yes,Godwillcreatewithinyouapureheart.Hewill“taketheheartofstoneoutofyourfleshandgiveyouaheartofflesh”(Ezek.36:26).Hewillsprinkleyouwithcleanwaterandyouwillbecleansedfromallyourfilthiness(v.25).WhenwillHedothis?WhenYouseekHimforsuchinwardpurity.

18TheGiftofTongues

Pursuelove,anddesirespiritualgifts,butespeciallythatyoumayprophesy.Forhewhospeaksina[“anunknown,”kjv]tonguedoesnotspeaktomenbutto

God,fornooneunderstandshim;however,inthespirithespeaksmysteries.

—1Corinthians14:1–2

Itisnecessarythatwehaveagreatdesireforspiritualgifts.Wemustthirstafterthemandcovetthemearnestlybecausethegiftsarenecessaryandimportant,andsothatwe,havingreceivedthegiftsbythegraceofGod,maybeusedforGod’sglory.

TonguesAreforIntercession

GodhasordainedthisspeakinginanunknowntonguetoHimselfasawonderful,supernaturalmeansofcommunicationintheSpirit.AswespeaktoHiminanunknowntongue,wespeakwonderfulmysteriesintheSpirit.InRomans8:27,weread,“HewhosearchestheheartsknowswhatthemindoftheSpiritis,becauseHemakesintercessionforthesaintsaccordingtothewillofGod.”Manytimes,aswespeaktoGodinanunknowntongue,weareinintercession;andaswepraythusintheSpirit,weprayaccordingtothewillofGod.AndthereissuchathingastheSpiritmakingintercession“withgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered”(v.26).

Alongtheselines,IwanttotellyouaboutWillieBurton,whoislaboringforGodintheBelgianCongo(Zaire).BrotherBurtonisamightymanofGodandisgivinghislifefortheheatheninAfrica.Atonepoint,hetookfeverandwentdowntodeath.Thosewhoministeredwithhimsaid,“Hehaspreachedhislast.Whatshallwedo?”Alltheirhopesseemedtobeblighted,andtheretheystood,withbrokenhearts,wonderingwhatwasgoingtotakeplace.Theyhadlefthimfordead;however,inamoment,withoutanysignal,hestoodrightinthemidstofthem,andtheycouldnotunderstandit.Theexplanationhegavewasthatwhenhecametohimself,hefeltawarmthgoingrightthroughhisbody,andtherewasn’tonethingwrongwithhim.

Howdidthishappen?ItwasamysteryuntilhewenttoLondonandwas

tellingthepeoplehowhehadbeenleftfordeadandthenwasmiraculouslyraisedup.Aladycameupandaskedforaprivateconversationwithhim,andtheyarrangedatimetomeet.Whentheymettogether,sheasked,“Doyoukeepadiary?”

Heanswered,“Yes.”

Thenshetoldhim,“Ithappenedthat,onacertainday,Iwenttopray;andassoonasIknelt,Ihadyouonmymind.TheSpiritoftheLordtookholdofmeandprayedthroughmeinanunknowntongue.AvisioncamebeforemeinwhichIsawyoulyinghelpless;andIcriedoutintheunknowntongueuntilIsawyouriseupandgooutofthatroom.”Shehadkeptanoteofthetime,andwhenhelookedinhisdiary,hefoundthatitwasexactlythetimewhenhewasraisedup.

TherearegreatpossibilitiesasweyieldtotheSpiritandspeaktoGodinquiethoursinourbedrooms.GodwantsyoutobefilledwiththeHolySpiritsothateverythingaboutyouwillbechargedwiththedynamiteofheaven.

TonguesAreforPersonalEdification

“Hewhospeaksinatongueedifieshimself,buthewhoprophesiesedifiesthechurch”(1Cor.14:4).Iwantyoutoseethathewhospeaksinanunknowntongueedifieshimself,orbuildshimselfup.Wemustbeedifiedbeforewecanedifythechurch.

IcannotestimatewhatI,personally,owetotheHolySpiritmethodofspiritualedification.Iamherebeforeyouasoneofthebiggestconundrumsintheworld.Thereneverwasaweakermanontheplatform.DidIhavethecapacitytospeak?Notatall.Iwasfullofinability.AllnaturalthingsinmylifepointtoexactlytheoppositeofmybeingabletostandontheplatformandpreachtheGospel.

ThesecretisthattheHolySpiritcameandbroughtthiswonderfuledificationoftheSpirit.IhadbeenreadingtheWordcontinuallyaswellasIcould,buttheHolySpiritcameinandtookholdofit,becausetheHolySpiritisthebreathofit,andHeilluminatedittome.HegivesmeaspirituallanguagethatIcannotspeakfastenough—itcomestoofast—anditistherebecauseGodhasgivenit.

WhentheComforter,orHelper,comes,“Hewillteachyouallthings”(John

14:26,emphasisadded).Hehasgivenmethissupernaturalmeansofspeakinginanunknowntonguetoedifymyself,sothat,afterbeingedified,Icanedifythechurch.

TheAnointingRemainsinYou

In1John2:20,weread,“ButyouhaveananointingfromtheHolyOne,andyouknowallthings.”Then,inverse27,weread,

ButtheanointingwhichyouhavereceivedfromHimabidesinyou,andyoudonotneedthatanyoneteachyou;butasthesameanointingteachesyouconcerningallthings,andistrue,andisnotalie,andjustasithastaughtyou,youwillabideinHim.(1John2:27)

EvenwhenyouarebaptizedintheSpirit,youmaysay,“Iseemsodry;Idon’tknowwhereIam.”TheWordsaysyouhaveananointing.ThankGodyouhavereceivedananointing.

Intheabovepassagefrom1John,theHolySpiritsaysthatHe“abides”andthatHe“teachesyouconcerningallthings.”Thesearegreatanddefinitepositionsforyou.

TheHolySpiritwantsyoutostirupyourfaithtobelievethatthiswordistrue—thatyouhavetheanointingandthattheanointingabides.Asyouriseupinthemorning,believethiswonderfultruth;andasyouyieldtotheSpirit’spresenceandpower,youwillfindyourselfspeakingtoGodintheSpirit,andyouwillfindthatyouarepersonallybeingedifiedbydoingthis.

Leteverythingaboutyoubealie,butletthiswordofGodbetrue.Satanwillsaythatyouarethedriestpersonandthatyouwillneverdoanything;butbelieveGod’spromisetoyou,that“theanointingwhichyouhavereceivedfromHimabidesinyou.”

ProphecyandtheInterpretationofTongues

Iwishyouallspokewithtongues,butevenmorethatyouprophesied;forhewhoprophesiesisgreaterthanhewhospeakswithtongues,unlessindeedheinterprets,thatthechurchmayreceiveedification.(1Cor.14:5)

YoumustunderstandthatGodwantsyoutobecontinuallyintheplaceof

prophecy,foreveryonewhohasreceivedtheHolySpirithasarighttoprophesy.In1Corinthians14:31,weread,“Youcanallprophesyonebyone.”Nowprophecyisfarinadvanceofspeakingintongues,exceptwhenyouhavetheinterpretationofthespeakingintongues,andthenGodgivesanequivalenttoprophecy.Inverse13,weread,“Lethimwhospeaksinatonguepraythathemayinterpret.”Thisisanimportantword.

TwoTypesofTongues

AfterIreceivedthebaptismintheHolySpiritandspokeintonguesastheSpiritgavemeutterance(Acts2:4),Ididnotspeakintonguesagainforninemonths.IwastroubledaboutitbecauseIwenteverywhere,layinghandsuponpeoplesothattheymightreceivetheHolySpirit,andtheywerespeakingintongues,butIdidnothavethejoyofspeakinginthemmyself.GodwantedtoshowmethatthespeakingintonguesastheSpiritgaveutterance,whichIreceivedwhenIreceivedthebaptism,wasdistinctfromthegiftoftonguesthatIsubsequentlyreceived.WhenIlaidhandsonotherpeopleandtheyreceivedtheHolySpirit,Iusedtothink,“Oh,LordJesus,itwouldbeniceifYouwouldletmespeakintongues.”Hewithheldthegiftfromme,becauseHeknewthatIwouldmeetmanywhowouldsaythatthebaptismoftheHolySpiritcanbereceivedwithoutthespeakingintongues,andthatpeoplesimplyreceivedthegiftoftongueswhentheyreceivedthebaptism.

IdidnotreceivethegiftoftongueswhenIreceivedthebaptism;however,ninemonthslater,Iwasgoingoutthedooronemorning,speakingtotheLordinmyownheart,whenafloodoftonguespouredforthfromme.Whenthetonguesstopped,IsaidtotheLord,“Now,Lord,Ididnotdoit,andIwasn’tseekingit;therefore,Youhavedoneit,andIamnotgoingtomovefromthisplaceuntilyougivemetheinterpretation.”Andthencameaninterpretationthathasbeenfulfilledallovertheworld.IsitnottheHolySpiritwhospeaks?ThentheHolySpiritcaninterpret.Lethimwhospeaksinatongueaskfortheinterpretation,andGodwillgiveit.WemustnotrushthroughwithoutgettingaclearunderstandingofwhatGodhastosaytous.

PrayingwiththeSpiritandwiththeUnderstanding

“Whatistheconclusionthen?Iwillpraywiththespirit,andIwillalsopraywiththeunderstanding.Iwillsingwiththespirit,andIwillalsosingwiththeunderstanding”(1Cor.14:15).IfyouprayinanunknowntongueintheSpirit,

youdonotknowwhatyouarepraying;youhavenounderstandingofit;itisunfruitfultothosearoundyou.ButyouhavethesamepowertopraywiththeunderstandingundertheanointingoftheSpiritasyouhavetoprayinanunknowntongue.

Somesay,“Oh,Icoulddothat,butitwouldbemyselfdoingit.”Ifyoupray,itisyourself,andeverythingyoudointhebeginningisyourself.WhenIkneeldowntopray,thefirstandsecondsentencesmaybeinthenatural;butassoonasIhavefinished,theSpiritbeginstopraythroughme.Granted,thefirstmaybeyourself.ThenextwillbetheHolySpirit,andtheHolySpiritwilltakeyouthrough,praisetheLord.

Everythingbutfaithwillsay,“Thatisn’tright.”

Faithsays,“Itisright.”

Thenaturalmansays,“Itisn’tright.”

Faithsays,“Itisright.”

Paulsaid,“Iwillpraywiththespirit,andIwillalsopraywiththeunderstanding”(1Cor.14:15),andhediditinfaith.

Satanisagainstit,andyourownself-lifeisagainstit.MayGodtheHolySpiritbringusintothatblessedplacewherewemaylive,walk,pray,andsingintheSpirit,andprayandsingwiththeunderstanding,also.Faithwilldoit.

Faithhasadeafeartothedevilandtotheworkingofthenaturalmind,andabigeartoGod.FaithhasadeafeartoyourselfandanopeneartoGod.Faithwon’ttakeanynoticeofyourfeelings.

Faithdeclares,“YouarecompleteinHim”(Col.2:10).

ItisawonderfulthingtoprayintheSpiritandtosingintheSpirit—prayingintonguesandsingingintonguesastheSpiritofGodgivesyouutterance.InevergetoutofbedinthemorningwithouthavingcommunionwithGodintheSpirit.Itisthemostwonderfulthingonearth.ItismostlovelytobeintheSpiritwhenyouaregettingdressed,andthenwhenyoucomeoutintotheworld,tofindthattheworldhasnoeffectonyou.Ifyoubeginthedaylikethat,youwillbeconsciousoftheguidanceoftheSpiritallduringtheday.

TonguesShouldBeSpokeninanOrderlyWay

IthankmyGodIspeakwithtonguesmorethanyouall;yetinthechurchIwouldratherspeakfivewordswithmyunderstanding,thatImayteachothersalso,thantenthousandwordsina[“anunknown,”kjv]tongue.(1Cor.14:18–19)

ManypeoplewillcometoyouanddeclarethatPaulsaidhewouldratherspeakfivewordswiththeknowntonguethantenthousandwordswithoutunderstanding.Theywillalwaysleaveoutthepartofthepassagethatreads,“IthankmyGodIspeakwithtonguesmorethanyouall”(1Cor.14:18).Inthispassage,Paulwascorrectingthepracticeofexcessivespeakingintongueswithoutinterpretation,whichwouldnotedifytheassembly.Iftherewasnoonewiththegiftofinterpretationpresent,thepeopleweresimplytospeaktothemselvesandtoGod.

Supposesomeonewerepreachingandtwentyorthirtypeoplestoodupinsuccessiontospeakintongues.Itwouldbeaveryseriousproblem.Therewouldbeconfusion.Thepeopleattendingthemeetingwouldratherhavefivewordsofedification,consolation,andcomfort(1Cor.14:3)thantenthousandwordswithoutunderstanding.

JustbecauseyoufeelatouchoftheSpirit,youarenotobligatedtospeakintongues.TheLordwillgiveyouasoundmind(2Tim.1:7),sothatyouwillholdyourbodyinperfectorderfortheedificationofthechurch.Butin1Corinthians14:18,PaulsaidthathespokeintonguesmorethanalloftheCorinthians;and,asitisevidentthattheCorinthianchurchwasveryconsiderablygiventospeakingintongues,hecertainlymusthavebeenspeakingintonguesagreatamountbothdayandnight.Hewassoedifiedbythiswonderful,supernaturalmeansofbeingbuiltup,thathecouldgotothechurchandpreachinamannerinwhichtheycouldallunderstandhim,andcouldmarvelouslyedifythebelievers.

TonguesAreforUnbelievers

Inthelawitiswritten:“WithmenofothertonguesandotherlipsIwillspeaktothispeople;Andyet,forallthat,theywillnothearMe,”saystheLord.Thereforetonguesareforasign,nottothosewhobelievebuttounbelievers.

(1Cor.14:21–22)

Therearemanywhocallthemselvesbelieverswhoareextremely

unbelieving.Onesuchunbelieving“believer”wasaMethodistministerwholivedinSheffield,England.Amangavehimacheckandtoldhimtousethemoneytogoandtakearest.Thismanalsogavehimmynameandaddress.Hence,whentheministerarrivedinBradford,hebegantoinquireaboutme.Hewaswarnedagainstmeasoneofthe“tonguespeople,”andwastoldtobeverycarefulnottobetakenin,forthewholethingwasofthedevil.Hesaid,“Theywillnottakemein.Iknowtoomuchforthemtotakemein.”

Hewasquiterundownandneededrest.Whenhearrivedatmyhouse,hesaid,“Afriendofyourssentme.Isitallright?”

Ireplied,“Yes,youarewelcome.”

Butwecoulddonothingwiththatman.Itwasimpossible.Youneverheardanyonetalklikehedid.Allhedidwastalk,talk,talk,talk.

Isaid,“Lethimalone;hewillsurelyfinishsomeday.”Wehaddinner,andhetalkedthroughdinnertime.Wehadthenextmeal,andhetalkedthroughthat.

ThateveningweheldourFridaynightmeetingforthoseseekingthebaptismintheHolySpirit,andtheroombegantofillwithpeople,butstillhetalked.Noonecouldgetawordinedgewise.Helodgedhimselfinaplacewherehecouldnotbedisturbedbythosecomingin.

Finally,Isaid,“Brother,youwillhavetostopnow;wearegoingtopray.”

Generally,wehadsomesingingbeforegoingtoprayer,butthistimeitwasdifferent.ItwasGod’sorder.Wegotstraighttoprayer,andassoonaswebegantopray,twoyoungwomen,oneononesideandtheotherontheotherside,beganspeakingintongues.Thisminister—itwasallsostrangetohim—movedfromonetotheothertohearwhattheyweresaying.

Inalittlewhile,hesaid,“MayIgotomyroom?”

Isaid,“Yes,brother,ifyouwish.”Sohewenttohisroom,andwehadawonderfultimeatthemeeting.

Wewenttobedabouteleveno’clockorso,andathalf-pastthreeinthemorning,thismancametomybedroomdoor.Heknockedonthedoorandsaid,“MayIcomein?”

“Yes,comein,”Isaid.

Heopenedthedoorandsaid,“Heiscome;Heiscome.”Ashespoke,heheldhismouth,forhecouldhardlyspeakinEnglish.

Isaid,“Gobacktobed,andtellustomorrow.”

Tonguesarefortheunbeliever(1Cor.14:22),andthismanwasanunbeliever,anunbelieving“believer.”Againandagain,Ihaveseenconvictioncomeuponpeoplethroughthespeakingintongues.

Thenextmorning,thismancamedowntobreakfastandsaid,“Oh,wasn’tthatawonderfulnight?IknowGreekandHebrew,andthosetwoyoungwomenwerespeakingtheselanguages.OnewassayinginGreek,‘GetrightwithGod,’andtheotherwassayingthesamethinginHebrew.IknewitwasGod,andnotthey,whowasspeaking.Ifirsthadtorepent.Icameinanunbeliever,butIfoundthatGodwashere.Inthenight,Godlaidmeonthefloorforabouttwohours.Iwashelpless.ThenGodbrokethrough.”Andatthatmomenthebegantospeakintonguesagain,rightatthebreakfasttable.

GodwillhavewitnessesofHismightypowerthatnomancandeny.YouwillhavetoseethattheHolySpiritwillspeakthroughyouintonguesandinterpretationthatwillbringconvictiontotheunbeliever,andyouwillfindthatGodwillconvictbythismeans.

SeekGod’sBestwithAllYourHeart

Iwillexplaintoyouthemostperfectwaytoreceivethegift.Comewithmetothesecondchapterof2Kings,andIwillshowyouamanreceivingagift.TheprophetElijahhadbeenmightilyusedbyGodincallingdownfireandinothermiracles.Elisha,hischosensuccessor,wasmovedwithagreatspiritofcovetousnesstohavethisman’sgifts.YoucanbeverycovetousforthegiftsoftheSpiritandGodwillallowit.WhenElijahsaidtohim,“IwantyoutostayatGilgal,”Elishasaid,“AstheLordlives,andasyoursoullives,Iwillnotleaveyou!”(See2Kings2:1–2.)Therewasnostoppinghim.

Likewise,whenElijahwantedElishatostayatJericho,hesaid,inessence,“Iamnotstopping.”Themanwhostopsgetsnothing.Oh,don’tstopatJericho;don’tstopatJordan;don’tstopanywherewhenGodwantsyoutomoveonintoallofHisfullnessthatHehasforyou.

ElijahandElishacametotheJordanRiver,andElijahtookhismantleandstruckthewaters.Thewatersdivided,andElijahandElishawentacrossondryground.ElijahturnedtoElishaandsaid,inessence,“Lookhere,whatdoyouwant?”Elishawantedwhathewasgoingtohave,andyoumaycovetallthatGodsaysthatyoushallhave.Elishasaid,“Pleaseletadoubleportionofyourspiritbeuponme”(2Kings2:9).Thiswastheplowboywhohadwashedthehandsofhismaster(1Kings19:19–20;2Kings3:11);buthisspiritgotsobigthathepurposedinhisheartthat,whenElijahsteppedoffthescene,hewouldbeputintohisplace.

Elijahsaid,“Youhaveaskedahardthing.Nevertheless,ifyouseemewhenIamtakenfromyou,itshallbesoforyou”(2Kings2:10).MayGodhelpyounevertostopperseveringuntilyougetwhatyouwant.LetyouraspirationbelargeandyourfaithriseuntilyouarewhollyonfireforGod’sbest.

Onwardtheywent,andasonestepped,theothersteppedwithhim.Elishapurposedtokeephiseyesonhismasteruntilthelast.Ittookachariotoffireandhorsesoffiretoseparatethem,andElijahwentupbyawhirlwindintoheaven.IcanimagineElishacryingout,“FatherElijah,dropthatmantle!”Anditcamedown.Oh,Icanseeitloweringandloweringandlowering.Elishatookallofhisownclothesandtorethemintwopieces,andthenhetookupthemantleofElijah.(Seevv.11–13.)Idonotbelievethat,whenheputonthatothermantle,hefeltanydifferentinhimself;butwhenhecametotheJordan,hetookthemantleofElijah,struckthewaters,andsaid,“WhereistheLordGodofElijah?”(v.14).Thewatersparted,andhewentoverondryground.Andthesonsoftheprophetssaid,“ThespiritofElijahrestsonElisha”(v.15).

Itislikereceivingagift;youdon’tknowthatyouhaveituntilyouactinfaith.Brothersandsisters,asyouask,believe.