Ekklesia: God’s Idea of Churchනියැදිය

Day 11: A church with God’s power

The promised day had finally come, when the Holy Spirit came upon the gathered believers, filling each of them and enabling them to speak in other tongues. Before Jesus’ ascension, He declared that the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit would come upon them, but He did not mention how it would happen. The sound of a violent wind from heaven, the tongues of fire that rested on the believers, and the sound of many foreign languages must have confused a lot of people in that prayer room. Even the city of Jerusalem was shaken with amazement and perplexity. This seemingly chaotic scene was God’s doing, and it fired up the first church in history.

What do you expect to happen when you gather with other believers? Nice nostalgic music, eloquently delivered bible teachings, peaceful prayer time with an optional topping of light tears filling your eyes? Sometimes, we can get caught up with trying to “set up” a conducive environment for worship and forget that the Church is God’s handiwork. It was started by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit, and it will grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Man’s effort and design can never compare with what the power of the Holy Spirit can do. It is this supernatural power that propels the church to fulfil its God-given purpose.

Reflect & Respond

• How have you witnessed the Holy Spirit’s work in your church experience?
• What do you fear about letting the Holy Spirit lead you?
• Pray for your own heart to be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, and earnestly invite Him to fill you anew.