Read: Acts 18-19
Everywhere the gospel went it caused an uproar. Satan’s kingdom was being uprooted and greatly shaken. Paul experienced revival but with it came much opposition. Jesus, himself came to Paul in a dream and encouraged him to speak boldly and not be afraid. He would protect him because he had many chosen in that city that needed to hear the truth. This is what Paul needed to hear to withstand the persecution. He ended up staying in Corinth for one and a half years. After that he went to Ephesus where he was able to preach to the Jews who received his message. He was on his way to Jerusalem for the feast so he left and stopped by Caesarea and Antioch to check on the churches there.
One of the questions Paul would ask them as he traveled was, “have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” Most of them had not even heard there was a Holy Ghost. They knew of John’s baptism but not Jesus’ baptism. John came and baptized in water for repentance. Jesus gave the Holy Spirit and baptized them for fire and power. Paul walked in this power in such a powerful way that miracles followed him. He prayed for people’s handkerchiefs and aprons and when they went home and placed them on the sick and oppressed they were healed and delivered. The fear of God fell on the people in such a powerful way, even the wizards and witches burned their means of magic in exchange for the real power of God.
This is what the church has been missing that is coming back - the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, we welcome your power and Your Holy Spirit. Baptize us again with this power and awareness that we might go out and change the world and undo the works of the devil.
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