Why The Church Has No Power - Part II

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith
should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." I
Corinthians 2:4-5

This article shows some of the reasons why the church has no power. In
this article it is assumed that you are saved. In II Timothy 3:1, 5 it
says "1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. .
. . 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such
turn away."

1. Many Churches Have Rejected The Baptism In The Holy Ghost

If the church does not have the baptism in the Holy Ghost, it will never
have any power. In Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist said "I indeed baptize
you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier
than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost, and with fire:" We can see from the scriptures how Jesus
Christ, the apostles, and the new believers all received the baptism in
the Holy Ghost.

c) New Christians In The Days Of The Bible Were Baptized In The Holy Ghost

On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter preached a powerful message
that pricked many hearts, and many were saved, baptized in water, and
baptized in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 2:37-39 it says "37 Now when they
heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to
the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then
Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall
call." In verse 39 it shows this promise is for people today.

Let's look at two more examples in the scriptures about people first being
saved, then getting baptized in water and baptized in the Holy Ghost. In
Acts 8:12-17 it says "12 But when they believed Philip preaching the
things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they
were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also:
and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered,
beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles
which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God,
they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down,
prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he
was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the
Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the
Holy Ghost."

Also, in Acts 19:1-7 it says "1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos
was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to
Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye
received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have
not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto
them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance,
saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come
after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands
upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and
prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve."

From all these scriptures it is very clear that without the baptism in the
Holy Ghost there is no power in the church.

In future posts I will share more about this topic.