There are two aspects to the Holy Spirit’s anointing which need to be recognized.
The Holy Spirit empowers the preacher’s life, sermon preparation, and delivery.
The Holy Spirit enlivens those who hear and the place where the proclamation takes place.
Charles Finney once stated, “If even for a day or an hour I lost the spirit of grace and supplication, I found myself unable to preach with power and efficiency, or to win souls by personal conversation.”
When the Holy Spirit anoints the preacher and the preaching, it results in:
God speaking through the preacher, more so than the preacher speaking on behalf of God. Preachers declare insights they know they have not previously thought, nor were prepared to say. The preacher preaches with greater boldness, passion and confidence.
Non-believers become eager to hear God’s word proclaimed and sense, to a greater degree, their lost-ness and hopelessness apart from Christ. The result is greater numbers of conversions
Believers finding themselves more deeply challenged, convicted, inspired, encouraged and convinced by the truths they are hearing.
For those preachers who have grown tired of seeing little fruit as a result of their preaching efforts: for those who long to see their community transformed by the gospel: may I recommend we take seriously the need for a fresh outpouring of God’s anointing upon our preaching!
As much as I love the topics of church growth, church health, leadership, creativity, etc., these all pale in comparison to the importance of God’s presence as the primary attracting and transforming influence in our midst.
Oswald Sanders correctly noted that “the Holy Spirit does not take control of anyone against his or her will.” Thus, those who want to experience His anointing must purposefully and willingly seek His empowerment.
Repentance is needed for our pride, thinking we can do this great task in our own strength. Submit to His Lordship over all areas of our lives. Ask for His purifying influence deep within. Unashamedly declare your dependence upon Him.
Individually and corporately persist in asking for His presence and blessing. Believe His empowerment is available for you and your people.
Pattern yourself after the Master who regularly took time for solitude with the Heavenly Father to seek His revelation, guidance, and empowerment.
The God who called you to preach will not abandon you to your own wisdom, abilities, and strength, but will provide His enable-ment, wisdom, and power IF we regularly and seriously seek His help.
The Holy Spirit empowers the preacher’s life, sermon preparation, and delivery.
The Holy Spirit enlivens those who hear and the place where the proclamation takes place.
Charles Finney once stated, “If even for a day or an hour I lost the spirit of grace and supplication, I found myself unable to preach with power and efficiency, or to win souls by personal conversation.”
When the Holy Spirit anoints the preacher and the preaching, it results in:
God speaking through the preacher, more so than the preacher speaking on behalf of God. Preachers declare insights they know they have not previously thought, nor were prepared to say. The preacher preaches with greater boldness, passion and confidence.
Non-believers become eager to hear God’s word proclaimed and sense, to a greater degree, their lost-ness and hopelessness apart from Christ. The result is greater numbers of conversions
Believers finding themselves more deeply challenged, convicted, inspired, encouraged and convinced by the truths they are hearing.
For those preachers who have grown tired of seeing little fruit as a result of their preaching efforts: for those who long to see their community transformed by the gospel: may I recommend we take seriously the need for a fresh outpouring of God’s anointing upon our preaching!
As much as I love the topics of church growth, church health, leadership, creativity, etc., these all pale in comparison to the importance of God’s presence as the primary attracting and transforming influence in our midst.
Oswald Sanders correctly noted that “the Holy Spirit does not take control of anyone against his or her will.” Thus, those who want to experience His anointing must purposefully and willingly seek His empowerment.
Repentance is needed for our pride, thinking we can do this great task in our own strength. Submit to His Lordship over all areas of our lives. Ask for His purifying influence deep within. Unashamedly declare your dependence upon Him.
Individually and corporately persist in asking for His presence and blessing. Believe His empowerment is available for you and your people.
Pattern yourself after the Master who regularly took time for solitude with the Heavenly Father to seek His revelation, guidance, and empowerment.
The God who called you to preach will not abandon you to your own wisdom, abilities, and strength, but will provide His enable-ment, wisdom, and power IF we regularly and seriously seek His help.
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