My question is, “Are you dry and dismissed or appointed and anointed?” Another question would be, “Is there oil in your gears, or are they seized?” We need God’s anointing in our lives. To be able to do the things required of us requires special assistance from above.
In Luke 3:16 (NKJV), John the Baptist declares, “I indeed baptise you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to lose. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” This profound statement reveals the transformative power of Christ’s anointing.
Understanding Baptism and Anointing
Baptise means “to cover wholly with a fluid” or “to moisten,” often associated with purification or transformation. In this context, it signifies a profound change initiated by Christ, who baptises with the Holy Spirit (Pneuma, meaning breath or breeze, representing Christ’s spirit) and fire (pur, signifying fiery transformation).
Benny Hinn once said, “The anointing is mandatory if you are called to serve the Lord. Without it, there will be no growth, no blessing, no victory in your ministry.” We are all called to ministry, “the ministry of reconciliation”.
How the Anointing Empowers a Christian: The Smartphone Analogy
1. An individual’s Initial State vs The Uncharged Smartphone
Imagine a brand-new smartphone with no battery charge. It has the potential to perform various functions such as communication, internet browsing, and navigation, but without power, it remains inactive.
2. Our Salvation vs Initial Charge
When you charge the smartphone for the first time, it symbolises salvation. This initial charge enables it to turn on and be ready for use, yet it needs a constant power source to operate effectively.
3. Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Connecting the smartphone to a constant power source, like being plugged into a charger and connected to a high-speed internet network, represents the baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. The smartphone is not only charged but also empowered with full functionality, access to data, updates, and the ability to communicate effectively.
4. The Empowered believer
A Christian anointed with the Holy Spirit is like a fully empowered smartphone. This empowerment includes:
– Communication: Strengthened communication with God through prayer and spiritual gifts.
– Guidance and Direction: The Holy Spirit provides guidance, helping Christians navigate life’s challenges.
– Applications and Tools: Spiritual gifts and abilities enable Christians to serve others and perform acts of kindness.
– Updates and Growth: The Holy Spirit continually works within Christians to grow and mature their faith.
The Call to Wait for the Anointing
Luke 24:49 states, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
Jesus speaks to His disciples, already followers, about receiving the Holy Spirit and anointing.
Several factors can hinder the anointing of the Holy Spirit:
1. Unconfessed Sin: Sin creates a barrier between us and God.
2. Doubt: Lack of faith limits our ability to receive God’s anointing.
3. Pride: Relying on our own strength blocks the Spirit’s work.
4. Distractions: Worldly concerns prevent us from surrendering to the Holy Spirit.
5. Unforgiveness: Bitterness quenches the Spirit’s work of love and reconciliation.
6. Neglect of Spiritual Disciplines: Failing to engage in prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word.
Revival and the Anointing
Revival means “to come alive”.
Luke 3:17 describes Jesus’ role: “His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The threshing floor symbolises a place of separation and revelation, preparing the harvest by separating the valuable grain from the useless straw.
Evidence of the Anointing
Signs that the power of God is at work in your life include:
1. Faith: Expectation that God is going to do something.
2. Prayer: Increased prayer life.
3. Motivation: Seeking the Kingdom first.
4. Repentance: Turning from sin.
5. Lifestyle of Worship: Worshiping in spirit and truth.
Isaiah 10:27 (NKJV) states, “It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.”
The Holy Spirit supplies the power to change, save, set free, heal, and complete assignments.
In conclusion, the anointing of the Holy Spirit is crucial for every Christian, empowering them to fulfil their God-given purpose and impacting their spheres of influence. Embrace this anointing and operate at your full potential, ensuring oil is always in your gears, keeping you from becoming dry and dismissed.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 19th of May 2024. You can watch the full message below.