The Most Significant Impact
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:4-8)
Restoration is here; it’s yours. The blessing of the Lord is here, and it’s for you! But how does that blessing come? It comes through a relationship with the Holy Ghost. When Jesus appeared to His followers after His resurrection, He promised them a life of power but told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost. Why? Because the mission ahead required power from their relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus made it abundantly clear to the church—don’t attempt to fulfill your calling without the Holy Spirit. When Jesus made this promise to His followers, their first thought and question concerned earthly rule, as they asked, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”
But as soon as they inquired, Jesus shifted their focus and explained that God’s kingdom is not about who runs affairs on earth but about who possesses the power of the Holy Ghost. The most significant impact on your city, state, or nation will not come from those in charge of earthly governments or businesses but from Spirit-filled believers walking in power. Jesus concluded His teaching by declaring, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses.” The power of the Holy Ghost is given for a purpose—not just for personal blessing but for witnessing. The kingdom of God advances and continues to advance through Spirit-empowered people following His lead.
Practical Application
Just as Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, don’t rush into ministry, decisions, or battles without direction from the Holy Ghost.
