Book SummarySmith Wigglesworth on Manifesting the Power of God, by Smith Wigglesworth

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Smith Wigglesworth on Manifesting the Power of God

The fundamental experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Profound changes and strengthening are entirely dependent on the impact of the holy spirit.

Jesus emphasized the importance for His disciples to undergo the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Wigglesworth offers an in-depth analysis of the instructions Jesus gave regarding receiving the Holy Spirit's baptism. He highlights Jesus's promise in John 7:37-39 where He calls out to the thirsty, offering them living water that will flow from within them. Wigglesworth understands the term "living water" to symbolize the Holy Spirit. He underscores how Jesus perceived the discontent in those coming back from a celebration and understood their profound yearning for something more meaningful. Jesus promised that a profound yearning would arise within them, a yearning that would be satisfied solely by the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

Wigglesworth argues that Jesus intended to endow His disciples with this life-giving spirit, not just for their personal satisfaction, but so they could also transfer it to others. Our first experience with the Spirit offers a glimpse into the profound depths that reveal themselves more fully as we continue our spiritual journey. He underscores Jesus' assurance that His followers would perform even greater deeds than His own, as mentioned in a specific verse of the Gospel according to John. Wigglesworth contends that such a result can only be realized by the profound impact of the divine presence.

Other Perspectives

• Some scholars argue that the historical context of Jesus' teachings is essential to understanding His messages, and that the concept of the Holy Spirit as "living water" may have been influenced by the cultural and religious symbolism of water in the ancient Near East.
• The perception of discontent and the promise of satisfaction through the Holy Spirit could be interpreted metaphorically rather than literally, suggesting that the fulfillment Jesus spoke of might refer to a psychological or emotional state rather than a supernatural experience.
• The idea of transferring the Holy Spirit could be interpreted as suggesting that the disciples have a level of control or ownership over the Holy Spirit, which may contradict the belief that the Holy Spirit is sovereign and acts according to divine will.
• The idea of a linear progression in spiritual depth could be challenged by the notion that spiritual understanding is cyclical or non-linear.
• Some theological interpretations argue that the "greater deeds" refer to the spread of the Christian message and the establishment of the church rather than miraculous works, which would mean the statement is about the scope of influence rather than the nature of the acts.

Embracing the Holy Spirit's baptism marks a significant transition from a previous lifestyle to one profoundly transformed by the Spirit's guidance.

Wigglesworth contends that those who have been changed by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit evolve from an ordinary condition to a state of extraordinary uniqueness. The author compares this transformation to surpassing the significance of any earthly institution's graduation, moving from the world's apathy to the comforting embrace of the divine. Wigglesworth describes the immersion in spiritual awakening as casting off the mantle of mortality to inhale a revitalized existence. Believers have the capacity to fully tap into the resurrection's power, transitioning from their old selves to a vibrant spiritual existence that aligns with God's intentions. He underscores that this life goes beyond simple shifts in emotions and is about moving through a domain where divine strength prevails, rendering sickness and demonic forces powerless.

He further illustrates this transition by sharing a personal story about a wealthy businessman who underwent a deep and life-changing interaction with the divine spirit. The individual, who was at first opposed to the concept, underwent a deep spiritual change that softened his once rigid demeanor. The change was so drastic that even his employees were impacted, witnessing a dramatic shift in his demeanor and attitude. Wigglesworth argues that baptism serves as a transformative process, reshaping us into new entities that mirror the image of Christ.

Practical Tips

• Create a "mortality mindfulness" journal. Each evening, write down one thing that reminded you of life's impermanence that day. It could be a news story, a personal experience, or an observation of nature. Reflecting on these moments can deepen your appreciation for the present and encourage a more awakened existence.
• Volunteer for community service projects that aim to restore or rejuvenate something that has been neglected or damaged, such as a community garden or a local school. Engaging in acts of restoration can provide a tangible experience of bringing new life or improvement to a situation, which can be a metaphor for the concept of resurrection and its power in your own life.
• Create a "spiritual conversation" group with friends or community members where you discuss life's big questions and personal spiritual encounters. This can be a safe space to share and listen to diverse experiences that may provide insights into your own spiritual path and how it relates to your personal and professional life.
• Try volunteering for a cause that resonates with you to experience firsthand the benefits of selflessness and community connection. This could lead to a greater sense of purpose and empathy, which might soften any hardline business attitudes you hold. For instance, if you spend a day helping at a food bank and see the direct impact of your actions, it could inspire a more compassionate approach in your professional dealings.
• Organize a monthly "attitude audit" with your team where everyone shares one positive change they've noticed in themselves or others and one area for improvement....

Smith Wigglesworth on Manifesting the Power of God Summary The necessary power and fortitude for a Christian's life and ministry are imparted by the Holy Spirit.

Believers, through the Holy Spirit, receive the strength to live victorious, productive lives characterized by moral integrity.

Believers possess the power to command demonic entities by virtue of the kindness granted by the Divine Spirit.

Wigglesworth confidently states that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to withstand demonic influences. He outlines the clear distinction between the misleading and oppressive powers of malevolence and the capacity of the Holy Spirit to foster authenticity, freedom, and victory. He narrates an incident where he encountered a group of spiritists attempting to mimic the genuine workings associated with the divine. The divine's unparalleled authority became evident as the counterfeit powers faded in its presence. Wigglesworth contends that believers, by fully surrendering to the Holy Spirit, receive the authority to command demonic entities to leave, thus freeing people from their influence.

Smith Wigglesworth asserts that this power is accessible to all believers who are profoundly immersed in the Holy Spirit, not exclusively to a chosen handful. He shares an account of a woman battling intense fleshly cravings (Chapter 2), who...

Smith Wigglesworth on Manifesting the Power of God Summary The manifestations and gifts of the Holy Spirit

The assembly is significantly empowered when spiritual gifts are revealed.

Initiation into the operation of spiritual gifts begins with the acceptance of the Holy Spirit's baptism.

Wigglesworth argues that receiving the Holy Spirit through baptism is crucial for cultivating spiritual gifts. He firmly believes that this experience goes beyond individual gain, equipping believers to make a substantial impact on the church's growth and dynamism. He references 1 Corinthians 12:7 to emphasize that the presence of the Spirit is granted to each person for the benefit of all, underlining that the purpose of these gifts is to strengthen and uplift the entire Christian fellowship.

The writer argues that although it is not necessary for followers to have all spiritual gifts at their disposal constantly, they are endowed with the ability to exhibit particular gifts when required, facilitated by the divine enablement of the Holy Spirit. He encourages those filled with the Spirit to shun a state of contentment and to continuously seek a more profound encounter with the Spirit in their existence. He compares the Church to a vessel nearing the point of boiling over, underscoring the...

Smith Wigglesworth on Manifesting the Power of God Summary Leading a life enriched and rendered productive by the Spirit's sanctification.

Living a life committed to holiness and dedication is essential for a fully inspired existence through divine guidance.

Believers in Christ must continually forsake their personal wishes to permit Christ full dominion over their existence.

Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of ongoing self-denial to maintain a life deeply infused with the Spirit's presence. He underscores the continuous process of aligning our desires, thoughts, and actions with the divine direction as a form of ongoing submission to the Almighty. Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of ensuring that Christ remains the dominant force within us, confirming His position as the central point and primary guiding force in our lives.

Wigglesworth compares the transformation to a holy uprising, underscoring the necessity of altering our natural tendencies to enable the effective work of the Holy Spirit in us. The metamorphosis extends past simply restraining detrimental behaviors; it encompasses a deep change in our desires and priorities, transitioning our attention away from self-interest towards fully representing the core principles taught by Christ. Wigglesworth maintains that by...

Smith Wigglesworth on Manifesting the Power of God Summary The enduring impact of what is referred to as the "Pentecostal" experience.

The term Pentecost marks the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit.

The arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signified a pivotal moment in the narrative of salvation.

Wigglesworth views Pentecost as a pivotal moment in the redemption story, marking the occasion when Jesus' promise was fulfilled as His disciples were thoroughly imbued with the Holy Spirit. The Church embarked on a new phase, armed with the long-awaited power essential for effective worldwide ministry, as this outpouring commenced. For Wigglesworth, this event transcended a mere footnote in history; it epitomized the perpetual involvement and activity of the Holy Spirit within individual believers and the collective Church.

He argues that the event of Pentecost transformed previously tentative followers into bold proclaimers of the faith, equipping them with the fervor and confidence to spread the gospel's message. This event highlights the way in which the Holy Spirit endows ordinary individuals with extraordinary capabilities to carry out sacred tasks that surpass normal human endeavors. Pentecost serves as a beacon of encouragement and aspiration for modern...

Smith Wigglesworth on Manifesting the Power of God Summary Living a vibrant life energized by the Spirit's influence.

A believer imbued with the Spirit is always aware of God's omnipresent power and presence.

A life imbued with the Spirit's essence is characterized by bravery, strong beliefs, and a willingness to follow divine direction.

Wigglesworth portrays a life brimming with energy and enthusiasm, originating from a deep immersion in the divine presence of the Holy Spirit. This life, he asserts, is characterized not by passivity or complacency, but by a steadfast and unwavering conviction that drives individuals to respond to the spiritual impulses they experience. He emphasizes the conviction that the faithful are emboldened by the Holy Spirit to confront challenges with courage, providing them with all they require to overcome obstacles, secure in the knowledge of God's accompanying presence.

Wigglesworth shares a variety of personal anecdotes and pivotal instances from his evangelistic work, highlighting occasions where his steadfast reliance on the direction provided by the Holy Spirit led to extraordinary results. Wigglesworth embodies the transformative shift that happens upon embracing the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to confront malevolent forces and...