“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word” (Acts 10:44).
Here we see portrayed a unique human-divine drama, a picture of natural and supernatural teamwork. Peter is a human being, using human vocal chords, phrasing human sentences, speaking words in human language to human listeners who understood him on human terms. That is all natural.
The supernatural part is that while Peter was thus functioning at the earthly, human level, the Holy Spirit fell on all the listeners, working within their hearts what only the Spirit can accomplish. The result of this human-divine teamwork was a whole household of people converted to Christ and instantly filled with the Spirit of God.
Peter spoke words (plural) externally, and the Holy Spirit “co-operated” or “co-labored” with him by causing the crowd to hear the word (singular) internally The power was not in Peter himself or even in his words, but in the Spirit who translated words into the Word!
Someone has put it this way: “Peter was not giving a book review, a weather report, crime statistics, or a political opinion. He was proclaiming God’s Word.” That Word is the vehicle the Lord blesses, the channel through which He moves and acts.
As Christians, you and I can expect the same positive response Peter received – if we do what Peter says he always did: preach the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven (1 Pet. 1:12).
Let’s proclaim the Word of God, and trust Him to work with us by His Spirit to produce miraculous results!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.