Following Wigglesworth

I suspect there are many of us involved in some kind of public ministry – some sort of speaking ministry where we address a group of people – any number from 5 upwards. What does your message contain I wonder?

I was reading a book about Smith Wigglesworth today and there was something there that struck me so very forcibly. Wigglesworth’s messages always included two major aspects – self and signs & wonders. Let me explain that.

Many evangelicals speak only about dying to self and repentance without mention of the Holy Spirit and His power. Many charismatics and Pentecostals speak about all the power of the Holy Spirit “with signs and wonders following” but omit the power of the cross; the dying to self and repentance. Mr Wigglesworth miraculously included both – and look at the ministry of the man.

His only desire was that his listeners should see Jesus and Him crucified for our sin. When he spoke, Wigglesworth included the full gospel message AND the power of the Holy Spirit in us and with us. As a result people were spontaneously healed in his meetings – men broke down and repented in his presence – people were healed even as his shadow passed over them !!

I am wondering whether I, or even we have got this balance right. Do we omit the Gospel in our chasing after the power of the Holy Spirit? Do we preach only repentance and dying to self whilst omitting the power of the Holy Spirit? Revival will need both in equal measure so let us have more of both in our preaching.