About the author (Leo Harris): the author of this teaching was the founder and senior leader (apostle) of a very successful fellowship of churches in Australia. the practical wisdom contained in this training material can make you a much more powerful church leader. Read it prayerfully and carefully.
Introduction
One night early in 1949 I experienced the first of a series of severe problems in my ministry. Looking back over the years, these times of trouble seem to fit into a pattern.
These crises have formed the foundations on which my ministry has developed. Finding God’s solution to these problems birthed the message the Lord has entrusted to me.
I was in a period of dissatisfaction. I had a sense of inadequacy in facing the problems and demands of the ministry. I retired to my bed, but there was no sleep for me that night.
Arousing a friend who stayed in our home at the time, I asked him to join me in prayer. For several hours we read and claimed the Word of God and committed the whole situation to the Lord in faith.
while I was still in prayer, the Spirit of God began to move upon me. It was so real and definite that I checked the time with my watch. It was 4.20 a.m. Within moments it seemed that the word of God was thundering within my heart and mind: “All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth Go ye therefore…” (Matt 28:18,19).
It seemed as though the words came from the risen and enthroned Christ Himself. I found myself repeating them over and over. My friend seemed merely to share the “mercy drops,” but he knew that the Spirit of the Lord was mightily present.
To me it seemed that the heavens had rolled apart and that I had gained an entirely new concept of the authority of the risen and glorified Christ.
I saw that authority in relation to myself personally and my ministry for the Lord. I saw it in relation to the church.
I saw that authority in relation to Satan and his works. I saw it in relation to the personal return of Christ when all nations shall bow the knee to Him. I saw the authority of Christ demonstrated in the fulfillment of the entire plan and purpose of God.
These words in print cannot possibly convey the significance of this experience in my ministry. I had been in full-time ministry for almost 10 years throughout Australia and New Zealand. I had established a church in Adelaide, and during the previous year had seen almost 100 people baptized in the Holy Spirit. Yet the experience of that night touched off in my heart a new, vital faith in the authority of Christ. I was given a key to an effective ministry which has blessed many in Australia and other lands.
Later that morning, I showered and dressed and drove to the homes of two of our church leaders. One was having breakfast prior to leaving for his work. the other was still in bed.
However, I poured out the conviction and concept that the Lord had burned into my soul that night. I told these brethren I believed we had the key to a New Testament revival. Later that day we held our regular weekly prayer meeting. I related my experience to the people that filled that room. The Spirit of the Lord descended once more. Without announcement the people dropped to their knees in praise and worship.
In that service we had the first experience in our Adelaide ministry of delivering a person from a demon.
I continued to preach and unfold this revelation of the authority of the risen Christ. From that time onward, we saw the tide of revival-blessing rise in our services.
Week by week I became more and more convinced that the Holy Spirit had placed in my hand a key that would release captives from their bondage and bring a Christ-exalting revival.
Many and varied have been our experiences in the years that have followed. Many problems have had to be faced and many difficulties overcome. Yet through it all, there has remained in my heart and in my ministry this strong conviction and bold faith. The Lord Jesus Christ has absolute authority.
This presentation of the authority of Christ has aroused the power of Satan and his demon to a degree that we had scarcely anticipated. But it has also provided us with a powerful weapon with which to overcome the enemy and deliver those who are bound.
Let us consider a few aspects and implications of this first essential key to an effective ministry and a successful church – the authority of Christ.