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University President Urges Christians To Be Empowered By The Holy Spirit

Billy Wilson, President of Oral Roberts University and a prominent leader in the Pentecostal movement, urged Evangelicals to embrace the Holy Spirit’s power to accelerate their witness for Christ. Speaking at the Fourth Lausanne Global Congress on World Evangelism, he emphasized the need to adapt to the rapid changes in knowledge, technology, and science in today’s world.

Wilson highlighted a critical concern: while the global population reached 8 billion in 2022, the growth of Christianity has stagnated. He pointed out that although Christians make up 31% of the world’s population, the number of Christians, as a percentage, declined in the 20th century after a surge in the 19th century. Wilson stressed that the current era of rapid global development requires an equally accelerated evangelistic effort.

Despite not having access to modern communication tools, the early Christians were able to spread the Gospel across the ancient world through the power of the Holy Spirit. Wilson described this as a “wildfire of resurrection energy” fueled by five key characteristics, which he believes are essential for Evangelicals today to experience the same spiritual acceleration.

The first believers were deeply convinced of Jesus’ resurrection and His role as the only path to salvation. This conviction drove them to spread the Gospel, even in the face of persecution. They also demonstrated remarkable flexibility, turning challenges like persecution into opportunities to evangelize. According to Wilson, this same adaptability is needed today for mission success.

Obedience to God’s call, even in unexpected circumstances, was another trait of the early Church. Wilson cited the example of Philip the evangelist, who left a revival to evangelize in the desert simply because God directed him to do so. This willingness to follow divine instructions led to supernatural advancements in their mission.

The early disciples also relied heavily on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength, refusing to undertake God’s work without His presence. Their unity, both relational and spiritual, brought God’s favor and further accelerated their mission, Wilson explained.

Wilson also emphasized that the current generation of Evangelicals must come together in a unified effort to spread the Gospel, supported by initiatives like Empowered21’s “Everyone Initiative” and “Everyone Fund,” launched to ensure that every person has the opportunity to know Christ by Pentecost 2033.

Looking ahead to the year 2033, which marks the 2,000th anniversary of key events in Christian history, Wilson envisions a significant moment in fulfilling the Great Commission. He believes this could be the most comprehensive evangelistic effort in history, urging Evangelicals to rise to the challenge.

Wilson concluded by reminding delegates of the urgency of their mission, noting that each day, thousands die without knowing Christ. He called for a renewed commitment to sharing the Gospel, underscoring that the Church has the resources and capabilities to reach every person on Earth. “We need a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit to accelerate the Gospel to the ends of the Earth,” Wilson said, encouraging his audience to leave the Congress determined to share the good news with everyone.