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Who Was Smith Wigglesworth? – Viral Believer
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Who Was Smith Wigglesworth?

Introduction

Smith Wigglesworth was a renowned British evangelist, faith healer, and preacher who played a crucial role in shaping the early Pentecostal movement. Born in 1859 in Menston, Yorkshire, England, Wigglesworth grew up in a working-class family and found his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age.

His ministry, characterized by a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, led to countless miraculous healings and salvations, earning him the nickname “The Apostle of Faith.”

As a dedicated servant of God, Wigglesworth’s life and ministry continue to inspire millions of believers around the world. His unwavering faith, powerful preaching, and divine healing gifts serve as a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Through examining the life and teachings of Smith Wigglesworth, we can better understand the importance of faith, the power of prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our own lives.

In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Smith Wigglesworth, examining his early years, his ministry, and the impact he had on the Pentecostal movement.

By exploring Wigglesworth’s life and the biblical foundations of his ministry, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own faith and the role of the Holy Spirit in our walk with Christ.

Smith Wigglesworth

Early Life and Conversion

Smith Wigglesworth was born to a poor family, and he began working at a very young age to help support them. Despite the hardships they faced, his family was devoutly religious and regularly attended the local Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Smith’s grandmother was a significant spiritual influence in his life, and she often shared stories of God’s faithfulness and power with young Wigglesworth.

At the age of eight, Smith gave his life to Jesus Christ during a revival meeting in Bradford. Although he had limited education and struggled with reading, Smith’s encounter with the Holy Spirit led him to hunger for a deeper understanding of the Bible.

As an adult, Smith married Polly Featherstone, a woman who shared his passion for evangelism and helped him to read and study the Scriptures. Through their partnership in marriage, they began a powerful ministry of preaching and healing that would touch countless lives.

Ministry and Healing

Wigglesworth’s ministry began in the early 1900s, following a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. In 1907, during a visit to Sunderland, England, Smith was baptized in the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues.

This experience marked a turning point in his ministry, as he became increasingly reliant on the power of the Holy Spirit for divine healing, prophecy, and bold preaching.

In his ministry, Wigglesworth emphasized the importance of faith and the believer’s authority in Christ.

He often cited Mark 16:17-18 (NKJV), which states, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Wigglesworth believed that God’s power was available to all believers who would step out in faith and trust in the Holy Spirit.

Throughout his ministry, Smith Wigglesworth traveled extensively, preaching and healing the sick in the name of Jesus.

He became known for his bold faith, uncompromising message, and miraculous healing ministry. Many of those who encountered Wigglesworth’s ministry were healed of various ailments, including blindness, deafness, and even cases of terminal illness.

Impact on the Pentecostal Movement

Wiggleslesworth’s ministry had a profound impact on the Pentecostal movement, both in the United Kingdom and around the world. His dedication to the work of the Holy Spirit and the miraculous healing that accompanied his preaching inspired many other Pentecostal ministers and believers.

As a result, the Pentecostal movement grew rapidly, with churches and ministries adopting similar practices and teachings.

Smith’s influence extended beyond the Pentecostal movement, as his life and ministry served as a testimony to the power of God and the importance of faith.

Many mainline denominations and evangelical Christians were inspired by Wigglesworth’s ministry and began to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. His life and teachings continue to influence Christians across various denominations and traditions.

In addition to his impact on the Pentecostal movement, Wigglesworth’s ministry was marked by a strong commitment to evangelism and soul-winning.

He believed that the power of the Holy Spirit was given to believers to enable them to effectively share the Gospel with others. Wigglesworth’s passion for evangelism led to countless salvations and the establishment of numerous churches and ministries around the world.

Legacy and Lessons

Smith Wigglesworth’s life and ministry continue to serve as an example for believers today. His unwavering faith, dedication to prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit offer valuable lessons for Christians seeking to grow in their relationship with God. Some key lessons that we can learn from Wigglesworth’s life include:

  1. The importance of faith: Wigglesworth’s ministry was characterized by a deep trust in God and a commitment to living out Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV), which states, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Wigglesworth’s faith serves as an example for believers today, reminding us of the power of trusting in God’s promises and stepping out in faith.
  2. The power of prayer: Wigglesworth was a man of prayer, often spending hours each day in communion with God. He believed that prayer was essential for maintaining a close relationship with God and accessing the power of the Holy Spirit. This dedication to prayer serves as an example for believers today, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God through prayer.
  3. The work of the Holy Spirit: Wigglesworth’s ministry was marked by a strong reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and power. He believed that every believer could experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit and operate in the gifts of the Spirit, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NKJV). His life serves as a reminder for believers today of the importance of seeking and embracing the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Smith Wigglesworth’s life and ministry offer a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. His unwavering faith, commitment to prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance serve as an example for Christians today.

By studying Wigglesworth’s life and teachings, we can better understand the importance of faith, the power of prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our walk with Christ.

As we seek to grow in our faith and relationship with God, let us be inspired by the life of Smith Wigglesworth and strive to walk in the same faith, boldness, and reliance on the Holy Spirit that characterized his ministry.

May we, too, become powerful witnesses to the Gospel and experience the transformative power of God in our lives.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.