Christian Living

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The meaning for "power" in the Greek language really gives power to this word. Our English understanding of so many words will often times lead us astray in the true meanings. Let's look at the word Power and may this reveal a new truth to you.

Unless we submit ourselves to God’s power and not to our own, we will forever remain lost and destined to die an eternal death without Christ, Who obtains and sustains this power. I want to go deeper with this word, “power” to prove my point. Our English language leaves alot to be desired.

For instance, in the Webster’s Dictionary, a reliable source for definitions, it describes “Power” as a noun. It means to have the ability to do or act. It is strength or might or force. It is the possession of control over others, to have authority. It is having influence.

I’m not saying this is totally wrong, but all these descriptions are leading people into believing that power is something they alone are in control of having. It’s giving people the false idea that they are the one in total control. This of course is the world’s view of power. We see powerful people and we automatically think they are better than we are. They have tapped into some kind of secret tool that rules the world. Power in the world can tear down and destroy others. It is something that turns people into tyrants. Pharaoh in Moses’ day was under the false assumption that he had the power to keep the Israelite’s in bondage. What he didn’t know was that his power was useless against the power that God gave to Moses to deliver His children out of Egypt. Another man who thought he was all powerful was Pontius Pilate when he told Jesus he had the power or the authority to have him put to death. It was then that Jesus let him in on a little secret.

“Jesus replied, ‘You would have no power over Me, unless it had been given you from above’; “ John 19:11

Not even the worst evil can escape the sovereignty of God. In other words, even Pilate himself was a powerless man but was self deluded into believing that he controlled the situation.

Now, according to the Strong’s Concordance, the word “power” in the Greek language takes on a whole new meaning. It is “Dunamis”. It is force, but specifically it is miraculous which implies that it is a miracle. Miracles are one thing that even unbelievers can't deny. A miracle is something that is from a higher power, which connotes something not of this world. So then what is this power and just where does it come from? I’m glad you asked.

Power is not something that we can create just because we think we deserve it or want it. No, it has a source that is beyond our own human comprehension. I believe that people who use power against other people have made a bargain with the devil in order to achieve it. Even this, is not of themselves. But I’m not here to give Satan any credit, because he is powerless against the Lord God Almighty and those who believe in Christ. A saved soul is free from the power of Satan and shouldn’t even be concerned with it. Christ tells us He has already over come this and that we shouldn’t be afraid. Christ is the ultimate power over sin and death and hell. This is the power I’m referring to. Let’s take a deeper look at the source of the miraculous power that results in miracles and what the purpose behind it is really intended to be used for.

“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Here we see that Christ is preparing His disciples for the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them. Why? What was the purpose behind it? It was intended to make witnesses for Christ in order that they may go into all the world and teach and preach this good news of truth. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit today, it is still the same power delivered by the same God Who has all power and authority to get the job done. But it’s a power we receive. In order to receive something, it first must be given.

God has a purpose for all of us. We weren’t just a mindless afterthought. It is our job, our Christian duty and responsibility to be witnesses to the world. Are we all called to be evangelists going out preaching the Word to people on the streets? Are we all called to be pastors to lead a congregation into all truth and righteousness? Are we all called to be teachers to explain the Holy Word to people? No, certainly not. We are our own witness, just through example in daily living. It is said that people will believe what they see. Again, this is people without faith. But it’s these unbelievers that we are trying to show. So, naturally, when a carnal person sees someone who’s been born again acting and living in a way that was totally opposite than before, they can see there is something different and will often times even ask what made that difference. You become your own testimony. Everyone has a story behind their salvation and this is what God is using in each of us to be a witness for Him.

Before Christ started His earthly ministry, there was one who came to prepare the way for salvation. His name was John the Baptist. He went around preaching repentance for sin and cleansed unrighteous souls in water. But Christ will baptize us now in the Holy Spirit.

“for John baptized with water, but you will baptize with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:5

The Day of Pentecost had not yet come and the disciples and all the people had to wait for the Holy Spirit to come and dwell in them. Today, it is immediate upon Salvation. Once we have received Christ into our hearts, the Holy Spirit is right there to take up residence. But before Christ ascended back to His Father in heaven, He left His followers with this mighty promise.

“And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49

Christ says we are clothed with power from on high. Did you catch that? We don’t put this coat of power on ourselves in order to push others around. But, in this sadly informed world, there are many people who believe they are entitled to this power for such a reason as this.

After 10 days, the Day of Pentecost had come upon all the believers. They were all together waiting for the promise that Christ had made. True to His Word, the Holy Spirit was sent and a strange thing happened.

“When the Day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4

Everyone who repented and confessed in Christ Jesus was saved and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in order to spread the gospel of Christ. This is still how it works today. God never has to alter His plan. This is the true power that we are given and will remain the only true power until the day Christ returns to rule with complete power and authority on earth.

But until that day, we are told to be witnesses for Him. The word witness is translated from the word mature, and this word means “martyr”. As we grow and mature and believe and trust totally in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are willing to die for Him. We can give our testimony at the risk of losing our own life in order to gain it. This is the promise we have through His dunamis power! As Christ gave us all the great commission to tell our stories with boldness, we were not given the spirit of fear but of a sound mind to tell others what we have seen and heard and refuse to be quiet about it. Yes, I know we risk offending others, but how is this any different than anyone else offending us? This new label of being “Politically Correct” or “Seeker Friendly” is more or less a polite way of shutting us up. But, Who holds the power? Man...or Almighty God?

Pentecost actually means to witness and in order to witness we need the power to do it. And to have the power, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit which gives us the strength to carry on for Christ. I hope this is all falling in line for you to understand the why’s, where’s and what for’s of true power. It is only from God in heaven that a man has power. Don’t confuse it with a 'man ordained' title. Only God assigns this power to people. One reason the world is in a declining stature, is due to people pushing around their own fabricated weight and are on a power play for control. But in God’s Word, this true and righteous power brings the peace, and love, and joy and contentment through the Holy Spirit for all who choose to receive it. Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to have money or fame or talent in order to be called God’s Chosen and receive this power?

But in order to carry on with Christ’s orders of sharing, we must not sit on it. If we don’t do as we were commissioned, we will have a greater problem. As the Bible says, “How will they know unless someone tells them?” That someone is anyone who has received the power of the Holy Spirit. That someone is...you!

If you have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit yet and would like to, there are a few requirements on your part.

First, you must be thirsty and want it. God’s Word is the living water and when we drink it, we will be satisfied. But if you never get thirsty, you will never drink. So, if you have a thirst for power of this magnitude, you must want it from the heart. Then you must believe. Faith is not of works alone. We can not just do things that look good, we must believe from our heart. This next one is a stumbling block for many. It is being submissive to the will of God. Unless we are ready and willing to lay all pride at the foot of the Cross and humble ourselves, we can never hope to receive this Holy Spirit power. It’s having a heart of true repentance. It also takes activity on our part. It’s being willing to exercise our faith and cooperate with God through an obedient heart. We must learn that not only God has a part, but we also have a part and it is being active in His Word.

Basically, what it all comes down to is just having a heart after God’s heart. On our own we could never hope to achieve salvation because a man’s heart is naturally wicked and deceitful. God knows our hearts better than we do. How will He see your heart today? If there is any sin in it, you can ask Him with a humble heart that you are sorry for rebelling against Him. He says that if you truly repent and confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that His Son Christ died for you, He will forgive you of all sins and throw them as far as the east is from the west. That means, they will never meet up again. Isn’t this a wonderful promise? If you have said a prayer to God along these lines and meant it from your heart, God is faithful in saving you from death. He has sent the Holy Spirit into your life to give you power that will bring others to Christ and not mislead them into an eternity of hell.

Praise the Lord, I know I am filled with this dunamis power today. It has given me the confidence and the boldness to witness to people and bring them to Christ. What about you? Will you consider being powerful for Jesus? It's there for the asking!

A child of the King will always want to display the manners of the court.

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