Power of God

I firmly believe the greatest need of the church today is the power of God. I also believe this truth is clearly taught in the scriptures and that the Reformers and Puritans also held this position.

However, this does not seem to be a popular view in evangelicalism today. After all, how many sermons or Sunday School lessons have you heard on this topic? How many books have you read or podcasts have you listened to that address this great need?

I believe there are eerie similarities between evangelical churches today and the church in Ephesus, which is mentioned in Revelation chapter two. That church was commended for being both doctrinally pure and busy for the Lord, but they were rebuked by Christ for leaving their first love. Essentially, although everything looked good on the outside, they were not walking with the Lord, and therefore, they were powerless! (Revelations 2:1-5)

Consider King Jehoshaphat, who relied solely on the Lord and His word when being attacked by three nations, and how the Lord fought for him and gave him a decisive victory (2 Chronicles 20:1-17). Ponder the truth that God uses weakness, as the Apostle Paul had God’s power in his life because he was weak in himself, but strong in the Lord (1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 12:7-10).

Reflect on the truth that although the Apostle Paul was probably the greatest missionary this world has ever seen, it had little to do with his intellect, spiritual gifts, or natural abilities. Instead, it had everything to do with his devotion and pursuit of God, as he clearly conveyed in Philippians 3:8-14.

Consider Hebrews 11:6 and Psalm 27:8, which speak of pursuing a relationship with the Lord. Pursuing, not causally building one! Consider Psalm 1 and the mandate to meditate on God’s word day and night! Muse over 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and the command to pray without ceasing! Power, power, and more power.

Sadly, in my thirty-plus years of ministry, I have found that the average Christian meets with the Lord for about five to ten minutes per day, if at all. Simply put, that is a far too insufficient amount of time to build a relationship with the creator of the universe! His words are meant to permeate our hearts and minds all day and every day!

Is it any wonder the church in America is having so little impact on our society today? Unfortunately, we are far too self-sufficient, like the church of Laodicea.  Our self-confident, self-reliant, get-the-job-done mentality may appear to build successful works for Christ, but how many of these man-made, self-sufficient, program-driven works will be exposed to be wood, hay, and stubble when tested by the fire of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

What we have today is mega churches, talented musicians, flamboyant worship leaders, and gifted orators. However, what we do not have today is power from God! As Elisha said, “Where is the God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14)

God’s power can’t be manufactured or bought. It can’t be found in new programs or techniques, and it’s not designed or produced by our brilliant young minds, savvy businessmen and women, or through our positive attitudes. It is found in the believer whose life is characterized by dying to self, yielded to the Lordship of Christ, who has no confidence in self, and who exercises himself to godliness. (Galatians 2:20; John 15:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8). My admonishment to you is to strive after this power as the church desperately needs it!