A soldier may wield great power in terms of weapons and training. Yet, he cannot use that power unless given authority by a commander. A rocket has great power to hurtle an object across space. Yet, it won’t move an inch without the authority given from the control tower. The same is true of spiritual power. A person must have both the inherent power and ability, AS WELL AS the authority to use that power. Let’s see how two Greek words exousia [authority] and dunamis [power] are used together in the New Testament. This will help us understand the power and authority that we have in Christ today.
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Our Authority and Power in Christ
A soldier may wield great power in terms of weapons and training. Yet, he cannot use that power unless given authority by a commander. A rocket has great power to hurtle an object across space. Yet, it won’t move an inch without the authority given from the control tower. The same is true of spiritual power. A person must have both the inherent power and ability, AS WELL AS the authority to use that power. Let’s see how two Greek words exousia [authority] and dunamis [power] are used together in the New Testament. This will help us understand the power and authority that we have in Christ today.
There are many opinions about who Jesus Christ is. Of course, most people say they base their opinion on the Bible. If they do, it should be clear that he was raised from the dead and is seated at the Father’s right hand as Lord of all. Peter and the apostles spent at least a year with Jesus before he died and was raised. They also saw him in his resurrected spiritual body for forty days before he ascended. Then they preached to others about their risen Lord. Let’s see some of the things recorded in the Book of Acts where Peter, Paul, and others preached about Jesus.
What is the most loved Christian hymn of all time? A beautiful heart declaration by an old slaver and sea captain.
Christ is at the Father’s right hand. We have more than “his works” as the foundation of our lives. We have his very existence as God’s ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON who is now raised and seated in the heavens FOR US. He is the ACTUAL HEAD of the spiritual body that we are members of. We belong to him as much as we do to each other. Paul warned people of not falling prey to Bible teachers who would minimize who and what Christ is for us today.
Today a friend asked me a good question. “Gene, do you believe that humans that do not have Jesus as Lord will suffer eternally in flames?” That is a common belief among some Christians.
It REALLY IS a wonderful life in Christ. The thing that turned things around for George Bailey was when Mary and the kids prayed for him–as well as many others who loved and appreciated him. That’s a key to our “wonderful life.” It is FULL of wonders. The Book of Acts shows God working in the life of the early church believers. The Biblical Greek word for “wonders” [teras] is used nine times in Acts.
We went to the Lutheran church a block from our home for the Christmas Eve service. We enjoyed the carol singing and candle lighting last year and did it again for the joy in remembering Christ’s birth with others. I did notice the confusion that exists on Who God is, and who His Son is.
Let’s look at some truths about Christ’s birth and how God rescued His Son.