“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Cor. 2:4,5. “For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” 1 Cor 4:20.

What is this power Paul is talking about? Some would be tempted to say they have seen the power of God work in their lives, changing their heart and hence the way they live their lives.  I would say they are right, but I believe the kind of power that Christ wants us to have changes more than our lives. It changes other people’s lives. 

Notice how the disciples prayed after they had been threatened: “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.” Acts 4:29, 30. These were asking for a demonstration of God’s power so that others might believe! They were concerned not with their own welfare, comfort, and safety, but winning lost souls to Christ by speaking the word which they had been given, knowing it would not return void but would “prosper in the thing whereto I sent it”. Is 55:11. 

Jesus also illustrated the importance of possessing power with God when He said, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” John 14:11. So what did Paul mean when he said, “For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” 1 Cor 4:20. Jesus told his disciples that “the Kingdom of God is within you” Luke 17:21. He also said,” But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8. The power being referred to is for demonstration purposes, showing the unbeliever that God is real and to be reckoned with, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Heb 2:3,4.                

This power goes beyond a changed life, beyond “the milk” and unto the “meat”. Witness what the writer wrote, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Heb 6:1,2. He is referring toGod exercising his Power through the believers.We are to be God’s representatives in power, not just in a changed life. 

Old timers will remember witnessing the power of God at work, and no doubt some have heard of or seen such things as the dead raised, the sick healed, and other miracles demonstrating God’s power working through the faith of believers. The Church today has little power with God, as demonstrated by the world in which we live. “…If they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.” Jer 23: 22.   

Some denominations have decided that since they have no power with God, then times have changed and God doesn’t work like that anymore.  I believe the contrary, for the Word points out, “...I am the Lord, I change not…” Mal 3:6. Some may say that the Holy Ghost (by which we receive this power, see Acts 1:8) was just for the Apostles. If that is the case, explain the scripture, “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39.

Some would also say, “Okay, what is the problem with the Church, that it doesn’t have this power?” Let me illustrate with a recent example. Not too long ago, a bishop was confirmed by the governing body of his religion; nothing wrong with that, except this bishop was selected while living and condoning a homosexual lifestyle. Why does the Church (God does still have a remnant) of today lack power?   Because it lacks the Spirit of God and the guidance of God, and is carnal, minding the things of the flesh, therefore not pleasing God. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1 Cor 3:3. Jesus prayed for the believers, “That they all may be one…that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:21. Why does the world not believe in Jesus Christ and move with fear? Why are there so many denominations when there is One Spirit? (Eph 4:4). Because of carnality. 

In the book of Daniel it is prophesied, “…How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? … when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” Daniel 12:6,7. Friends, that day is at hand. The enemy causes these divisions because he knows what happens when selfless believers unite “in one accord”; see the book of Acts for an example. The Power of God is demonstrated. Paul says to the believers, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Cor 13:5. 

Paul once again writes, “…they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”  And again, “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” 2 Cor 10:12, 18. How does God commend someone? Remember when He commended Jesus after his baptism? The Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove and God spoke from Heaven. Luke 3:22. God commends with power! Nicodemus knew what he was talking about when he said, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” John 3:2. How do we get this power? 

When they brought the lunatic to Jesus because His disciples could not cast out the devil, He said they were “…faithless and perverse…” so Jesus cast out the devil. Undoubtedly embarrassed, they came “… to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief…Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matt 17:17-21. Prayer and dedication to God and His service is the answer. 

“And now, Israel [all believers are spiritual Jews], what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him,  and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” Deut 10:12-13. 

“For God so loved the world…” that he sent The Savior who said he’d not leave us comfortless in John, Chapter 14. The world seeks comfort through the power that rests in the flesh, but the believer, in crucifying the flesh, receives power with God not through strength, but through weakness.2 Cor 12:10.