“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).
Introduction
In Pentecostal and Charismatic circles many claim to be operating under the anointing and power of Christ, yet much of the time so-called ‘Miracle Service’ are conducted like sideshows. Other branches of the church dismiss the idea that miracles can happen today, resulting in dead, dry and lifeless religion. What does the Bible teach on this issue in relating to the power of Christ?
The power of Christ
vs. the power of Satan
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1).
Jesus gave the disciples power over demonic forces that cripple people’s lives, bodies and minds. This is Christ’s power working through them to bring glory to God. There is nothing in the New Testament that suggests that true followers of Jesus Christ cannot be endued with the same power as the early church. “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).
Most of the religions of the world claim that their gods, saints or prophets are able to perform miracles. When investigated, some kind of trickery is at the heart of it. We are well aware of the effect that hypnotists have on their audiences, so it should not surprise us to learn that the same devilish activity is found in religion. It is not the power of Christ but of Satan that is at play in such gathering. Hell is extremely active in the world today. Satan and his angels are involved in politics, industry, entertainment and especially religion. The Devil’s aim is to discredit God and to rob Him of glory. How is it then that some say that, while Satan has power to inflict humanity with all kinds of problems, the days of God-ordained miracles ceased with the apostles? Is that not what Hell wants us to believe and thus rob the Lord of glory?
The true vs. the
false
“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17-19).
Throughout the church’s history we find record of miracles taking place, but unfortunately the media is eager to publicise the practices of tricksters and profiteers, and because of this true miracles are put in the same category as mythology. Satan has sought, in these last days, to embarrass the church into silence and inactivity. He does not want any Christian to believe that Christ has given His followers power over the forces of Hell. Surely the “Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven” is power imparted to us by Christ, and is well able to lock the gates of Hell! Those gates are wide open when the church no longer uses the key.
God’s glory vs.
self-honour
“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17-20).
The Lord Jesus Christ has given us power over all the power of Hell, but God must always receive the glory. “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images” (Isaiah 42:8). The church misplaced the “Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven” at the very place where she began to glorify herself instead of God. So many modern-day preachers rejoice in their own charismatic ability. They promote themselves until their followers believe that they actually have the power of God residing in them.
Our rejoicing should always be in the Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). The power of Jesus Christ will truly return to the church the moment all glory and honour is given to God.
Conclusion
Page created 20 February 2007