Where Is That Power Today?

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. [Ephesians 1.19-23]

The incredible greatness of God's power (the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and placed Him in authority at God's right hand) is for us who believe Him. And, this authority and power is not just for the world to come, but for this present world in which we live. Jesus, as head of His Body (us, the Church), makes us complete and full of Him.

If we are His Body and full of Him, then all the power that raised Him from the dead and gave Him all authority (at God's right hand) is in us.

How? By the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2.18 says, "Now all of us [Jew and Gentile] can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us."

Yes! Hallelujah! But where is that power today? Why is that power not readily seen in Christ's Body, the Church, today? Why does the Church look just like the world today instead of being distinguished by the Holy Spirit?

May I suggest that it is because we do not have the Holy Spirit? 

May I suggest that we do not have the Holy Spirit because, perhaps, we are not saved?

May I suggest that we have so watered down the Gospel of Jesus Christ and so cheapened the grace of God that we have not actually experienced the salvation of God?

May I suggest that we have formulated in-depth and doctrines and complicated theology to justify our lost position (powerless existence) and seal our eternal fate of damnation?

May I suggest that we need to re-think our stance?

May I suggest we need to get saved?

May I suggest that our salvation, when it is real, will make us look different than the world?

May I suggest when we actually have the Holy Spirit in our lives that this same Spirit - that raised Christ from the dead - will, in fact, quicken our mortal bodies (and affect likewise change in those around us)?

May I suggest that when we have the Spirit of Christ that we will look and act like Christ ON EARTH?

May I suggest that looking and acting like Christ IS looking and acting like Christ (healing the sick, helping the poor, preaching the Good News, and raising the dead - forgiving unconditionally?

I think, by this point, I have offended every person who reads this as well as myself. Even if I am wrong (which I am highly inclined to think I am not), I hope my thoughts here today cause us all to at least think. Isn't it right that we find at least some alarm that Jesus said we would do the works He did (and greater works) if we don't see those works at work in us?

Faith, the kind of faith Jesus lived and encouraged, was tangible. The Holy Spirit Jesus promised that was evidenced on the Day of Pentecost, was tangible. 

Why then would we EVER teach and promote an intangible faith and presence of the Holy Spirit?

I will tell you why. Because we are too proud to admit our lost condition and need to transcend the damnable religious trap we have fallen into.

Father, please forgive me for consoling myself and others that we are okay in our powerless condition. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand - so that we might be saved!