Too many Christians are down cast. Too many children of God have victim mentalities. Too many believers have a mind set of defeat; of being conquered; a poverty spirit. This is a sad state of affairs, indeed. No doubt Satan has a good belly laugh when Christians think that they’re powerless victims; and even more, so when Christians think that it is God who wants them that way. Satan is a liar, and the father of lies (Jn 8:44); so he’s good at it. If you are not firmly rooted in The Word of God, you are a good candidate for being deceived. You must know the Truth, and this means you must abide in God’s Word (Jn 8:31-32).

In contrast, our Father in heaven must surely mourn, for “Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost has come upon you” (Act 1:8). Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and power (Act 10:38), and we have this anointing from Him (1Jn 2:27). God has given us the spirit of power (2Tim 1:7). This Greek word for power is Dunamis, which means “miraculous force or power”. According to HIS divine power, we’ve been given all things that pertain unto life and Godliness” (2Pt 1:3). God has given us the full measure. We have more than enough. We can do all things through Christ Jesus.

We must acknowledge this power that works in us. The power that raised Jesus from the dead, dwells in us (Rom 8:11). We must know this. “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection…” (Php 3:10). The Apostle Paul prayed that the Ephesian church would understand this power (Eph 1:17-23). God can do tremendously awesome things according to the power that works in us (Eph 3:20)!

“How can I get this dunamis - this supernatural power?” Just ask your Father in heaven (Lk 11:13). It is a free gift, available to all who will believe God for it (Acts 2:38, 10:45). It is the power of God to live the overcoming life. It is the power of God to fulfill the purposes and plans of Jesus Christ for your life. Jesus demonstrated the divine order for us. He was water baptized to fulfill all righteousness (He is our example). Then, the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove. At this point, He began His preaching ministry - with signs and wonders following. His first miracle was turning the water into wine in John 2 (although some un-inspired writings have Him doing crazy “miracles” as a child in Egypt).

The Divine order has been laid out (Acts 2:38-39). The Gospel must be preached/taught (Mt 28:20, Rom 10:14). The hearer must repent, believe, and call on Jesus’ Name (Act 3:19, Rom 10:9-10, 13). The person must then be water baptized (Mt 28:19, Mk 16:16, Act 8:12, 36-38, 9:18, 10:47, 19:5). The person is then baptized in the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:15-17, 19:6). In Acts 9:17 & 10:44-46, the Holy Ghost baptism took place before water baptism, but neither one ever comes before repenting and believing on the Name of Jesus.

God’s directions, or commandments, are not suggestions. God rewards obedience. God disciplines disobedience. “But I don’t feel like doing what God’s Word says.” God didn’t ask you how you felt. If God says to do something, then you do it. It amazes me how many Christians don’t want to obey God’s Word and way of doing things, yet they expect God to bless them anyway. The truth is, you’re already blessed in Christ; but your not going to see them come to pass in your life until you do what God says. I’m not going to bless my child for disobedience. I still love them and care for them, but I will not reward them. They will be rewarded for obedience. Rebellion is witchcraft; stubbornness is iniquity and idolatry (1Sam 15:23). There is no difference. A rebellious, stubborn person is no different in God’s eyes than a person who practices witchcraft, worships idols, and is full of iniquity. Do you want to be an overcomer? Do what God says. It’s just that simple. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!

Next Week: Part 2.