Where has the power gone?

That's the question I asked while reading in Philippians this morning. Paul says in 3:10 "... that I may know Him (Jesus) and the power of His resurrection." Why isn't "the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead" displayed in the church today? Deductive reasoning from this verse says, "because we do not know Jesus." Knowing and practicing His teachings and ways unleashes the manifestation of God's Spirit in our lives. Plain and simple.

Many are religious but not followers of Jesus. They know of Him historically and religiously by not personally and experientially. It is similar to what God spoke to Isaiah, Jeremiah and Amos thousands of years ago, "these people draw near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips while their hearts are far from Me, and their worship of Me is a human commandment learned by rote" (Isa. 29:13; 58; Jer. 7:3-16; Amos 5:21).

Blaise Pascal said these words about the spiritual condition of his day, "Christendom has become a union of people who, by means of sacraments, excuse themselves from knowing and loving God." Religion was and is a way of escape from knowing God. How do we safe guard this? By not reducing our faith to intellectualism or rote behavior.

The Truth that brings resurrection power into our lives, the Truth we must follow and learn of is a person-and His name is Jesus Christ. The power to live a life pleasing to God and bring transformation to men on earth comes through "real time" relationship with Jesus. We must know Him.

To know Jesus we must study the core passages about His life in the Gospels. We must note the importance they are to us individually and the Church. Then we must find examples of how to transfer His life principles into our world. Also, we must embrace His presence. He is with us through the person of the Holy Spirit. We must give Him ownership and follow His leading and direction.

Lord Jesus, send us Your power we pray!

Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian