The Power and Authority of Christ

A friend of mine was looking to build an addition to his church, but he had to get permission first from a majority of the neighborhood within a three block area. He went door to door with a survey, and almost every neighbor said, “Absolutely, you can add on. We’ve lived next to you for 10 years, and you’ve never bothered us once.”

Only two blocks away, someone told him, “Sure. We never even noticed that you were there.” He was appalled because he realized his church was only having an impact on its attendees.

Jesus gave the power and authority to his disciples to reach the unsaved. “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:1-2, ESV). I want to tell you today that you are no less anointed than these men. His promises to the first generation in the New Testament church are no different than the promises that he has for you and me today.

God’s power in our lives demonstrates his heart to heal and to deliver, to take people whose lives have been ruined by demonic forces and set them free. “As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance…by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left” (2 Corinthians 6:4-7).

Your church is meant to have an impact in such a way that causes cities to repent. God has equipped us to reach the lost. The Holy Spirit wants to use you in such a way that you would see it as natural to function supernaturally in the signs and wonders. Healing is central to God’s plan because his kindness leads us to repentance. Soul-winning is central to God’s plan. That is what brings repentance to a city.