Unfailing Power
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
John 3:34–36
In our day we take electricity for granted, but in the early days following its invention, there were often times when the supply simply was not equal to the demand. There is an old story of a pastor going down the street one day and being surprised to find one of his members sitting on the porch instead of at work. He inquired whether something had happened to the workload, or with the employee. He was told that there was plenty of work, but there wasn’t enough power to run the machines, and all the workers had been sent home for the day.
Many churches have impressive programs and outreaches. They have invested in technology, planning, resources, and equipment to be effective in reaching people. They have programs and procedures in place to deal with almost any situation. Yet it quickly becomes obvious that while there is plenty of work to be done and lots of tools, there is no spiritual power. The work of God requires the power of God to be effective.
The Bible teaches us that while nothing we do can change the amount of God’s power, we can certainly change how much of that power is received and applied to our lives. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4). The duty of each Christian is to live in such a way that he has access to the power to do God’s will and God’s work.
John 3:34–36
In our day we take electricity for granted, but in the early days following its invention, there were often times when the supply simply was not equal to the demand. There is an old story of a pastor going down the street one day and being surprised to find one of his members sitting on the porch instead of at work. He inquired whether something had happened to the workload, or with the employee. He was told that there was plenty of work, but there wasn’t enough power to run the machines, and all the workers had been sent home for the day.
Many churches have impressive programs and outreaches. They have invested in technology, planning, resources, and equipment to be effective in reaching people. They have programs and procedures in place to deal with almost any situation. Yet it quickly becomes obvious that while there is plenty of work to be done and lots of tools, there is no spiritual power. The work of God requires the power of God to be effective.
The Bible teaches us that while nothing we do can change the amount of God’s power, we can certainly change how much of that power is received and applied to our lives. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4). The duty of each Christian is to live in such a way that he has access to the power to do God’s will and God’s work.
Today’s Growth Principle:
The work of God requires the power of God to be effective.
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