-
Authority Vs. Power
Contributed by Paul Dietz on Sep 28, 2008 (message contributor)
Authority vs. Power
Jesus did not just send them forward into their world with empty hands. He provides them with all the tools that will be needed to bring in this harvest of souls. According to Matthew's account, Jesus "...gave them power" [10:1]. The New International Version employs a more definite word for "power." The term "authority" is utilized instead.
Let me try to explain it in this way: A policeman has the authority to stop a speeding car but does not have the power to do so. By virtue of the law officer's position and certification, he or she has the authority of the law of the land to stop a car that is speeding down a freeway. But, he or she does not have the ability to actually halt the vehicle through his or her physical power.
It is no different with the church today. We, too, are His disciples and have been entrusted with the authority to cast out demonic forces, heal the diseased, and preach the good news of Jesus the Christ. We cannot do these miraculous wonders of our own power and abilities. Jesus empowers us through the call of discipleship to go and complete these marvels through his name.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
The Sign In The Window Read: "Boy Wanted". Young ...
Contributed by Ed Wood on Jun 29, 2005
The sign in the window read: “Boy Wanted”. Young John Simmons, though he was lazy, saw his opportunity and applied. He was quickly hired by elderly Mr. Peters. The pace was leisurely so he enjoyed the job. Toward the middle of the afternoon however, he was sent up to the attic — a dingy place full ...read more
-
What God Chooses
Contributed by David Rogers on Nov 23, 2004
What God chooses, HE cleanses What God cleanses, He molds What God molds, He fills What God ...read more
-
A.d. 110. Ignatius, Overseer Of The Church In ...
Contributed by Clark Tanner on Oct 24, 2004
A.D. 110. Ignatius, overseer of the church in Antioch, was arrested and sent to Rome for preaching Christ. Facing martyrdom, he wrote this to the church at Rome. “Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing of visible or invisible things so that I may but win Christ. Let fire and the ...read more
-
I Saw A Peanuts Cartoon With Lucy Saying To ... PRO
Contributed by Richard Burkey on May 19, 2005
I saw a Peanuts cartoon with Lucy saying to Charlie Brown, "I hate everything. I hate everybody. I hate the whole wide world!" Charlie Brown says, "But I thought you had inner peace." Lucy replies, "I do have inner peace. But I still have outer obnoxiousness" And ...read more
-
There Was A Certain Professor Of Religion Named ... PRO
Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Nov 9, 2004
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the Western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Voice Of The Bridegroom Series
Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Aug 7, 2017
In prophecies about the falls of and Jerusalem and (figuratively) Babylon, actually separated by centuries, the writers said that the voice of the bridegroom and bride will not be heard any longer in each city. What did these prophecies mean?
-
We Have Jesus' Power Of Attorney
Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Oct 11, 2017
Jesus has given us, the body of Christ, the power and authority to act on his behalf. Legally, He has given us His "Power of Attorney." We can legally function in this world just as He functioned when He was here!
-
A "Come To Jesus" Moment Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 5, 2017
A grieving father comes to Jesus to ask him to heal his dying son, and yet Jesus rebukes him. Why? What possible reason could Jesus have to be so harsh with this man?
-
The Wrong Way: The Way That Seems Right
Contributed by Jason Smith on Sep 25, 2013
ALL THROUGH THE BIBLE ... THERE ARE STATEMENTS DESIGNED TO MAKE US AWARE OF POTENTIAL DANGER. One such warning is in Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."
-
Everyone Must Submit To Governing Authorities Series
Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Feb 10, 2014
Paul speaks about authorities in this world. 1- Authorities are established by God 2- Authorities punish the wrongdoers 3- Authorities must be respected by all