The Power In You (Acts 1:6-8)

POWER IN YOU

Acts 1:4-8

Dunamis is a Greek word from which English word dy•na•mo was derived. In electricity, dynamo is a kind of electric generator, especially for direct current. In human description, it refers to a kind of energetic, hardworking, forceful person – hence, dynamic. Which is also akin to dynamite or a powerful explosive. Dunamis in short means power.

In our text in Acts 1:8 Jesus told the disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit would come upon them. In verse 4, Jesus commanded them to stay in Jerusalem and to “wait for the promise of the Father.” Then we read of the disciple going to the upper room and they abode there. We read that they were in prayer and supplication with one another. When we open Chapter 2 of Acts, we can read that the power of God fell on that place, and from henceforth effect dynamic growth in the church. People saw the difference in the believers that were there that day. This only means to say that people will always notice when you have the power of God in your life.

What about the church today? Can we have the same power that the early church in Acts experienced? Can we tap into the same Source of Power that they tapped into? Can we make an impact to the lives of people in particular and the whole society in general the way they did back then? On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, the Bibles says that 3000 souls were saved. From there on the Word of God was boldly preached, lives were enthusiastically changed, communities were transformed by leaps and bounds, and Jesus Christ's name was uplifted with thunderous acclamation and praise.

Now, Let us focus our attention to our church today, even to ourselves, and ask this question:

“DO WE HAVE THE POWER OF GOD IN OUR CHURCH TODAY THAT RESULTS IN SAVING SOULS, CHANGING LIVES, AND TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES?” Are we making an impact in the lives of people around us, in our immediate neighborhood, and even in our homes?

We are talking about a dunamis church, a dynamic church, a kind of DYNAMITE church. When we talk about dynamite, we are referring to power. The power to move mountains of social problems, the power to break heart of stone, the power to melt conscience of steel. A child of God with this power can do marvelous things. So does the church that has this power.

But what really caused the early church to have the power of God? Our text gave us hints as to what brought about the power of God on the early church.

I. THE POWER OF GOD CAME ABOUT AMONG EARLY BELIEVERS BECAUSE THEIR WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION IS CENTERED IN JESUS CHRIST. (Acts 1:6a)

We will never have the Power of God with halfhearted devotion to Christ. God does not bless halfhearted service, or obedience. Matthew 22:37 says - “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” This verse leaves no room for halfheartedness.

This is the catch, God’s full power necessitates full devotion to Christ. In other words, with great devotion to Christ comes great power. We can never fully receive God’s power if we are halfheartedly devoted to Christ. But take note, our devotion should be to Christ, and to Christ alone. Not to any person even pastors. Our devotion should not be placed on anyone, but to Christ alone. Many has a tendency to put into pedestal people whom they idolized. If we do the same what do you think will happen to our church? No church growth, no membership growth, no qualitative and quantitative growth! Remember, only a Christ centered church can receive power from God that could spell massive growth.

II. THE POWER OF GOD CAME ABOUT AMONG EARLY BELIEVERS BECAUSE THEIR FOCUS IS TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD (Acts 1:6b)

We are all called to take part in the building of the Kingdom of God. The kingdom that we are building is that of God and not of man. We are here to help the church grow, not for self glorification nor for self gratification, not for self satisfaction, not for us to feel proud about ourselves, or about our contribution to the church. So we give our tithes, we give our offerings, we take part in the ministry, we sing in the choir, we volunteer for medical and dental missions, we help as ushers and usherettes, we visit and pray for the sick, we do church ministry. for the soul reason of building the Kingdom of God. The power of God will only come about if our reason for being a church is to build God’s Kingdom here on earth.