SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025: THE POWER OF CHRIST BY PROPHETESS B. BALOGUN

 

The Power of Christ

Bible Readings: Psalms 24:1-10; Acts 3:1-10

Introduction: For every being, there is power. When we talk about the power of Christ, we are talking about God Himself. The might and sovereignty of God are the power of Christ. When we minister to people, we see the power of Christ manifesting in their lives. A church full of power is a church where the power of Christ is evident.

There is nothing we need as much as power. The Lord has been teaching us this for a considerable time. We have plenty of means, but without power, they will not accomplish our goals. "What God did not authorize, He will not empower you to do."

• Knowledge without divine power is ineffectual.
• Without the power of Christ, no sinners can be converted. "The power of Christ is the very life of God."
• Without the power of Christ, no saints are sanctified, no churches are raised, and no foes are conquered.

Authority and Power:

• Authority: The right to exercise power.
• Power: The ability to act or produce strength.
• Without authority, you have no right to use power, and without power, your authority is meaningless.

The Power of Jesus Christ:

• Often referred to as His anointing, it encompasses a broad spectrum of abilities, influences, and authority, including healings, deliverance, and salvation.
• Faith in His name can unlock power, leading to personal transformation and a closer relationship with God.

The Source of His Name:

1. Humility and Obedience: He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death (Philippians 2:6-11).
2. Victory on the Cross: His victory on the cross was unparalleled in history (Colossians 2:15).
3. Manifestation in Prayer: When believers pray, Jesus manifests Himself in glory as we call on His name (Colossians 1:18).

The Power in His Name:

• The power in any name is in what the bearer does. Christ is not the last name of Jesus but signifies His actions (Mark 16:17-18).
• Acts 3:16 shows that faith in the name of Jesus made the crippled man whole. When we have a clear vision of what we expect the name of Jesus to do, we are empowered to call on that name to manifest our expectations.

Jesus' Authority:

• Jesus has been given all authority (Matthew 28:18). This authority covers all of heaven and earth.
• Jesus is in a position of authority (Ephesians 1:19-22). He has been raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God.
• Jesus' authority is above all principalities, powers, might, and dominion (Ephesians 1:21).
• All authority and power are found in the name of Jesus. Every knee must bow, and every tongue must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Believers' Authority:

• Authority and power have been given to believers in Christ. Being in Christ refers to someone who has made Jesus their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Luke 10:19).
• Believers have the same authority, ability, responsibility, and position that the early church had after Jesus' ascension. Jesus expects us to use the power in His name to do His work on earth (Mark 16:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Living and Walking in His Power:

1. Imparted Power: Jesus has imparted His power to us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to overcome obstacles and live victorious lives.
2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live lives that reflect Christ's power and love.
3. Authority and Dominion: Believers have been given authority to exercise dominion in all areas of their lives.
4. Strength in Weakness: Believers find strength in Christ even in their weaknesses, enabling them to persevere through challenges and trials.
5. Resisting Darkness: Believers have access to Christ's power to resist the forces of darkness and live lives of integrity.
6. God’s Power: The power of Christ is God’s power (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Facing the Adversary:

• Satan is not nice; he is intelligent and subtle. His plans are hellish. Jesus Christ defeated Satan and his evil spirits (Colossians 2:15). Because you are in Christ, the enemy cannot defeat you.
1. He cannot devour the Christian who uses the powerful name of Jesus to resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7).
2. You cannot use your authority against people; it only works against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12).

Conclusion: All power in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ. Jesus has imparted His power to us through the Holy Spirit to live transformed lives, have dominion over evil spirits, persevere through challenges, and resist the forces of darkness.

You can have this power when you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Let’s pray.

PALM SUNDAY 2025: Blessed is He that cometh By Special Apostle Pastor G.E Oladejo

Introduction

Today, we remember the day Jesus entered Jerusalem. This day marks the beginning of the work Jesus came to do on earth: to restore the relationship between man and God. To build this relationship, He had to go through a challenging process. As Christians, this teaches us that we must also face challenges to fulfill God's purpose in our lives.

We will see how Jesus demonstrated humility even unto death. Though He had the power to avoid the cross, He chose humility. When He was arrested and Peter reacted, Jesus responded with humility. He had the power to avoid arrest and persecution but humbled Himself to fulfill God's plan for the world. In Philippians, we see that God has given Him a name above all names. Jesus showed us humility.

Psalm 118:22-26 tells us that a rejected stone becomes the cornerstone. Jesus was rejected but became the cornerstone of heaven and earth. If Satan could have killed Jesus, he would have, but Christ had a purpose. David prophesied in verse 26, and many prophecies about Jesus showed Him as one who would fight against sin, not earthly kings. Jesus fought and won, giving us the gift of salvation.

The Importance of Today

What is Hosanna? Hosanna means "save now." When you say Hosanna, you are asking for salvation now.

Significance of the Coming Passion Week:

1. Revealing the Kingdom of God (Luke 19:11-28): Jesus' entry into Jerusalem signifies the revelation of God's kingdom. It reminds us to align our actions with God's will and to seek His kingdom first in our lives.

2. Jesus' Suffering, Death, and Resurrection (Luke 19:20-25): These events are central to our faith. Jesus' suffering and death were necessary for our salvation, and His resurrection gives us hope for eternal life.

3. Jesus has the power to subdue all powers (Colossians 2:14-17): Jesus nailed everything that could separate us from God to the cross. By doing so, He demonstrated His supreme authority over all powers. We must accept Jesus to receive all the promises provided by God (Hebrews 2:12-15).

4. Taking Away Our Sins (Hebrews 2:14, Colossians 2:14-17): Jesus' sacrifice on the cross took away our sins. This act of love and redemption allows us to have a restored relationship with God.

5. Destroying Satan's Power (1 Peter 2:24): Jesus' death and resurrection defeated Satan's power over us. We are no longer bound by sin and death but are free to live in the victory of Christ.

6. Restoring Man's Dominion (Hebrews 2:9-15): Jesus' work on the cross restores the relationship between God and man, first given in the Garden of Eden.

7. Humility and Servanthood of Jesus (Zechariah 9:9): Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility. This act fulfilled the prophecy and demonstrated that His kingdom is not of this world but one of servanthood and humility. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His humility and serve others selflessly.

8. Wholeheartedly Following Jesus (Luke 9:23): To follow Jesus, we must carry our cross and follow Him at all times. This means committing to His teachings and living a life that reflects His love and sacrifice.

9. Observing Jesus' Prophecies: Jesus' life and actions fulfilled many prophecies. Observing these prophecies strengthens our faith and reminds us of God's sovereign plan.

10. Understanding Jesus' Suffering and Crucifixion (Acts 14:22): Understanding the depth of Jesus' suffering and the significance of His crucifixion helps us appreciate the magnitude of His love and the salvation He offers.

Let's Pray