The Fairborn Paper

I was sitting and thinking recently concerning the manifestations of the ‘power of God’ in our services and revivals.  I tried to compare my contemplations with scripture and I became perplexed.  I don’t see many of what we think of Gods signs and wonders demonstrated.

I am a third generation Pentecostal raised man that believes in the power of the Spirit with all of my heart (and mind), but…but, what?  But, I don’t believe God gave us the power to just knock people over and talk in a heavenly language or a foreign earthly language that is given supernaturally to broadcast the gospel!  Now stay with me for a moment!

I have been through the Bible many times, preached it and taught it in Bible Colleges.  In my studies I have found that the power of God is demonstrated in and through love.  That the greatest power we have the choice of is to conduct ourselves in a manner inconsistent with the standards of the world!  Especially in our times of great trials, tribulations, and temptations.

The power of God is given that we might display the life and heart of Christ to a dark world!  This power is displayed through our countenance in our everyday interactions.  The anointing is the presence of Christ in and upon our life and is a by-product of a deepening relationship with Him.  This anointing is the power of God for us to be conformed into the sons of God!  Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”  We need His power to conform!  We cannot accomplish this on our own.

The notion of people falling out in the Spirit is not an ordinary occurrence in the life of Christ.  The power of God is found through relationship and that relationship causes an individual to show love, patience (Galatians 5:22), and  a multitude of outwards signs of a ‘Spirit-filled’ life.

This new year, endeavor to fully display the life of Christ in your life through love.  Love the unlovable and walk in peace.