Blog – Page 42 – International Charismatic Bible Church (ICBC), Finland

Introduction

One of the most important privileges of believers is the peace of God that they enjoy. This peace of God, according to Webster, is a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly from oppression and attack or inwardly, within the soul. It means “shālōm” in Hebrew which implies “soundness,” “health,” or “prosperity,” well-being, all good in relation to both man and God. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia). Scripture sources were taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

The Peace of God

It has been written in the Holy Scriptures that “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee” (Isa 54:10). Again, Jesus promised His disciples of peace when He mentioned that “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Joh 14:27). If it is true that believers are privileged to enjoy peace, why is it that they keep suffering? This does not mean that Christians are insulated from the sufferings in the World, but the truth is that upon their reliance on the grace and mercies of the Lord, they receive new strengths to go their suffering with Christ Jesus with hope and anticipation that it shall surely end well with them.

But no Peace

The first reason to consider is the failure to live by the word of God. Many believers forsake the word of God and seek peace from the world. Jesus Christ charges believers to take His yoke upon them, and learn from him his meekness and humility of heart for it is in doing this that they shall find rest for their souls. He affirms that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Mat 11:29-30). To get relief from burdens and worries, Peter writes that believers should cast all their care upon God because He cares for them.

Again, some believers fail to rationalize as human beings. They desire to attribute anything to God and rely on Him instead of acting on the wisdom and knowledge they have already endowed with. This does not mean that believers should not depend on God but they should be able to make use of their mental and cognitive abilities. For instance, if God blesses a person with a business capital, it is for him/her to find out by learning and experience how to gain and retain customers in order to realize profits. Though God could divinely bless an individual with the wisdom and knowledge of doing business if asked (Jas 1:5), this does not completely erode human responsibilities.
Also, unnecessary comparison and competition leading to extravagant or ostentatious lifestyles could rob people of their peace of mind. The standard of beauty as portrayed on television screens make some people overspend their resources. This would not bring peace but would increase debts and distress. The uncontrollable desire to be rich, and to be rich as soon as possible (1Ti 6:6) is the root cause of loss of peace for many people (1Ti 6:10). The Bible is true when it says that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1Ti 6:6). Accepting to live within one´s means is a way to secure one´s peace.

More so, ignorance has defrauded many of their peace. Some people are in the deplorable situation because of lack of relevant information or knowledge. Some people are under servitude but they have accepted it to be normal because they are ignorant of their rights as humans and the opportunities available to them. Other people have discovered their situation and are seeking peace but they do not know how. This makes Prophet Isaiah write that the way of peace they do not know; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths and whosoever goes in shall not know or have peace (Isa 59:8). It was to direct people to the way of peace that the Lord Jesus Christ was born (Luk 1:79).

Peace as a Blessing from God

It is only God who gives peace to mankind. It is a blessing from the Lord God. He has promised and assured believers of His blessings as detailed in Isaiah 54:10 above. In fulfilling this covenant, the Lord shall surely give strength unto his people and bless them with peace (Psa 29:11). God forbid that you seek peace outside of Christ Jesus, for it is like chasing a mirage, you would never find it.

Conclusion

Peace is available to believers as a privilege of their heavenly citizenship. The way of peace is not in any material possessions or pleasures, but it is only found in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: May the peace of God that is sincere and eternal be your portion. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

Introduction

This Newsletter is intended to inform and remind the readers of the believers´ authority in Christ Jesus. It does not seek to present an exhaustive analysis of the concept of power. However, it briefly discusses the concept as it relates to the privileges of the believers. Thus, in this piece of writing, power, as Webster defines it, is a legal authority or warrant. Power and authority are used interchangeably in this thesis. All the Bible references were taken from the King James Version

All Power is God´s

It is known that all power is ascribed preeminently to God. He is all-powerful and His power is limitless. It is written: “O Jehovah, Yours is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty. For all in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Jehovah, and You lift up Yourself to all as Head” (1Ch 29:11). His power is incomprehensible (Job 26:14), and with this power, He rules forever (Psa 66:7). His creation speaks of the glory of His kingdom and talks of His power to make known to mankind His mighty deeds, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Indeed, His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His rule endures throughout all generations (Psa 145:11-13). Without any contradictions, “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Rev 7:12). The power of God can adopt sinners and transform them to be His own children.

The Power of Adoption

“He came to His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name, who were born, not of bloods, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but were born of God” (Joh 1:11-13).

It could be read that one form of power given to believers is that which makes them children of God. It is the legal authority to authenticate their adoption as children. They receive authority to be called children of God and that gives them the legal right to be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). Being heirs of God, they should not allow anything (humans or spirits) to intimidate them and rob them of their inheritance. Once adopted as children, believers are given power over the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2) through His grace.

Power Over Demons

Believers also have received power over devils. This is evidenced in Jesus´s own words when He says that “Behold, I give to you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the authority of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luk 10:19). The protection Jesus promises is like that which God promised in the Old Testament (Deu 8:15, Psa 91:13). Scorpions are being used as a metaphor for human obstacles to one’s ministry as detailed in the book of Ezekiel where it is written “And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them, and of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words, nor frightened by their faces, though they are a rebellious house” (Eze 2:6). Serpents are sometimes associated with Satan, demons or magic powers, probably. They also represent the hosts of Satan (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia).

Having the above assurances, believers should not be afraid of their enemies. Paul writes that if God is on our side no one can be against us (Rom 8:31). Witches and wizards, principalities and powers and all that have names cannot stand against the child of God if the Almighty God is on their side. In fact, the promise that “No weapon that is formed against you shall be blessed; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah” (Isa 54:17), should be trusted by all believers because all the promises of God are yes, and amen (2 Co 1:20). Divine protection is the privilege or right of the children of God.

Power to Witness

It is further read that “Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given to Me in Heaven and in earth. Therefore, go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen” (Mat 28:18-20). This is affirmed by the promise made to the disciples before the ascension of Jesus Christ, the Lord. They were told to wait in Jerusalem until they were endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit from above so that they could be witnesses to Him in all over the world (Luk 24:49, Acts 1:8). It is recorded that “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). The preaching of the gospel of Christ is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit (1Co 2:4; 1Th 1:5). It could be stated that the protective power of God given to believers is not for fun making, but for defeating the devils as they embark on the great commission.

Power for Healing, Deliverance, and Miracles

As believers go about witnessing about Christ, they are supposed to heal people of their diseases and deliver them from the powers of the enemy. It is read that:

“He went up into a mountain and called near those whom He would. And they came to Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them out to proclaim, and to have authority to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons” (Mar 3:13-15).

Jesus solemnly says to His disciples: “According to the authority vested in Me by God the Father, I hereby confer upon you the power to heal sickness and to cast out demons with all of the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.” (The preacher´s commentary of the Bible). The Apostles of Christ Jesus healed many sick people and delivered many demons possessed persons. Dead people were also brought back to life (Mar 6:13, Acts 3:1-13, Acts 5:12-16, Acts 9:36-43, Acts 20:9-12). The power to heal the sick and cast out devils is not for a selected few believers but anyone who believes in Christ Jesus and believes that God can do it through him/her by the power of the Holy Spirit. This power is not only for the Apostles, but anyone who believes (Mar 16:15-18).

Conclusion

Children of God are the recipients of the Holy Spirit power of all its dimensions: the power to be adopted children of God, the power over demons, the power to witness Christ, and the power to heal the sick and deliver the demon-possessed persons. God does not discriminate concerning the power of grace to perform on His behalf. Anyone who believes has the right to the power of God and His Christ.

Prayer: Almighty Father, we thank you for your reminder, we pray for your revival in our churches. May your children be energized to rekindle your gifts and abilities in them so that they can truly be what you have called them to be. In Jesus´ name. AMEN!