Power – Apprentice 2 Jesus

The poor and the powerful

People who don’t go to jail for exploiting the poor. Among them now is former NFL QB Brett Favre. He took huge amounts of money from the state of Mississippi that was earmarked for welfare programs. He then helped funnel $5 million from that fund to help build a volleyball arena at his alma mater.

I’m always left with… WOW

2 Peter 1:2-11 is an all-time favorite passage. It is majestic. It is challenging. It is a high calling. And… it is attainable. All we need to walk in this majestic calling has already been given.

Power hungry

Mark 10:42–45 (NIV): Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants toContinue reading “Power hungry”

The great temptation to avoid the work of the Cross

Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

When we have power and no authority

Mark 3:20–22 (NIV): 20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “[He is out of his mind].” 22 And the teachers of the law who cameContinue reading “When we have power and no authority”

Our true fear

Our true fear as culturalized Christians is we like power and provision. We’re doing well. We’re in the spheres of influence. To give that up willingly is an abhorrent thought.

The depths of culturalized Christianity

John Fea calls them “court evangelicals.” I want to go a bit further and use the term: “culturalized Christians.” It’s not a good term, but I start there.

Prevailing prayer

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. (Eph. 6:18)

When we tire of prayer

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” (Luke 9:41, NIV)

The loss of “power” and finding POWER

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weaknessContinue reading “The loss of “power” and finding POWER”