TALK VERSUS POWER

(by Glenn Hall)

"The Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power." (I Cor. 4:20)

Today we all suffer under the ceaseless babble of Babylon the Great, especially those of us identified with Christ and the Christian Church. Those who calls themselves Christians express competing ideas on every conceivable doctrine, even as to whether or not a practicing homosexual can be a minister in good standing within the Church. Many Christians long for the power of the early church when men and women were healed and raised from the dead by the power of God. But, we long in vain for the power is here; it is now.

Most of us seem satisfied with talk, though, as long as it is the talk of the pastor or teacher we sit under week after week.

The "power" of God is the power of a holy life, a life lived in obedience to Christ’s commands. Jesus said, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17) This explains why doctrine is so confusing, such babble, today. Few seek to do God’s will. Instead we attempt to obtain God’s power to do our own will. He won’t give us His power when we walk in blatant sin and idolatry. Power will only come to and be exhibited through a holy life.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (I John 3:1-4)