We live in a world that is often filled with beauty and I love that. I see it when I look at creation or a child laughing while swinging in the park or a million other things. I am sure you could make a long list of things of beauty if you wanted. Today I want to take this moment to encourage you to pay attention and notice those things.
But then I also need to acknowledge that my world is a bit off or more accurate a lot off the mark as well. It is broken and tainted by sin. We can read about it or watch it on TV. People taking advantage of each other and treating others in ways they shouldn’t. We hear words that are intended to destroy. It is obvious that all is not well.
One way that I think the world’s brokenness is most noticeable is to consider power. This is a concept or a thing that is pursued by individuals, groups and countries. It is often chased after for one’s own glory; then used to oppress others or at least to feel prideful and superior. There are so many different flavors of power that we try to gain. Here are just a few – physical, financial, political, military, positional, informational, expertise and charisma.
Each of these forms of power can either be on your side or they can be working against you. Many people in the world will spend their entire life trying to align themselves with power or prestige in one way or another to attain something that is really unattainable when you seek it on your own. That something can be described as peace, hope, contentment, confidence, joy or “life to the fullest”.
The great news for all of us today is that the actual holder of all the power and the things that will ultimately bring us a full life are found in the same place. That place is a person and that person is Jesus! If that weren’t good enough news on its own it only gets better. As I mentioned earlier people seek to align themselves with power all the days of their life; well Jesus has made it very clear that He wants you to know that He has chosen to be on your side. You do not need to wonder. He has declared it and he never lies.
Jesus loves you and He holds power over sin and death. He wants to be the ruler of your life He will not just use you up but He will bless you; He will not oppress you but He will set you free.
Jesus said in John 10.10, “I have come to bring life – abundant life!”
As Jesus was before Pontius Pilate facing death He confidently declared his power at all times and in all places. In John 19.11 Jesus told Pilate, “You have no power over me…”
This Sunday’s message will reflect on the authority and true power of Jesus as we consider his question from Matthew 12.29, “How can someone enter the strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?”
Jesus wants us to know Him as the one that is stronger than anything that stands against us or any fear that is removing our peace. Jesus is the Lord of all!
In Christ’s power,
Pastor Nick
But then I also need to acknowledge that my world is a bit off or more accurate a lot off the mark as well. It is broken and tainted by sin. We can read about it or watch it on TV. People taking advantage of each other and treating others in ways they shouldn’t. We hear words that are intended to destroy. It is obvious that all is not well.
One way that I think the world’s brokenness is most noticeable is to consider power. This is a concept or a thing that is pursued by individuals, groups and countries. It is often chased after for one’s own glory; then used to oppress others or at least to feel prideful and superior. There are so many different flavors of power that we try to gain. Here are just a few – physical, financial, political, military, positional, informational, expertise and charisma.
Each of these forms of power can either be on your side or they can be working against you. Many people in the world will spend their entire life trying to align themselves with power or prestige in one way or another to attain something that is really unattainable when you seek it on your own. That something can be described as peace, hope, contentment, confidence, joy or “life to the fullest”.
The great news for all of us today is that the actual holder of all the power and the things that will ultimately bring us a full life are found in the same place. That place is a person and that person is Jesus! If that weren’t good enough news on its own it only gets better. As I mentioned earlier people seek to align themselves with power all the days of their life; well Jesus has made it very clear that He wants you to know that He has chosen to be on your side. You do not need to wonder. He has declared it and he never lies.
Jesus loves you and He holds power over sin and death. He wants to be the ruler of your life He will not just use you up but He will bless you; He will not oppress you but He will set you free.
Jesus said in John 10.10, “I have come to bring life – abundant life!”
As Jesus was before Pontius Pilate facing death He confidently declared his power at all times and in all places. In John 19.11 Jesus told Pilate, “You have no power over me…”
This Sunday’s message will reflect on the authority and true power of Jesus as we consider his question from Matthew 12.29, “How can someone enter the strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?”
Jesus wants us to know Him as the one that is stronger than anything that stands against us or any fear that is removing our peace. Jesus is the Lord of all!
In Christ’s power,
Pastor Nick
