In every generation, the gatekeepers of religion—those entrusted with spiritual leadership—face the temptation of control. Too often, they prefer that the sick stay sick, the blind remain blind, and the discouraged stay downcast, all to preserve their authority or validate their doctrines. But this is not the way of Christ.
If you find yourself in a fellowship where there is no evidence of God's power—no healing, no transformation, no breakthroughs—don't just sit quietly. Run.
Still, seek God in truth more than running. Power is not a side effect of spirituality—it’s a sign that you’re touching the living God. God is Power. If the Holy Spirit dwells within you, His power should manifest through you. If it’s not, something must shift.
Why Some Leaders Don’t Walk in Power
Many religious leaders and fellowships lack power because:
- They have no real relationship with Jesus. Their faith is more institutional than intimate.
- They live a defensive lifestyle. Rather than advancing God's kingdom, they focus on preserving their position.
- They are in love with their theology, not the Living Word. Their theology is mostly intellectual, built on arguments and traditions, but lacking the living revelation of Jesus.
- They fear spiritual disruption. True power challenges systems, and many would rather keep things “safe” than alive.
- They love to be the last to speak. Consistently positioning themselves as the final authority, they silence true spiritual hunger and move of the Spirit.
This creates a spiritually dry atmosphere. Knowledge is abundant, but transformation is rare. Influence is protected, but power is missing.
Three Scriptural Witnesses
1. The Pharisees vs. Jesus (John 9)
In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind. Rather than celebrate the miracle, the Pharisees interrogate the man and his family. They even accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath.
“We know this man is a sinner,” they said.
The healed man replied: “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:24–25)
Why the resistance? Because the miracle undermined their control and exposed their lack of true spiritual power.
2. Stephen Confronts the Religious System (Acts 6–7)
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit and power, performed great wonders among the people. But religious leaders rose against him. He boldly confronted them:
“You stiff-necked people... You always resist the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 7:51)
They couldn't stand the truth or the power, and so they stoned him.
3. Paul Warns of Empty Religion (2 Timothy 3:5)
Paul prophesied that many would have:
“a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:5)
This is the clearest warning: spiritual forms without spiritual power are a danger. Avoid them.
Start With You — And Expect Resistance
If you long to see God’s power, begin with yourself. Seek His face. Realign your heart. Walk closely with those who burn for Him. But understand this:
When you begin to walk in truth, resistance is not a possibility—it’s a certainty. Here are two powerful examples:
1. Jesus in His Hometown (Luke 4:24–30)
When Jesus returned to Nazareth and spoke in the synagogue, He revealed truth that challenged their pride and spiritual assumptions. At first, they were amazed—but once He confronted their spiritual complacency, they turned violently against Him.
“No prophet is accepted in his hometown.” (Luke 4:24)
“They got up, drove him out of the town... intending to throw him off the cliff.” (v.29)
Why the resistance? Familiarity breeds contempt. When you break away from religious comfort zones, even those closest to you may turn on you.
2. Gideon Tears Down His Father’s Altar (Judges 6:25–30)
God called Gideon to confront idolatry, starting in his own family. He tore down his father’s altar to Baal and built one to the Lord. The next morning, the town wanted to kill him.
“Bring out your son... He must die, because he has broken down Baal’s altar.” (Judges 6:30)
Why the resistance? Because truth disrupts tradition. When you act in obedience, even longtime religious structures—sometimes built by your own "spiritual family"—will fight to preserve themselves.
Conclusion: Start With You
Seeking truth and power begins with personal surrender. But don’t be naive—truth exposes darkness, and darkness resists the light.
Still, start with you. Let God change your heart. Let Him empower you. Then, carry that fire wherever He sends you—even if it costs you.
Because in the end, the Truth is worth the fire.
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