Jesus Is All the Power You Need

Power. Nuclear power. Electrical power. Political power. All power pales in comparison to our All-Powerful God.

Nebuchadnezzar found this out the hard way. As the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most powerful people on the planet. He built his country from a third-rate Third World step child into a dominating superpower.

With a powerful military machine, he bullied neighboring nations into submission. Through an amazing domestic revitalization, Nebuchadnezzar brought his people up from the ashes. He ordered the construction of shipping docks, canals, aqueducts and temples. He built not one, but three opulent palaces. The king actually ordered that his name be stamped on every brick used in construction to make sure all would know of his power.

His most impressive accomplishment may have been a gift for his wife. His new bride was a native of the mountains. Nebuchadnezzar literally built her a mountain in the middle of the capital city, covering it with an amazing array of plants and trees. It became known as "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon," one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

But it all came to sudden end one day when the king walked along the roof of his palace. Daniel 4:28-37 says that a voice from heaven told Nebuchadnezzar that his reign was over. Almighty God cut the arrogant monarch down to size. If that wasn't bad enough, the King of kings humbled the King of Babylon, making him believe he was a cow! For seven years, one of the most powerful persons on planet grazed the pasture like a Holstein!

And after a humbling seven years, a broken Nebuchadnezzar realized God's power and might. "He has the power to do as He pleases." (Daniel 4:35b NLT)

God's purpose was to make sure that we would all know that only God is Almighty. But what does it mean that God is powerful? While we can't comprehend the full scope of His power, five "Power Points" may help us appreciate His omnipotence.

1-The power of God is UNSTOPPABLE.
For our God is in the heavens, and He does as He wishes. (Psalm 15:3 NLT)

"...with God everything is possible." (Matthew 19:26 NLT)

2-The power of God is UNIMAGINABLE.
Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

3-The power of God is IRREVERSIBLE.
"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse My actions." (Isaiah 43:13 NLT)

4-The power of God is AVAILABLE.
"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

5-The power of God is the GOSPEL.
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--Jews first and also Gentiles. (Romans 1:16)

Coming to some understanding and comprehension of the power of Almighty God has incredible consequences on our daily lives. Simply put, how powerful is your God? Sadly, it seems that so many of us end up worhsiping an impotent God with an impotent Gospel. If our Omnipotent God can literally speak the universe into existence from absolute nothing, then He is powerful enough to do a great work through us and in us!

John Piper sums it up best.
To be gripped by the omnipotence of God is either marvelous because He is for us or terrifying because He is against us. Indifference to His omnipotence simply means we haven't seen it for what it is.

As Nebuchadnezzar stated so simply 2700 years ago, "He has the power to do as He pleases."

Jesus is all the power you need.

In Christ,
Jay

From a sermon at Freedom River Community Church on August 3, 2008.