“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” – 1 Corinthians 4: 20
On September 17th, 1787 the United States Constitution was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates present. This document was to be, and still is, the supreme law of the United States of America. Originally consisting of seven articles, its authorship is both poetic and pointed. It defines the laws that govern our land. However, without the power of the people to enforce its statutes, and without the conviction to stand behind its principles; this great document is nothing more than words on a page. The birth of the constitution was the birth of the country. We had since liberated ourselves from tyranny, but still lacked a government to which we as a people could subscribe to and coexist under. The constitution filled that need amongst many others; but the document was only as powerful as the people who stood for it. The constitution itself speaks to this beginning with the words “We the people.” It was to be a government “by the people and for the people.” Without the people it is only words upon words.
A poll in April, 2013 shows that at least 88% of Americans own a Bible. The words found within your Bible are universal truth and law. They are the commandments of God himself, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are called by God to ascribe to its statues and live out its principles. It is the road map for our souls and the guide book for our lives. However, unlike the Constitution, it does not need the support of the people to make it valid. “The kingdom of God is not in word.” God’s truths do not live and die by what we say or what we write. “Let God be true and every man a liar” the scripture says. Though we have the blessing of the scriptures, they are not just words on a page, they are divinely appointed principles and laws drafted by God, held up by God, and enforced by God. The kingdom of God begins and ends in glorious power, His power. We must never make the mistake of believing that men validate God. Yet this does not absolve Christians of our duties as ambassadors; our lives as Christians underline the truth of God’s word, even if they do not write it. Our Christians live “adorn the gospel” and shine as a beacon of hope to the unregenerate and unredeemed. We walk by faith, in the privilege of being called to this purpose of serving the Almighty.
It is the power of God that changes lives, the power of God that overcomes the Devil, the power of God that conquers the grave. Jesus Christ came in power and might, he walked the road of human life, he bled and died, and on the third day the power of God raised him from the grave. How hard is it for God to raise you out of sin? The kingdom of God does not exist in word, if it did, it would need us. God does not need us, he wants us, he desires us. His kingdom exists in power, unimaginable power, and that power can exist in you.
