"For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power."
I grew up in a church tradition that emphasized the word and The Word. In no way do I speak disparagingly of that tradition because The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This traditions' emphasis on Jesus is phenomenal and on knowledge of the word of God is priceless. My deep roots in the written word of Truth began in this tradition and I am forever thanking God for the training and love I received through the years from my precious brothers and sisters. As a result of this background, I have been able to navigate the waters of living a Spirit-filled life based in the Truth of the written word.
The verse above, though, continues to push the envelope for many, especially those in denominational backgrounds where manifestations of the power of God were not openly accepted and at times not welcomed. The kingdom of God is about the power of God changing people's lives from the inside out. Jesus, when He walked the earth, walked in power. Indeed, He spoke, He taught, He preached the word; but He WAS THE WORD and walked in the power of His Father and of the Kingdom. So, He touched people and they were healed, He commanded and demons fled, He cried out and one of His best friends was raised from the dead...the list goes on and on.
The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead dwells in us believers! Jesus Himself, through the Holy Spirit, lives in each believer! So, not only do we have the Word in us, but we have the power of the kingdom within us. Really, it's a 'both/and' not an 'either/or' as some traditions have labeled themselves: we are this way and that church is that way; or we believe this and they believe that. I look forward to the day when the church is the church that God intended her to be, when the Bride of Christ is moving in word and power as she should, without hindrance and lives are transformed, mind, body, soul and spirit. Let us not limit the power of God.
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