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Divine Dynamite Series
Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 7, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: This is a sermon on the power of God (divine dynamite) and what it can do
* Dynamite = power // Divine Dynamite = power of God
* What we mean when we say we need to "live in the power of God" or we need to have the power of God: the ability to act in a situation so as to produce an effect or to exercise authority over something or someone
* Living in God’s power means that we allow God to act in our situation and we allow his authority to preside over our lives and in our situation.
* God’s desire has always been to demonstrate his power (i.e., delivering Israel from Egypt; Daniel in the lion’s den; fire down from heaven; etc.)
* We need to experience divine dynamite today because the situations we find ourselves in are too much for our power alone.
* Three truths about divine dynamite...
1. The Nature of Divine Dynamite (v. 22-36) = What it can do...
A. We can have the same type of power in our lives that God has and exhibited in the life of Christ!
- Romans 8:16-17 = the "heir" concept
- Luke 24:49 = divine power on eath
B. The power available to us is supernatural power
- It’s a power that enabled miracles, wonders, and signs (v. 22)
- It’s a power over death and the grave (v. 23-32)
- It’s a power over life itself (v. 36)
C. Because we have access to this kind of power, nothing is impossible for us to overcome!
2. How We Can Have Divine Dynamite (v. 37-38)
- Having and using God’s power is conditional = our actions determine if we experience it
- The "condition" we must meet is to be plugged in to God and his power (John 15:5)
- To remain in Christ means that we do practical things that keep us connected with Christ in a spiritually intimate way
- How to remain in Christ:
A. Continually repent
B. Become obedient
C. Identify with Christ by the way in which we live (Eph. 5:1)
3. The Results of Receiving Divine Dynamite (v. 38-41)
A. Our sins are forgiven (v. 38, 41): the repentance offered in verses 37-38 is effective
B. We experience the effect of the Holy Spirit (v. 38-39): when we change, things around us change
C. We exhibit righteousness in a corrupt generation (v. 40)