When I look at the accounts of the displays of the supernatural power of God in the early church, a frustration with the state of the church today rises up in me and expresses itself with three words: “It’s NOT okay!” It’s not okay for sons and daughters of God to be treading water and waiting for the sweet by and by. It’s not okay for the heirs of God to live this life in powerlessness while we sing, “When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be.” The Spirit of the resurrection dwells in us now!1 That power gives life to our mortal bodies, and that glory resides in us to be released!
Peter understood who he was in Christ. He was able to look into the eyes of a lame man, take him firmly by his hand, pull him to his feet, and release the healing power of God so much so that the man was leaping and dancing! Why? Because he knew what he had and he knew how to give it away.
“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)2
Peter knew he was a son of God in the earth, crowned in the glory of Jesus Christ, and he revealed the glory of the Lord in the earth. The people were astonished at this power they saw demonstrated through the life of Peter. Here was his response to them:
“Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?…And His name [Jesus], through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes THROUGH HIM has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:12, 16, emphasis mine)
(from pages 80-81 of Unveiling Jesus)
Want more from Tricia Gunn? Check out excerpts from the Unveiling Jesus 20-part series!
Unveiling Jesus, by Tricia Gunn, is a verse by verse study of the pure gospel of grace. It’s an amazing journey of love, identity, and freedom in Christ.
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1Romans 8:11
2All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
