Today’s Christianity is often characterised by preaching passive comfort and acceptance of slavery-like conditions. Many Christians have grown complacent in a foreign land, denying the power of their God to deliver them. They have neglected the power of the gospel, which is supposed to be the means of God’s salvation. This power is capable of breaking bondage and setting captives free. It is a power that commands enemies to submit. However, we have become too comfortable relying solely on God’s provision for our daily bread and have neglected the power and establishment of His kingdom on earth.

The ultimate focus of God’s children should be on His power, kingdom, and glory. We must explore the power of God to liberate ourselves from oppressive forces, both individually and collectively. Unfortunately, many churches today focus on events, programmes and fundraising, neglecting the expansion of God’s kingdom. The present leaders of these churches often accumulate wealth and build magnificent structures and also engaging in profit-driven entrepreneurial activities. While it is important to be financially accountable and transparent, this pursuit of wealth has diminished the usefulness and essence of the church.

If the church truly embraced the power of God on a national scale, as exemplified by Elijah’s confrontation with King Ahab and the display of divine fire on Mount Carmel, governments would tread softly. The passivity of the church has brought ridicule upon the name of God, making it seem as if we serve a dead and powerless deity. The church needs to be reborn and change its approach, understanding that God possesses multifaceted power.

Elijah single-handedly controlled the weather over the entire land and struck fear into the heart of the king and military. In contrast, many church leaders today display opulence and wealth without demonstrating the power of God. Moses challenged the authority of his time with divine backing, leading to the emancipation of Israel. The church must not be content with simply performing miracles or bringing people into the kingdom. Instead, we must operate in the power dimension on a national and global scale, confronting the spiritual forces that oppose God’s kingdom.

God is both a supernatural provider (Jehovah Jireh) and a man of war (Jehovah Nissi). He can assume any personality necessary for any given circumstance. The church must display the realities of God’s power to trample upon the enemies of the kingdom, rather than solely focusing on acquiring wealth. We need to stand against the wiles of the devil, especially in high places of political power, rather than leaving smaller churches to battle with individual spiritual battles.

God gives power to accumulate wealth and destroy the works of the devil. The church must recognise the power available to them and understand when to go on the offensive or defend against the enemy. These are military strategies in spiritual warfare. We should not be solely interested in accumulating wealth to compensate for years of poverty or to prove that God can elevate individuals. Instead, we should demonstrate God’s power to the heathen, causing them to fear and respect Him as a consuming fire.

In the days of His power, the church will achieve tremendous feats in defeating its enemies. We must understand that we are in a battle and be willing to demonstrate God’s power through our actions. While it is important to turn the other cheek when slapped, we should also recognise the tremendous power given to us to deal with the enemy. The devil often confuses the church by emphasising one aspect, while muting another, such as reminding us not to touch God’s anointed or harm His prophets. We need to be sensitive to discern when to launch an offensive or fight defensively.

In a popular television series called “Game Of Thrones,” a character proclaimed, “knowledge is power,” but another character countered, “power is power.” True power belongs to those who can wield and control it. We need to understand the power dimension of God and not just acquire knowledge without the ability to exercise and manifest that power.
• Tishegunfunmi Ade’Adegbesan is the President/Founder of DPartakers Kingdom