Dunamis-- The Power of God

Dunamis—The Power of God

By Pastor Sharron Scott, Let Go and Soar Ministries

April 18, 2015

Strong's Concordance defines dunamis as “(miraculous) power, might, strength”

God our Father-Creator spoke, and the world was formed. He breathed, and Adam had life, and the breath of God. These actions, the movements of God are called “DUNAMIS” in Greek.

God the Son used DUNAMIS on earth when breathing life into the dead, healing the sick and delivering the oppressed and possessed. He exhibited this power when suffering and dying on the cross. His very blood carries this power. Indeed, his name alone bears it.

He rose from the dead, entered hell, obtained the keys to life and death, and returned to heaven by this power. He returned to earth and ate, drank and prayed amongst his beloved by this power.

In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus told his apostles “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Why?

In Acts 2:1-47 we read the account of Pentecost, where the beloved were doing what they were commanded; waiting in the Upper Room for the gift of God. Not knowing what specifically this was, or when exactly it would happen, or what it would be like, they obeyed. What ensued was the most amazing experience any group of humans could ever have-- a powerful encounter with the DUNAMIS of God, His Holy Spirit. They were spiritually set on fire and breathed into, and began to speak as they never had before. God's Holy Spirit, and his power, now lived in them. The sound was so mighty that people could hear it from far away. Suddenly, our words had power.

Standing with his brothers, Peter, for the first time in his life, stepped into the forefront and preached his first sermon. In Acts 2:14 we read a most eloquent account of what more than 3000 people were seeing and hearing. He miraculously connects the experience with scripture he has known most of his life-- Joel 2:28-32, and Psalm 16:8-11. He declares the glory of God through Jesus Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension.

He brings to the crowd's attention that they, the people crucified Christ. This horrified the people, and caused them to ask what they should do! They did not want to stay as they were. Peter brought them to receive Christ right then and there, telling them that they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He would live in them. He also told them that “The Promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” “Will call” indicating future action by God. This was for all people, forever.

If we refer back to Peter's recital of Joel 2:28-32, we will realize what exactly that means. Men and women, and children as well will receive the DUNAMIS, the Holy Spirit of God. About 3000 of them accepted his message and immediately became members of the body of Christ. And they took this home to their families. Remember, Peter said it was for their children and all people!

When a people carry within them the DUNAMIS of God, the Holy Spirit, what does that mean? We know that God is the same yesterday, today and always. We know that what God does for one, he intends to continue doing for others. He would NOT give this DUNAMIS, this gift of the Holy Spirit to more than 3000 people, after telling them through Peter, that it was “for all whom the Lord our God will call” and then never do it again.

God desires that all shall be saved. ALL. Would he withhold his DUNAMIS gift from some, and only give it to others? That makes no sense. Not when we read Peter's words. God our Father NEVER reneges on his promises, never misleads, never plays favorites, never lies. You can be assured what he gave to the apostles, the 3000, their families, and others, he also intends for you.

Why? Well, to answer that we need to go back to the Garden of Eden. In Genesis we learn that mankind began making ungodly decisions that have adversely affected God's once-perfect creation, the earth and it's people. BUT because of his love for us, he planned for our redemption through the shed blood of his only son Jesus, and through that sacrifice the gift of his Holy Spirit, his DUNAMIS power. The pure expression of his love.

You ask again, why would God do this? By giving us this DUNAMIS POWER, he has equipped us with everything we need to repair the damage we have done to this world. John 3:16 begins “For God so loved the world....” We make the mistake of time and time again crying out to God to fix our world, and clean up our mistakes. Just as in the Garden we had to pay the consequences for our poor choices, we have to do that now. WE are responsible for the restoration of the earth and God's people. And this we cannot do on our own, with our own capabilities. History has shown that.

Now let's understand one thing very clearly: this is not about the power of mankind. This is not about us being filled with power to use for anything we want. We have a great deal to learn before God will use ANY of us. And that's the point. The Dunamis gift is an open channel by which God uses us, his creation, to do his will here on earth, not like the 80s cartoon characters Pinky and the Brain, who wanted to “take over the world!”

What do we need to do? First, we must totally and completely surrender our hearts, minds, bodies and spirits to God. We must ask him to separate us from our sin, and ask for forgiveness. We must REPENT, which means change our way of thinking. And we must BELIEVE that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus was for US. We must BELIEVE what scripture teaches. We cannot serve God without total surrender. That takes TRUST in God's love for us. We must trust him enough to lay down our lives for him, accept his perfect will for us, and then become obedient to his will. Even to death. Stepping out, taking risks, WITHOUT THE FEAR OF MAN. What does that mean?

Fear of man means you don't want to rock the boat, so you live a “normal” life, hoping that God can use that in some way to bless someone. Because if you step out in faith and witness to someone, or declare healing for them, or speak an affirming word over them, they might run in the opposite direction. Or you might be ostracized. You think “No, God can use me in my everyday life, without me taking risks.” Or “If I take a risk I might blow the only chance I have with that person to witness for Christ.” Or, “I received Christ. Now all I really have to do is be a good person until I die and go to heaven.”

One thing I have learned is that the Word of God does not EVER return void. And any word spoken for him is his word. He can use even our stumbling, bumbling attempts to make HUGE changes in someone, reaching even the most desperately lost people. It is HIS power, not ours. That's a fact. Oh, it may not be apparent to you immediately, but your words on behalf of Christ speak life into each person EVERY TIME. It may not take root and grow for years, but you must have faith that God is at work through you. Don't be selfish enough to think you need to see results each time. God knows what he's doing. And he's always doing.

If you are having difficulty believing this whole thing, I would venture to say you have never recognized or experienced a miracle in your life. A healing. A deliverance. A shocking move of God. OR you have, but have been blind. Pray for God to open your eyes and heart today, and you will begin to see his DUNAMIS. This I promise.

If we, the Body of Christ, do not step out, take up the authority given us by Christ through his torture, death and resurrection, and receive the DUNAMIS power of the Holy Spirit and utilize it in our own lives and the lives of others, Christ died for nothing. We have failed to take the responsibility of cleaning up our own mess. And we dishonor God.

And, in my question that shocks many, I ask “What if Jesus is waiting for us to finally get this before he returns?”

We MUST confess our sins, repent, surrender, accept our authority as given by Jesus in Matthew 28:18, our Great Commission. We must receive the DUNAMIS power of the Holy Spirit, and the responsibility to use it to carry out that commission. We must heal each other and this world. We can minimize drastically the number of people that have to experience the Great Tribulation, spoken of in the book of Revelation. We can become the New Jerusalem.

What are you waiting for, an act of God? Well, we've already received that if we have received Christ. I can assure you, we have nothing left to wait for. God has done everything.

God is just waiting on us. When you die and go to heaven, and sit and talk with Jesus about your life, you will not be able to say “I didn't know!” Now you do know. What will you do with this knowledge? I personally intend to follow God's lead and obediently do whatever he calls us to do to change this town, this county, this state, this country, this world. It may not look like much at first, but it will happen-- in a mighty wave!.

Allow yourself the luxury of imagination for a moment: what if (and we are talking God's what if) every one of us made this decision? Immediately? And began to walk it out in our own homes, and lives? What would our towns look like? What would change? I'd personally like to see this. You see, when we gather together --“whenever two or more gather together.....” the DUNAMIS POWER is multiplied. More love, more power. It starts with YOUR choice. Don't wait for someone else to do it. It is YOUR responsibility.

God didn't give this gift to you to keep for yourself. He never does. He gives you gifts to give to others. But you can't give what you haven't received. Won't you receive him today?

If you have not yet done so, or if you'd like to re-affirm your vow to him, I invite you to pray this prayer with me:

“Great and glorious Father God, Majesty, I love you. I believe in you, and I thank you for creating me. I am grateful to be living in this moment right now.

I believe that mankind sinned, creating a separation between you and me. And I believe you love me so much that you sacrificed your only son Jesus on my behalf. I believe he was tortured to heal my sicknesses, he died on the cross as a substitute for my sin. Because whenever mankind sinned, something had to die. He died to create the everlasting covenant between me and you.

I believe that Jesus rose from the dead, and captured the keys to life and death from hell. He ascended to be seated at your right hand. And I believe he made it possible through his life and death, for me to receive your DUNAMIS POWER, your Holy Spirit.

I believe I have now received that power, the Holy Spirit, as I have received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior now and forever.

I surrender my life to you now, and will walk in obedience to your will and your Word. Show me what that looks like, dear Father. I long to do my part to change this world, to honor you.

Thank you, Lord. Amen

If you prayed that prayer, or one like it, I believe you have received Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the DUNAMIS of God. This won't take all of your problems away or mean life will always be easy, but realize that God loves you and will NEVER leave you. The life of a follower of Jesus is challenging, and He is worth it. Surround yourself with powerful people who will lift you up and show you who you are in God's eyes.

As for the rest of us who have already received Christ and the Holy Spirit, again I ask, what are you waiting for? POWER UP! Step out! Take risks! After all, no matter what you do, it's not dying on the cross.

Bless God and each other. And let there be peace on earth. Amen.