Rhema obviously tales a different view, and i tried to explain, although not very successfully, that i agree Christ has both the authority and power to do whatever he pleases on this Earth, i dont question that, but that for whatever reason at the moment he judges not to exercise that Authority and Power.
Hi Rad,
First I wish to address this -
whenever i comment i should preface it with "I believe", and sometimes i forget, but the intention is always there. I am not learned in Scripture as some are on these forums but always try to put into practice when faced with any situation the two greatest Commandments, to love god with all your Heart Body and Soul and your neighbour as yourself.
... and apologize for what can be seen as a harshness in my posts. I do recognize that you're willing to learn, and I appreciate the candor and humility that you've exhibited when posting your views. But I'm sure you can understand my exasperation when confronted by an overwhelming expression of unbelief found within the church writ large. While you as an individual are posting the views of a single person (yourself), I readily admit that my reply is affected by the thousands (yes, thousands) of voices that have been saying the exact same thing.
Now I am glad to hear that you "agree Christ has both the authority and power to do whatever he pleases on this Earth." But if this is truly the case, then you must disavow yourself of the belief that Satan is in control, (and or the "god" of this world) - and you need to stop saying this within your heart and your mouth. Life and death is in the power of the tongue. And Faith is expressed in the words we say:
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
(Mark 11:22-24 KJV)
I understand that believing the words of Jesus as found in the above passage is difficult. Yet look at this one phrase, "he shall have whatsoever he saith" - by saying that Satan is control of all the governments of the world (in direct opposition to Mat. 28:18) we make void the Word of God (i.e. Jesus) and in essence release faith for this to become true. Whenever that thought comes to mind, assassinate it - with prejudice, and replace it with Mat 28:18 - as an
unconditional belief.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
(2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV)
May I encourage you to bring into captivity every thought that stands in opposition to Mat. 28:18 ?? Including this one ??
... that for whatever reason at the moment he judges not to exercise that Authority and Power.
Because He does exercise that Authority and Power each and every moment. Where?
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(Ephesians 4:8 KJV)
Jesus exercises that Authority and Power through the disciples to whom He has given His authority and power -
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be μάρτυς of me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
(Acts 1:8 KJV)
Jesus anoints His disciples as His Regents upon the Earth.
If this seem radical to you, it's because the Church has truly lost its faith, and no longer walks in the power of Christ (like the British TV show "Rev"). Have you ever been taught that you are to be a Regent? How can you know if you've not been taught this? I've already answered your question about how I can be so assured (an assurance that undoubtedly looks like arrogance). But I can admit two things. It has taken me a long time to learn this from the Father, and I all too readily lose patience with those who profess belief and yet turn around to voice unbelief.
Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
(Luke 18:8 KJV)
This breaks my heart everyday. It's like the man who lives as a pauper because he has no knowledge that he is an heir of billions. Is not Jesus King of King? (Then are you not a King?) Is not Jesus Lord of Lords? (Then are you not a Lord?)
I've already posted the passage that teaches the principle "according to your faith so be it". Allow me to point out another passage:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
(John 14:12 KJV)
That is the measure of faith - the measure by which faith should be measured. Are we doing greater works than Jesus?
The simple question is, do you (we) actually believe this? God sits in the heavens perplexed that His Regents sit and do nothing, or think to use the police powers of human governments to accomplish His will or worse yet, to reduce the gospel to mere humanitarianism.
So where does Jesus say that his "Authority / Power" been placed in a Regency of the Disciples?
The exact same place where he declared to have that Authority / Power:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power/authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)
And having come near, Jesus spake to them, saying, 'Given to me was all authority in heaven and on earth; having gone, then, disciple all the nations, (baptizing them—to the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all, whatever I did command you,) and lo, I am with you all the days—till the full end of the age.'
(Matthew 28:18-20 YLT)
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
(Matthew 16:19 KJV)
If you have not been given the keys.... Mr. Rad, go get them.
Rhema
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
(Matthew 13:45-46 KJV)
