power in Christianity

✝️ The Main Idea

The lecture emphasizes that power in Christianity is not weakness nor domination, but an inner spiritual power that comes from God, appears in the believer’s life and behavior, and works through meekness and humility without losing its authority.

Divine Power in Christ

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that man was created in the image of God, and therefore also in the image of God’s power. The Lord Jesus Christ, despite His meekness and humility, was powerful in all stages of His life: in His ministry, in His silence during trial, in His crucifixion, in His resurrection, and in His appearance to His disciples.

Power in the Church and the Apostles

This power was transmitted to the apostles through the Holy Spirit, making them strong witnesses in preaching, and Christianity spread rapidly and powerfully throughout the world. The Church herself was described as “awesome as an army with banners,” indicating her unconquerable spiritual power.

True Power in the Life of the Believer

His Holiness explains that Christian power is:

• An inner spiritual power.
• A power whose source is God, not the human arm.
• A power used in a spiritual way, not a physical one.

Its first manifestation is victory over the self: control of the will, the thoughts, the senses, and the body, because whoever conquers himself can conquer the whole world.

Sources of Spiritual Power

Inner power comes from faith, asceticism, detachment, and freedom from worldly desires. A person who desires nothing and fears nothing is truly strong.

Practical Manifestations of Power

The strong believer is:

• Strong in firm repentance without returning to sin.
• Strong in love, sacrifice, and giving.
• Strong in obedience and fulfilling God’s commandments.
• Strong in endurance and steadfastness before offenses.
• Strong in service, influence, and the power of the word.

Conclusion

Christianity is a religion of power, but its power is not violence or pride; it is holy spiritual power that transforms the heart, builds the person, and glorifies God in the lives of His children.

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