SOVEREIGNTY
Have you ever contemplated the sovereignty of God and the sovereignty of man? It seems to be a controversial topic whether it applies to God only or to man as well. What exactly does this word mean?
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, sovereignty means supreme power or controlling influence. The word is often used of political power, but Christians apply this word to God and His right and power to do what He wants. The sovereignty of God is one of those theological ideas that causes some significant challenges in the lives of believers. If God is in control, then we blame Him for sending tornadoes, floods and other disasters. We find some comfort in being able to blame Him instead of consider our own responsibilities. Some even think that God meant them to suffer in order to serve some higher purpose. Unfortunately, that’s false comfort because God is not in control of everything that happens on Earth.
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, sovereignty means supreme power or controlling influence. The word is often used of political power, but Christians apply this word to God and His right and power to do what He wants. The sovereignty of God is one of those theological ideas that causes some significant challenges in the lives of believers. If God is in control, then we blame Him for sending tornadoes, floods and other disasters. We find some comfort in being able to blame Him instead of consider our own responsibilities. Some even think that God meant them to suffer in order to serve some higher purpose. Unfortunately, that’s false comfort because God is not in control of everything that happens on Earth.
If we examine Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make man in our image after our likeness and let them have dominion...” The Hebrew root word for image is ghost or shadow and the word for likeness is interpreted as resemblance. Certainly, that cannot just mean in fleshly appearance only for we understand that God is a Spirit (John 4:24) and we are a temple that houses God. (2 Corinthians 6:16-18) Instead, God was describing the dominion and authority that He has given to man. Dominion, of course, is another name for sovereignty. Sovereign God gave us sovereign authority.
We know God is sovereign enough to control all things, but since He didn’t want to exert His power over mankind in order to control us, he placed his power within us, to give us the right to rule and cultivate the earth, and to govern ourselves. So, the true meaning of sovereignty is about one’s ability to govern oneself, not the use of power to control other people or things.
We know God is sovereign enough to control all things, but since He didn’t want to exert His power over mankind in order to control us, he placed his power within us, to give us the right to rule and cultivate the earth, and to govern ourselves. So, the true meaning of sovereignty is about one’s ability to govern oneself, not the use of power to control other people or things.
Unfortunately, when Adam and Eve sinned, they lost this sovereignty and were cursed to be under the dominion of flesh and circumstance. But, Praise be to God, Jesus broke that curse when He shed His blood for our sins! Now, we can be born again into the family of God with the same Spirit we had in the garden. The Holy Spirit comes to live in us to teach, guide and direct us in the sovereignty we have now repossessed.
The question becomes, will we be able to cope with the simplicity and freedom of being guided and cared for by God and walk intimately with the Holy Spirit. Only those willing to accept their true identity in Christ will have the strength to take 100% responsibility for their lives while relying on the unlimited power being connected to God brings.
KLN
The question becomes, will we be able to cope with the simplicity and freedom of being guided and cared for by God and walk intimately with the Holy Spirit. Only those willing to accept their true identity in Christ will have the strength to take 100% responsibility for their lives while relying on the unlimited power being connected to God brings.
KLN
Visiting the Body of Christ
We have been visiting churches in the area in the hope of networking with fellow Christians as we search to bring unity, and build the Kingdom of God. It is amazing to see the work that these bodies are doing for their communities. We hope to visit your church in the weeks to come!
First Baptist Church of Deer Trail - Pastor Sam Courts Journey Church Strasburg - Pastor Dusty Morris Calvary Baptist Bennett- Pastor Bob McCurley Mountain View Christian Strasburg - Pastor Donn Headley Strasburg Community Church - Pastor Steve Musser Living Springs Cowboy Church Byers- Pastor Zac Sanger Save the Cowboy Kiowa - Kevin Weatherby Cornerstone Fellowship - Pastor Keith Sauder |
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Galatians 6:2 encourages fellow believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a community, we are bound together with the love of Christ. We exhibit that love through prayer for one another. Someone in our midst may be hurting, believing for a new job, seeking direction from God. When we come together in agreement for each other, we see God begin to work! We want to agree with you. We encourage our readers to let us know what we can all agree on for you. If you have a specific need that you would like us to pray for, let us know. The Word of God compels us to pray for one another in the community where we live. So agree with us as we pray for each other!
Click on the "Comments Page" button below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Click on the "Comments Page" button below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Community Prayer List
Calling all Prayer Warriors:
-Pray for PL for her continual guidance from God.
-Pray for RG, he is home from rehab, but still needs healing for his back.