2013 Christ's Return or Christ's Presence? (Powerless Christians or Powerful Christians)

After Jesus was raised from the dead and just before He ascended to heaven, He had this encounter with the Apostles. Acts 1: 6-8 “So when they had come together, they asked him (Jesus), ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”

Powerless Christians have Jesus right in their midst and keep asking Him questions.  They keep looking forward to some move of God in the future.  They keep setting dates, disobeying Jesus’ words, trying to know the times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority.

He does not want us to know these things—He wants us to know Him and to live in His authority.

Powerless Christians have their eyes focused on the bad news of the world, for the kingdom and Jesus seem to be in the future and at a distance.  They stand staring up at heaven (vs. 10-11).

Powerful Christians see Jesus their midst here and now—in all places and at all times.  They recognize that they have received power in Abba's authority because the Holy Spirit has come upon them to be Jesus’ witnesses throughout the ends of the earth.

Surely, Jesus will return, but we do not have to worry about when that day will be.

We focus on the good news of Christ crucified, resurrected and ascended. He is in us and we are in Him seated at Abba’s right hand in the heavenly places. We go everywhere in His power and authority to continue living and sharing His gospel with everyone in Word and Spirit.

Beloved, enjoy the Kingdom now (2013) and forever in Christ.

Eric Wilding (WILDKING MINISTRIES)