What is the "power" or "dunamis" of God?

[Aquila]

I've been studying prayer and I've noticed that the phrase "power of God" continues to be mentioned. What exactly is the "Power of God"?

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

We error if we do not understand the scriptures and the power of God.

Matthew 22:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

We know that this "power" comes from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit:

Luke 4:14
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

We know that this "power" can be used in conjunction with spiritual authority against evil spirits and to cure diseases:

Luke 9:1
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

We know that this "power" isn't inherent in our own nature or predicated upon our own holiness:

Acts 3:12
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

When combined with faith this "power" can be used to unleash great wonders and miracles:

Acts 6:8
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

When demonstrated, this "power" is coveted by the wicked:

Acts 8:19
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

This "power" is distinct from, but not separate, from the Holy Spirit:

Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Paul had this power:

Romans 15:19
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:4
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

This power can be denied by those who are merely religious:

2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Clearly anyone who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit has received this "power". But, what exactly is it?

[Aquila]

Here's an interesting article on the "power" of God:

THE “DUNAMIS” POWER OF GOD!!
By Rodney W. Francis
http://www.gospel.org.nz/index.php/a...s-power-of-god

[votivesoul]

The entire created cosmos is upheld by the word of Christ's power (Hebrews 1:3).

The power written of here is the same dunamis you mention above.

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/hebrews/1-3.htm

Here, the text indicates that the power to uphold the entire universe is maintained by one thing: Christ's word or rhema.

The rhema of/that belongs or pertains to, Christ, is the power of God.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

The entire created cosmos is upheld by the word of Christ's power (Hebrews 1:3).

The power written of here is the same dunamis you mention above.

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/hebrews/1-3.htm

Here, the text indicates that the power to uphold the entire universe is maintained by one thing: Christ's word or rhema.

The rhema of/that belongs or pertains to, Christ, is the power of God.

Amen.

The very same word is used in Mark 5:30 and Luke 6:19 and is translated "virtue":

Mark 5:30
And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

Luke 6:19
And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

Strong's defines this word as follows:

dunamis: (miraculous) power, might, strength
Original Word: δύναμις, εως, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: dunamis
Phonetic Spelling: (doo'-nam-is)
Short Definition: might, power, marvelous works
Definition: (a) physical power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy, meaning (b) plur: powerful deeds, deeds showing (physical) power, marvelous works.

Ontologically speaking, what was it that proceeded from Christ with the power to heal? Exactly what did Jesus feel depart from His being when the woman touched the hem of His garment?

The only real helpful information I'm getting on this is from the links I provided. The oldest commentary I'm finding on this are from the writings of an Eastern Orthodox Saint named St. Gregory Palamas (on "Divine Energies"). His position was largely based on the understanding that we "partake in the divine nature" through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:4). The theological problem with this was ontological in nature. The notion that any human being could partake in the very "essence" of God would ontologically cause one to partake in the very substance of God, making one also, God Himself. Such deification extended the ontological understanding of theosis beyond the bounds of Scripture. And so Palamas postulated that just as the sun emits light and heat by its very nature, so to must God emit what he called "divine energies". So, just as one might partake in and receive the light and heat of the sun without becoming the sun, one can partake in the light and power of God, without becoming God. These "energies" are the fundamental emanating part of God's being through which He operates, and so, they are innumerable. For example, God's "healing power" or "healing energy". God's "sustaining power" or "sustaining energy". Please understand, these are conclusions drawn from the very Greek itself in relation to the "dunamis" of God. Palamas would state that when the woman touched the very hem of Christ's garment, her faith activated the divine energies of His eternal Godhead. As a result, this "virtue" (or "dunamis") was released and healed her. God's spoken Word has "power", not merely because of His authority, but also because of His nature. It has the "energy" or "inherent potential" or "power" to accomplish what He desires.

It is important to note, that the notion of divine energy is NOT equated to the inherent energy of the universe as the New Age and other false religions might propose. Instead, theologically speaking, divine energies are an inherent aspect of God's very nature. So, just as the light and heat of the sun are distinct from the sun, it is very much still a very real part of the sun. However, the divine energies of God are provided through the agency of God's own Spirit, which is omnipresent. And so, to experience God's energies is to experience God Himself through the "power of the Holy Spirit". Please understand, this isn't to say that the Holy Spirit is a divine energy. The Holy Spirit is an inherent aspect of God's own being, God is "spirit" as it relates to His substance, and so the Holy Spirit is God. The "divine energies" are made available through the Holy Spirit and activated by virtue of our faith.

In our tradition, we often refer to the "anointing". For example, a preacher might say, "I feel a healing anointing right now!" Or we refer to "the spirit" of something, such as, "I feel the spirit of prophesy in the house tonight!" These are all statements that are actually grounded in the concept of "divine energies", though we've never used the term theologically.

The notion of partaking in the divine nature through the divine energies of God is also the foundational understanding of how theosis takes place. Theosis is the theological process of being "glorified", "made holy", "made Christ-like", made a "son of God", and many other terms. It is essentially a fundamental change in the nature of our spirit, our inner man, through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Through theosis, we become "conformed into the image and likeness" of Christ Jesus. Through theosis, we become living extensions of Him, "branches of the true vine". And so "divine energies" are an essential part of the ontological process of inward holiness.

And so, when we are given power to heal sickness, cast out devils, raise the dead, and operate in the gifts of the Spirit, we are operating in the very "power of God" (His divine energies).

In addition, this ties into residual power and anointing. For example, the practical experience of "prayer cloths":

Acts 19:11-12 (KJV)
11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

And...Elisha's bones:

2 Kings 13:21
And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

It is evident that residual power remained on these cloths and the bones of Elisha. This "power" or "anointing" (as I've heard it referred to) is what Palamas would see as an operation of what remained of God's "divine energies" in these objects. Thus these objects contained the "inherent potential" or "power" to accomplish the work of God. When these things touched the sick, demonized, or even the dead (as in the case of Elisha's bones), the "power of God" (dunamis) was released and the results were healings, having spirits depart, and even the raising of the dead.

I'll be honest, when I read about this the first thought that came to my mind was, "Duh." LOL While I might have not used the terms used by Palamas, I think his conclusions are a no brainer. I think anyone who has ever received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and actually called on the power of God through prayer can testify that one need not be an ancient theologian to grasp this. lol But, I'll admit, I found the terms, explanations, reasoning's, and examples in the writings of Palamas interesting.

Thoughts?

[Aquila]

Here's a rather interesting article on the "power of God" that illustrates what I'm talking about:

Our Authority Releases God’s Power
http://www.awmi.net/reading/teaching...IE11TR&pc=DCTE

[Aquila]

It would appear that the "power of God" is more than a concept. It is an actual "power" that is received in order to be used to advance God's Kingdom in accordance with the authority granted to us in the name of Jesus Christ, and it is accessed by faith.

Some people often say that the power is our authority. But the Bible draws a distinction between the authority and the power:

Luke 9:1
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Think of it this way... if you were a police officer, your authority is the badge on your uniform. You have authority. And if any crook or creep doesn't surrender to that authority you have the "power" hanging in a holster on your side to see to it that they are subdued or that the threat is eliminated.

The church has understood well that we have authority. However, the church doesn't entirely understand that we also have "power". Stephen understood that he had power and used it:

Acts 6:8
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Stephen understood that by virtue of the abiding Spirit of God in his spirit, he had access to the very "power" of God and the authority it use it. And he did, unleashing great wonders and miracles among the people.

I don't know if anyone has ever noticed... but I don't remember reading of any accounts involving healing where the people prayed to God to do the healing. I do see instances of the Apostles releasing God's healing power through declarative prayer and as a result people were healed.

Does the church need a revival of understanding the power of God?

[Aquila]

Interesting text:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV)
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

We are to turn away from those who deny the "power". The power of God not only empowers us to overcome sin and live a holy life, it empowers us to work miracles, tap into the depths of the Holy Spirit wherein the gifts are found, and plunder the camp of the enemy. It sends demonic spirits to flight, breaks the curses of the enemy, shatters soul ties, heals the broke, and sets the captives free. It is very much an extension of God Himself, for it emanates from His very essence and nature. And when the Holy Spirit abides in you, you have the authority to use that power as a son or daughter of God. But should one deny the power, one is left with only a "form of godliness", a religion. God is glorified when WE access and release His power that abides in us through the Holy Spirit. For it is His power, a part of His nature, and originates from His very being. I love what Peter said at the gate of the temple...

Acts 3:1-7 (KJV)
1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Notice, Peter didn't say, "Let me pray for you.", and then begin asking and begging God to heal the beggar. NO! Peter understood what resided deep within himself. He said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such AS I HAVE give I thee..." Peter knew that the power was his to release, in the name of Jesus! Today, we'd gather around the poor man and beg God to heal him. Meanwhile God is in Heaven saying, "I gave YOU the power, my power, to heal him!" I wonder if those who are healed as a result of these beggar's prayers are healed in spite of our lack of faith? We just don't believe God would entrust us with such power.

But let me ask you this...

We often talk about having "authority". Let me ask you... what good is authority if it has no "power" to enforce its commission? If a demon spirit is tormenting your family, what good is having authority if you don't have the POWER to cast it out? Do you just warn the devil, "Stop Mr. Devil, or... I'll say 'Stop!', again!" LOL No! You RELEASE the power through your prayers of faith in the name and authority of Jesus! Demons can't resist the power of God. Evil spiritual constructs can't resist the power of God. No sorcery or alleged "psychic" power can resist the Power of God.

Here's another powerful truth about this... Satan wants you to think that you are too unworthy to have this power. If Satan can convince you that you're unworthy, he knows that you will be left powerless, for this power can only be accessed by faith. Pay close attention here. After Peter healed the lame man at the gate of the temple the people were in awe. That's when Peter said:

Acts 3:12
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Peter was telling them that the power demonstrated in the healing of this lame man wasn't predicated on their own power, nor was it predicated upon their own "holiness". The power of God is entire God's own. He has only delegated to use the authority to use it in the name of Jesus. And it is imparted by grace through faith, not works. Thus, any demonstrate of such power is entirely to the glory of God. If it were predicated upon anything within us, we could claim some form of credit for it. And that would be stealing glory from God Almighty. As long as we realize that this power isn't our own and that it isn't predicated upon our holiness or anything inherently special in us as human beings, God alone will receive the glory when it is used.

Why are the sick not being healed? Why aren't blind eyes being opened? Why aren't deaf ears being unstopped? Why aren't the dumb singing? Why aren't the lame dancing? Why aren't the dead being raised? Why aren't miracles that defy nature occasionally making the news leaving entire communities in awe and wonder concerning God's power? Why aren't we known for being a holy people who are healers and authorities over evil spirits and the forces of darkness? Why aren't witches and every new age guru trembling at the mention of the church? I'll tell you... it's because we have neglected to study and understand... the power of God. We've become lazy religionists who want to pontificate grandiose sermons filled with "wisdom" and "quips" for congregations with itchy ears. We've become spiritual lazy in our faith and pray for God to do all the dirty work for us so that "if it fails" we can blame Him, instead of confronting ourselves with our lack of faith and power. This wasn't how Paul preached the Gospel! Paul clearly stated:

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (KJV)
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

You see, Paul didn't just preach a bunch of wise sayings from Scripture, illustrated with an analogy, four points, and a couple humorous quips to keep the audience's attention. No! Paul preached in full demonstration of the Spirit and power of God! Healings, deliverances, breaking of curses, miracles, signs, and wonders! Paul unleashed the power of God and accessed spiritual gifts when ministering in the churches. In addition Paul taught others how the gifts were to be used and encouraged them to not only seek the gifts, but to seek the best gifts. The church was a supernatural organism filled with God's power that turned the world upside down. We don't see these things in the church today because we've neglected to teach, study, and seek the power of God!

Let me challenge anyone who reads this... dare to get out there and wade into the Power of God. Dare to demonstrate the gifts and power of God in the circumstances that God puts you in. Yes, you'll have your critics. Yes, you'll be called a cowboy by some, a rebel by others, a witch by some, and be misunderstood, misrepresented, and slandered. But the power of God will be unleashed in your life and the lives of those you love. And it will build your faith. Nothing builds your faith like seeing the sick healed, receiving visions, casting out devils, and operating in the supernatural. This world is hungering to see the supernatural. They are falling for every witch, psychic, and shaman who professes power and demonstrates it. It's time for the church to confront these magicians and throw down the staff, just as Moses and Aaron did, that the world might see the power of God consume the powers of the enemy.

Exodus 7:10-12 (KJV)
10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

Imagine standing there in that room with Moses and Aaron. Imagine watching this battle on the floor as staffs were becoming serpents all over the place. And imagine how the serpent that was previously Aaron's staff began attacking the serpents of the magicians, engaging in mortal combat, snakes wrestling and thrashing until Aaron's had subdued and swallowed them all! Imagine the hushed silence as this supernatural game of serpentine chess was unfolding, animated by the very power of God! And imagine the looks on the faces of the magicians when their "powers" were found to be no match for the power of God!

This is a supernatural war. And it calls for more than just religion. It calls for more than just wise teachings and theological study. It calls for a rediscovery and release of the power that is resident in us through the Holy Ghost. Let's not be afraid. Let's have faith and begin walking in the Spirit and using every blessing Christ purchased for us at Calvary, and that my friends includes the very power of God.

[Aquila]