USGN Article - July 2002
Terry & Barbi Franklin
Written by Barbi Franklin

"The Power Struggle"
 

Lately, Terry and I continue come across an unusual amount of churches that seem to have a fetish with "authority." Terry wrote on the topic last year in this column for a couple of months in a row.

It’s interesting as I have pondered the painful events that we ourselves experienced a few years ago, leaving a church that blindsided us with what turned out to be an authoritarian style of leadership. God’s judgement was pronounced upon us, and then upon others who left the church after we did. Two families are still not even allowed to see their grandchildren because their parents are still involved in the church… what an absurd and horrible nightmare! It’s unthinkable!

But God’s example to us is contrary to this. Although Jesus had every right to disown us, he did the opposite. Just like when Peter blew it, betraying the Savior, Jesus didn't react with rejection. Instead, he came back from the grave with Peter on his mind…saying, “Go tell Peter… I am alive.”

What power God has! Jesus… with the name above all names… the One who has Satan under His feet… and all power in heaven and earth is His. Yet, this King of Kings with ultimate power chose to give and give until He gave his very own life. He had a choice, and yet He did not betray or abuse you or me. When we were yet SINNERS, He chose to die for us!

What a way to use power! What a challenge it is for us this very hour! When people betray us and give us no reason to trust, yet, out of the wellspring of God’s Spirit within us, we can forgive… and give again… Let that sink in and heal us… empower us… fill us with the power to lay down OUR lives for others!

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