The Power and Authority to Preach the Gospel

**Introduction**
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just words; it is a demonstration of power. Before sending out His disciples, Jesus gave them both power and authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, and proclaim the kingdom of God. This divine equipping was necessary for them to fulfill their mission effectively. Today, we will explore why power and authority are essential before preaching and how the gospel must be accompanied by signs of God’s kingdom.

**1. Jesus Gave Power and Authority Before Sending**
Luke 9:1-2 states, *“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”* Jesus knew that words alone were not enough; the message of the kingdom had to be backed by the supernatural. Power (dunamis) refers to divine ability, and authority (exousia) speaks of the right to act on behalf of God. Without these, the disciples would have been ineffective.

**2. The Gospel is More Than Words**
Paul affirms this truth in 1 Corinthians 4:20: *“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”* A powerless gospel is incomplete. When Jesus ministered, He healed the sick, cast out demons, and performed miracles. His disciples were to do the same. Mark 16:17-18 reinforces this mandate: *“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues… they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”*

**3. Faith Requires Action**
James 2:17 tells us that faith without works is dead. Preaching without demonstrating God’s power is like offering empty words. Jesus’ command to His disciples was clear: they were to proclaim the kingdom and heal the sick. Healing and deliverance authenticate the gospel, showing that Jesus is alive and His kingdom is here.

**4. The Cost of the Call**
Jesus instructed the disciples in Luke 9:3-5 to take nothing for their journey. This was a test of dependence on God. When we operate under God’s power and authority, we rely on Him for provision. Ministry is not about accumulating resources but about walking in divine obedience. He also warned them about rejection, instructing them to *“shake the dust off your feet”* if people did not receive the message. This teaches us that not everyone will accept the gospel, but we must continue preaching with boldness.

**5. Signs and Wonders Follow Obedience**
Luke 9:6 tells us, *“So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.”* The disciples obeyed, and signs followed. When we step out in faith, trusting in God’s power and authority, we will see miracles, deliverance, and transformed lives.

**Conclusion**
A powerless church cannot fulfill the Great Commission. We need both power and authority to preach effectively. Jesus has given us His Spirit to continue His work. As we proclaim the gospel, let us also heal the sick, cast out demons, and demonstrate the reality of God’s kingdom. The world does not need empty words; it needs a gospel backed by divine power.

**Call to Action:**
Are you walking in the power and authority of Christ? Seek His Spirit, step out in faith, and let the gospel be more than words—let it be a demonstration of God’s kingdom on earth!