The Christianity of the New Testament is marked with POWER. 

• Jesus’ example
• Peter’s example - Acts 5:15–16 (NLT) — 15 As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.
• Paul’s example - Acts 19:11–12 (NLT) — 11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.

For the Apostles, the message of Jesus came with the Power of God! 

1 Corinthians 4:19–20 (ESV) — 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.

2 Timothy 3:5 (ESV) — 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

1. What power is needed?
   1. TRANSFORMATION POWER
      1. Romans 12:2 (ESV) — 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
      2. We want to be TRANSFORMED, not CONFORMED.
   2. VICTORY POWER
      1. We need a power that will help us overcome temptation.
      2. We need a power that will help us endure hard things.
   3. MIRACLE POWER
      1. We need the power to walk in the supernatural.
      2. We need the power to know where to go.
2. The power isn’t in RELIGION.
   1. Not in the Rules 
      1. Many people now recognize the positive traits of obeying the Christian rules but power is not in the rules.
      2. Colossians 2:23 (NLT) — 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
   2. Not in the Traditions
      1. Colossians 2:16–17 (NLT) — 16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.
   3. Not in Talk
      1. You can learn the culture of the Christian faith and learn to talk in perfect "Christianese", but still be void of power.
      2. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (ESV) — 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.
3. The power is in the SPIRIT.
   1. Acts 1:8 (NLT) — 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
   2. Know the Spirit:
      1. Prioritize RELATIONSHIP with Him, over everything else. 
      2. Relationship is about presence - being with one another.
      3. Relationship is about communication - talking with one another.
      4. Relationship is about demonstrated love.
   3. Obey the Spirit
      1. If you don’t obey His nudge to witness to someone, you’ll never know His power to save someone.
      2. If you don’t obey His nudge to pray for someone, you’ll never know His power to heal.
      3. If you don’t obey His nudge to give something, you’ll never know His power to multiply.