Whiteboard: Power of the Gospel

This coming Sunday we will hear the religious authorities of his time questioning Jesus about his authority to preach and teach. The full text comes from Matthew 21:23-32 and includes the following exchange:

"When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’"

It gives me an opportunity to share one of my favorite songs: Ben Harper's "Power of the Gospel." The lyrics from that song not only influence my sermon this week, but they are filling up the Whiteboard as well...

The lyrics to the song go a little something like this:

It will make a weak man mighty
it will make a mighty man fall
it will fill your heart and hands
or leave you with nothing at all
it's the eyes for the blind
and legs for the lame
it is love for hate
and pride for shame

that's the power of the gospel
that's the power of the gospel
that's the power of the mighty power
that's the power of the gospel

gospel on the water
gospel on the land
the gospel in every woman
the gospel in every man
gospel in the garden
gospel in the trees
the gospel that's inside of you
the gospel inside of me

that's the power of the gospel
that's the power of the gospel
that's the power of the mighty power
that's the power of the gospel

in the hour of richness
in the hour of need
for all of creation
comes from the gospel seed
now you may leave tomorrow
and you may leave today
but you've got to have the gospel
when you start out on your way

that's the power of the gospel
that's the power of the gospel
that's the power of the mighty power
that's the power of the gospel 

Come join us for worship this coming Sunday as we celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel!