Paul in Romans speaks about “the power of God”. He is not referring to physical power such as will be shown at the time Jesus returns when the greatest earthquake ever (Revelation 16:18) and other terrible events will occur. Paul writes of the gospel saying, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

Paul’s point is that the Gospel makes sense, compared to the nonsense surrounding the many gods (of human imagination), such as those the Romans believed in. Today, we can say it makes sense – compared to the nonsense of evolution, which many accept as true. They think that everything that exists created itself, and there is no need for a creator God. Much of this attitude seems to be motivated by a desire to be free of the restrictions God’s laws impose on their lives.

A particular example of this is evident at the moment. In chapter 1:26,27 Paul particularly singles out acts of homosexuality – writing “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity to the dishonouring of their bodies …” What must God think of today’s world? What action will He take? We need to also realise that to believe in a future life in heaven is also nonsense and, as a falsehood, is a gospel with no power. It is only the gospel God revealed to men through His son that has “power”, because it is truth. It is based on historical fact, because the events of the First Century and what followed, make sense the more we think about what is written. The conviction of many people became so strong it had the power to turn the beliefs of the pagan Roman world upside down in the second and third centuries – but sadly, then the Gospel became corrupted and expressed in man-made creeds.

We must let this gospel become a power in our lives – if we are to live with the wonderful prospect of eternity. We must not let ourselves be influenced by those who scoff at “the power of God”.