Unity: the Righteousness of Power

By Charles Marion Thomas Jr. and Rev. Vernon Linzie

UNITY: The Righteousness Of Power is a title I got from a movie I saw about superheroes coming together in a collaborative effort to save the world from the catastrophic threat of civil disorder. As I was watching this movie, the Holy Spirit began to move on me with a vision to write a book for believers to combat evil forces in this world through the dunamis (power of God). As we come together to use our diverse gifts, we are able to tap into the dunamis and do great things as we stay plugged into the main circuit of power that flows from God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543436099

Charles Marion Thomas Jr.

Evangelist Charles Marion Thomas Jr. has an accreditation in Christian Workers, Evangelism background and leads a nonprofit men’s ministry called Ministry Mission Circle of Fellowship in NJ.

Book preview

UNITY: The Righteousness Of

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A Ministry Mission Circle of Fellowship Publication

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Charles Marion Thomas Jr..

Copyright © 2019 by Charles Marion Thomas Jr.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Bible Citations:

ESV

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®). Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

KJV

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

NLT

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Website

NIV

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

MSG, NASB, BLB,

NET, NKJV, BSB,

HCSB, MOUNCE, NHEB,

Photos provided by personal permission courtesy of the Thomas estate are being used for illustrative purposes only of this book.

Rev. date: 08/10/2021

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

Book Review

Foreword by Reverend Vernon Linzie

Introduction

(1). The Power of the Godhead

(2). The Power of God’s Redemptive Work

(3). The Power of God’s Word

(4). The Power of the Holy Spirit

(5). The Power of Spiritual Gifts

(6). The Power of Prayer

(7). The Power of Sanctification

(8). The Power of Forgiveness

(9). The Power of Love

(10). The Power of Unity

(11). The Power of Change

(12). Power to be Used, Not Abused

(13). The Power of Patience

Conclusion

Some Power Scripture References

Bible Translations

Power from on high . . . It is God inserting into you divine activity with mightiness.

― Evangelist Smith Wigglesworth,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My special thanks go to the following people:

Most of all, I thank God for allowing my second book to be released despite the trials and adversity that needed to be overcome to make that possible.

To Reverend Vernon Linzie for his guidance, mentoring, and spiritual insight. Without him, this book would not have been possible.

Dana Sessa, Thank you for your participation in putting the exterior cover together.

To the whole body of Christian believers, I share this wonderful work with you. I am thankful for the opportunity to shape many minds through the gift of teaching and writing. Never in my life, did I think God could use a homeless person to accomplish greater things and be the author of three books. I say that to let you know, nothing is impossible for God, He’s that good. After reading this book I pray you will be inspired to also do greater things for Him as well.

Your Friend,

Charles Marion Thomas Jr.

BOOK REVIEW

Welcome to the latest book by Charles Marion Thomas Jr, Titled UNITY: The Righteousness Of Power. Sometimes we as Christians live beneath the power that God has given us. This book advises us that we can draw on the higher power that only comes from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, that dunamis power that enables us to be victorious over every trial and storm we may face. This is truly a life changing book by Charles Marion Thomas Jr, supported and referenced by Scripture and illustrates the power of God at work in various ministries in the community. UNITY: The Righteousness Of Power is a must read to help with one’s spiritual growth and walk as a Christian.

Reverend Selwyn H. Davis, Pastor

Are you frail? Stressed? Battling against an illness to continue living? Do you desire more vitality to finish the race you’re in?

In UNITY: The Righteousness Of Power, Evangelist Charles Marion Thomas Jr. defines the essence of faith. In each chapter of this book, you will be able to explore your experiences in various areas of ministry, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and apply God’s power as one of His children. This will drive your passion to pursue a greater purpose.

FOREWORD

by Reverend Vernon Linzie

UNITY: The Righteousness Of Power is a powerful spiritual reference book that helps believers in Christ grow in grace and power. The believers’ connectedness to God’s power source will result in empowerment to achieve great things. The power that comes from God is transformative; it can meet every believer’s needs. This righteous power manifests itself through the power of prayer, the power of love, and the power of faith, just to name a few. When connected to God’s power source, believers will see His power in action. Charles Thomas, in his book, UNITY: The Righteousness Of Power helps us explore the manifestation of God’s power that emerges out of our faith. Believers can move with confidence, knowing all things are possible with God. (2 Timothy 1:7) teaches that …God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power…. Because of the dualistic nature of the believers, UNITY: The Righteousness Of Power helps us stay focused and walk in the Spirit and not after the flesh. The book also guides us to be in alignment with the power sources God has provided and reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Jesus said all power is given unto Him both in heaven and on earth. And because we are in a relationship with Christ, we can access that power. When believers join forces, unity produces power we can access through prayer because there’s power in prayer.

Charles Thomas is a student of God’s Word, and he will show us through Scripture the importance of how God honors His Word if we move in faith. This book helps us discover the Otherness of God, in other words, the secret things God reveals to those who are in a relationship with Him (Deuteronomy 29:29). God’s power is demonstrated when we least expect it. By knowing His power, which is available to all believers, and staying connected to it at all times, we can say with confidence that we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37). We can fight the good fight of faith through our steadfast connectedness to God’s power source. We are in a spiritual battle with Satan and his demonic forces, and they will stop at nothing to get believers to doubt their faith and disconnect from God’s power source. UNITY: The Righteousness Of Power is a must-read book that will empower and equip believers to move in the power of righteousness. It is a book for spiritual growth, a book for Scripture reference, and a book for lesson teaching—a book you must have!

INTRODUCTION

God administers His divine strength and power in the form of the Holy Spirit to all those who believe; therefore, He is known by His sovereignty, which makes Him Almighty. God equips us with (His power) to provide us with the necessary resources to conclude what He has begun. Dunamis is a Greek word for power, which Acts 1:8 describes as a strong effect in the form of power, might, and strength: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (NIV). Dunamis does not refer to our own strength, but rather God’s power working through us. While a person’s natural abilities are limited, God bestows His dunamis to enhance a person’s performance to do miracles and other divine works. Many things have been said about the miracles Jesus performed. No one can comprehend them without evidence based on factual information. In the Bible, we have the answers to those gray areas of doubt. As we voyage through the many miracles Jesus did, we can understand the power we need to know to be effective, efficient, and conscientious toward our faith as ambassadors of Christ in the fulfillment of His will. Nothing we do is dependent upon our might; it is dependent only upon His might. Ephesians 3:16 (NKJV) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, is referring to God’s power working in us. Considering how this dunamis works, Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) reveals that l can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The strength we have is found in Christ not ourselves. Through Christ believers are empowered to do whatever is necessary to accomplish God’s will.

Therefore this knowledge of God’s power helps us realize we can be successful in achieving anything we set our minds to do. In other words, there’s no limit to what the dunamis can do through us. (Luke 1:37) encourages us with these words, For with God nothing shall be impossible. Anything is possible for those who rely and trust in God. A leap of faith is compulsory for every believer in Christ. We must take a stand for His strength, might, and ability to be recognized in us. God gives believers some degree of the supernatural. No extent of suitability or knowledge can enable us to master that dynamic power that God imparts and provides for us to perceive according to His will. This book will give us some insight based on what I have learned in reading God’s Word on how we can be continually influenced by the dunamis of His love as we experience these insights together. Through dunamis, you can be encouraged that you will not fail to understand your God-given gifts and strengths and how He wants to use them. God doesn’t want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and confident. In 2 Timothy 1:8-10 (MSG), the Apostle Paul says:

So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.

Dunamis is not just any ordinary power, but is related to the awesome works He has done and wants to do through us. As you read this book, you will connect with the power of God, who is living, moving, and working in and through your life. This extraordinary work of faith and power enhanced by the gifts of the Spirit will lead you to believe that what the Bible says is true. It is under this power our gifts are revealed and reinforced by the awesome hand of God. As children of God we witness testimonies happening in people’s lives everyday; therefore it is a must for each believer, to experience and understand the power of God. I am encouraged in every way to advance what the dunamis can do by sharing knowledge that will enable this power to live in and through us. The power is rooted in the Spirit and manifested in us as believers. God has given us this power to conquer, change, and make a difference, and He supports our assertive endeavors for that power to prosper. In every part of this book, you will aspire to new heights in your faith walk, having that reassured promise that all things are possible through God, with extraordinary results that can be verified. It is possible to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils just as the Bible says in (Matthew 10:8) because Jesus said, greater works than these shall he do. (1 Timothy 5:25) echoes this with, Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Believers who are laborious in this work are worthy of honor from God as we seek to do His will.

1

THE POWER OF THE GODHEAD

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Arise, believer, and behold the Lord Jesus yoking the whole of his divine Godhead to the chariot of salvation! How vast his grace, how firm his faithfulness, how unswerving his immutability, how infinite his power, how limitless his knowledge!

― Baptist Preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Much is written about God’s power throughout the Holy Scriptures. In Mark 9:1 (NIV), Jesus said, ….truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power. As followers of Christ, we do not live by our own power, but by God’s power in us. It’s through God’s ability that we are able to accomplish great things. For example, Jesus said in John 15:5 (NKJV), I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Without him we cannot achieve anything of spiritual value independently of Jesus Christ. He also reminds us, By their fruit you will recognize them…. Matthew 7:16 (NIV). If we stay plugged into this dunamis we will bear good fruit. We also know by reading the Word of God that His Kingdom is found in His power, which He has given us to be put in action. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. This power goes beyond the ability to just talk about or to control, but to accomplish greater things than I can describe. Dunamis is far ahead of the world’s advanced technical skills. No one can understand this power; it has no beginning and no end.

While we cannot fully perceive the intended meaning of the amazing strength it has, it does have the power to affect people’s lives, regardless of whether you are a believer or not. But to understand this fascinating power of dunamis, you have to think outside the box. Even though the word dunamis isn’t in the Bible, it is still considered a power capable of being believed, especially within the range of the Godhead. Dunamis is simply believing that something will happen. In this discussion I will talk about the power of one having authority to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. The one who possesses the power has the sovereignty; therefore, God, who is sovereign over the universe, brought the whole world into existence by His power. Lamentations 5:19 (BSB) You, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation. And Psalm 136:6 (ISV) to the one who spread out the earth over the waters, for his gracious love is everlasting—. Through creation God shows His unique and mighty power in a way that can never be imitated. This highlights; no one can do what He’s done. Because of God’s sovereignty, He has the right to distribute power to believers to carry out His great purposes. God’s the only source of power that is active, immediate, and originative. He’s the cause of all things and events. ...His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV). Which Psalm 103:19 (NASB) reasserts, The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. If we as believers humble ourselves and go to God for help in our weakest of times; He will supply the grace and power needed for us to serve Him as we endure in our adversities we face. We can say, boldly my God shall supply all my needs. Therefore He will meet every demand we bring to Him for this dunamis to be operative. And because He’s inexhaustible, existing in abundance, we can approach God with confidence to help us use this dunamis in a way that shows determination for a useful purpose. Believers; learn how to operate in God’s supernatural anointing, and be more productive in ministry. God has given us everything, and He is the one who gives us the authority to do! Power is a characteristic of God. And so is the supremacy of Christ who’s also acknowledged, as Head of creation. Colossians 1:16-17 (BSB):

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

(Luke 10:19), Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you; (Mark 3:15) And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:; and Psalm 91:13 (ESV) You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. In (Luke 9:1), to cite an instance, the Greek term exousia means power: Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. Jesus gave power to His disciples to do miraculous things by using His authority (His power). After resurrecting Jesus from the dead, God gave Him authority over the earth. In Matthew 28:18 (NKJV) Jesus explains in his own words, ....All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. This means; authority belongs to Jesus who proclaims all authority and tells those who are under his authority what to do. Believers also have inherited this power through Christ. Ephesians 1:11 (NKJV) continues with, In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. Other passages that mention a believer’s inheritance include (Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 9:15; Titus 3:7; Colossians 1:12; and 1 Peter 1:4). Still with the supremacy of Christ, the Lord Jesus was also appointed by God to judge. Acts 10:42 (NIV), He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. (2 Timothy 4:8) confirms, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Thereafter, Ephesians 1:10 (GNT) tells us, This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head. Jesus, the God-Man, demonstrated both the intrinsic and derived aspects of power. He proclaimed his power and authority as being coequal with the Father. John 5:27 (NHEB) reaffirms, He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. This power is first from God, then to Jesus Christ, and finally to us as believers. One aspect of power in the New Testament lies in describing the unseen world. The angelic realm, for example, is described as powers or authorities. Ephesians 3:9-11 (NKJV):

and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In this instance we have the power to overcome principalities and powers and rulers in darkness that we deal with in this world. Which (Romans 8:38-39) gives voice to, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Explains that; God’s power lives in us, making us more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) in our works, our hopes, our conflicts, and our victories. God also has the right to use his sovereignty to set order. This is called conformity, which is simply compliance with rules. God has supreme power and authority over everything. I offer the following verses not to demonstrate that God can be cruel, but to show you that God is sovereign:

– "Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring evil upon them which they shall not be able to