Yours Is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory”

By Jeff Archer

Jesus ended His model prayer similar to the way He began it, with praise. "For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory for ever." This was not a request. It was not thanksgiving. It was not telling God something about our needs. It was not something God didn't already know. Nor was it a statement showing that we give God these things. It was an affirmation of the exalted position He occupies. It was a confession of what God possesses.

Thine Is the Kingdom

The dominion and control of all things belong to God. God has the ability to cause and bring about anything that is His will to accomplish. There is no area where His will is not supreme. Other wills are at work on the earth at this time but only because there will be a day in which they will answer to God.

Thine Is the Power

God is the One Being that is all-powerful. His authority knows no limits. This God spoke all things into creation with the sound of His voice. He destroyed the world by flood. He brought punishment to nations with wicked and just nations, and the list could and will go on. But the point is that the same power that brought all these things about is still present with God.

Thine Is the Glory

The glory seen in the beauty of nature, the strength of the beasts of the field, and the serenity of all things working in their cycle is God's. The glory seen in the church, the salvation of man's soul, and the love expressed between brethren all belong to God. Everything that is good and has any glory inherent within it is God's for He has made all good things. As well, all of the glory, praise, admiration and awe man could muster belongs to God. And any glory that results from the requests of our prayers being granted is given to God.

What Can We Learn?

First, EXPRESSIONS OF THE GREATNESS OF GOD should be contained in our prayers. The lack of this recognition is one of the reasons the Gentiles sank into such a deplorable state. Paul tells us, "because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks;" (Romans 1:21). These people became "fools" and idolaters. How can a person bow to a lifeless, dumb, powerless idol? He must first fail to recognize God for what He is, that is, the supreme Being of the universe. Idolatry is not just a sin of worshipping a false god. It is the sin of failing to declare the sovereignty of Jehovah God. As we look at the prayers and speech of the men of faith in the bible, we find this praise a trademark. After God made the promise to David in 2 Samuel 7, David prayed to God and his prayer is full of praise for God. One portion is, "Wherefore thou art great, 0 Jehovah God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God besides thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears " (vs. 22). When John was able to view the throne scene in Heaven, he recorded what thousands said with a great voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing." And the voice of "every created thing" said, "Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever" (Revelation 5:11-13). Do you recognize God's position? Tell Him!

Second, if we are going to pray to God we must believe that HE HAS THE POWER TO GRANT OUR REQUESTS (Matthew 21:22; 1 John 5:14-15). This is an appropriate ending because it shows our faith. Jesus teaches us that after we have made our requests unto God we should confess to God that we believe He can make a difference. We do not have the kingdom, the power, or the glory to accomplish what we request of God. On what basis do we ask Him to give us our daily bread, lead us not into temptation, and forgive us our debts? "FOR THINE is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever." Prayer to God in this petition changes things. In the midst of Paul's letter to the Ephesians he said, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen" (3:20-21). Do you believe? Express it!

Third, we have limited sight as we pray. We may ask for things that are not in our best interest or in the best interest of God. Our requests to God are always to be made with the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT GOD IS THE ONE THAT KNOWS BEST. We want Him to work in our lives according to His perspective. It is God's will that we want accomplished on the earth not ours. This ending exalts God's purpose over our own. Do you see? Trust Him! &

Proper Influence

By Tim Haile

Some religious people have a monastic view of the Christian’s life. In an effort to avoid its evil influences, they withdraw themselves from society. This may seem honorable on the surface: After all, “evil associations corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). However, this practice has a serious [though perhaps, unintended] consequence. While the Bible does warn against having close associations with evil people, it also tells us to provide positive influence for those around us [“let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven,” Matthew 5:16]. Others are to be able to “see” our “light” (right conduct). Christians should not isolate themselves in some commune, but should interact with others so as to influence them for good.

Everyone sets an example, whether for good or for bad. The Bible student has at his disposal the perfect blueprint for the proper influence of others – the Bible. Furthermore, Jesus taught that the actions of one person can so affect another that he too “glorifies God” [is converted].

It is important to understand the extent of this duty. Many are familiar with the “second great commandment,” or “royal law,” which is “to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39; James 2:8), but perhaps we fail to consider just who our “neighbor” really is. Is it just the family that lives beside us? No, it is all those whom we have the ability and opportunity to help. This can be a [geographical] neighbor, but it can also be a classmate, friend or co-worker. We may influence such people with a friendly disposition (Prov. 18:24), proper speech (Eph. 4:29) good conduct (1 Pet. 3:16) and honesty (1 Thess. 4:12). &

What Would They Say?

By Greg Gwinn

The Bible tells us about the intense persecution that was endured by early Christians. We know that many were imprisoned, and a large number were put to death (Acts 26:9-11). Uninspired historical accounts give us additional information about the terrible trials and sufferings of those first disciples.

We are told that Christians in the city of Rome faced great danger when they assembled together for worship. Because of this they were often forced to hold their meetings in secret places. We know that they sometimes met in the catacombs (underground cemeteries). Evidence from those secret meetings can still be seen today. It is said that at the height of this persecution members of a family would leave for worship at different times so that they would not generate suspicion from neighbors. They changed their meeting place and the time of the assemblies each week to avoid being discovered.

Did you ever wonder how these early saints would react if they were able to comment about the practice of their modem day brothers and sisters? Don't you imagine that they would be shocked to learn about the things that keep some Christians from attending all the worship assemblies and Bible studies?

What was it that kept you from the assemblies last week? Too tired? Too busy? A school function? A vacation trip? Relatives from out of town visiting? A fishing trip? A round of golf?

A minor sniffle or headache? Too sick to worship (but not to sick to go to work)? Just didn't feel like coming? Stop for a minute to think what those persecuted Christians of the first century would say if they heard YOUR excuses.

Why did those people take such risks? Why did they suffer so much? The answer is obvious: they loved the Lord and were committed to His service. What about YOU? &