A powerhouse of strength

Just over 800 people—including 213 guests—participated in the divine service on Palm Sunday, 9 April 2017, in the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in Panama City, which Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider celebrated. It marked the conclusion of his trip to Panama. He was joined by District Apostle Leonard R. Kolb (USA), District Apostle Helper John William Fendt Jr. (USA), and the Apostles Julio César Yepez Moratinos (Panama), Miguel Angel Flores Cordóva (Panama), and Emanuel Lacunza y Diaz (Venezuela).

The Chief Apostle based his sermon on Matthew 12: 29: “Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.”

The Bible text summarises the Son of God’s mission, the Chief Apostle said. He came into the world, which is ruled by the evil one, in order to conquer sin and to free people from its rule.

Jesus was able to conquer evil because He always had enough strength. The sources from which He drew strength are still there for today’s believers.

1. Fellowship with God

“In the prayers and discussions with His Father, Jesus found the strength He needed to keep fighting.” This strength is also available to mankind: through fellowship with God in prayer, divine service, and Holy Communion.

However, wealth and earthly pleasures can have the same effect as chains that bind us. “We no longer have time to pray because we are so busy. There is so much to do that we no longer have time for the divine services.”

2. Humbleness toward God

“Because Jesus was humble He submitted His will to His Father. Jesus did exactly what His Father wanted Him to do.” This humbleness made Jesus strong. And what applies to Jesus also applies to us human beings. “If we are humble and obedient, God can bless us. And that which is blessed is strong.”

The evil one is very crafty. He tells us: “Hey, your thoughts and opinions are not all that bad. Why is it that you always do what others tell you to do? You are an adult, are you not?”

3. Perfection

“Jesus was perfect. He never committed a single sin. The evil one could not find a single sin on Him. That was Jesus’ strength. He said: ‘The ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me,’” the Chief Apostle said, referring to John 14. “This certainly does not apply to us. We are definitely not perfect.” But through the grace of God, human beings can be pure and strong—a wonderful strength.

How does the evil one bind us? “With the chain of human pride. We tell ourselves: ‘Okay, what I did cannot be that bad. Others do the same, in fact, they do even worse.” The Chief Apostle explained that if there is no remorse, a refusal to acknowledge one’s own sins, and no willingness to forgive the doors to pride are wide open.

4. Trust in God

“Whatever happens, Jesus knew, ‘My Father will do the right thing,’” the Chief Apostle said. “I am not sure whether He always understood what His Father was doing, but He trusted in Him.” Those who believe have every reason to trust in God.

The situation becomes dangerous when the devil attempts to destroy our trust in God, giving rise to doubt: “Do you have evidence for the love of God? Don’t believe everything they say. You need proof.” Doubt creates weakness, not strength.

5. Love for mankind

“Out of love for us, He was able to lay down His life. That was His motivation. He wants us to be saved. From this He drew the strength He needed to endure to the end and to die on the cross.”

The evil one tries to weaken our love, the Chief Apostle said. He tempts us by appealing to our ego: “Why do you always have to bring sacrifices? Don’t you think that God is asking too much of you. You should enjoy your life, the time you have, and your money.” And then we find our love growing weaker and our intolerance growing, and we begin to notice just how different our neighbour is. “And then we definitely become weak. But without love we cannot enter the kingdom of God.”