NEW POWER

Renewed #3

Pastor Brandon Cross

Woodland Church

Sunday August 16, 2026

(Ephesians 3:20-21) “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

MAIN IDEA:

God’s capacity to work in our lives and through our lives surpasses anything we can imagine. He is not limited by our efforts, resources or abilities. We need to trust Him to help us do the impossible in our community and dream big!

1.  Understanding God’s Limitless Capacity

Immeasurably More (Verse 20): God’s power has no ceiling. He is not limited by human logic, resources, or imagination.

• Exceeding Expectations: God is not limited by the scope of our prayers or the size of our dreams. (Ref. Jeremiah 32:17, Judges 7 – Gideon’s Army,  John 11:17, 41-44)

• • God is not limited to how He has worked before. He can top it IF He chooses to!!! (Ref. Isa 43:19)

Power at Work Within Us (Verse 20): God’s extraordinary power is actively transforming and equipping believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

• Personalized Power: The power of the Holy Spirit living inside believers provides divine strength, guidance, and spiritual gifts. 

• Fuel for Faith: Motivation –  It shifts a believer’s mindset away from personal weakness or impossible external circumstances. (Ref. Numbers 14:6-9)

APPLICATION:

When we allow ourselves to be “subject” to Jesus and understand that God’s power is unlimited, we need to live like we believe that He can do anything we pray for or have the audacity to strive for in reaching our community, seeking  the sick healed, or witness the vulnerable of our communities cared for through supernatural means. 

2.  The Ultimate Purpose: Glory to God

Glory to God (Verse 21): God receives praise—both in the collective community of believers (the church) and through Jesus Christ.

• A Corporate Focus: The ultimate destination of God’s overflowing work is not individual comfort, but praise and honor (“glory”) given back to Him. 

• Within the Community: God receives special praise through the community of believers (the church), showing how He unites diverse people.

• Enduring Legacy: The Church is to serve as a living display case of His grace, wisdom, and power. (Ref. Psalm 78:5-7)

APPLICATION: 

We need to realize that the power of Christ within us is to be used to bring glory and honor to God as a diverse, multi-generational community of believers working together to demonstrate God’s unlimited power in practice in our lives and the lives of those in the community.  

CONCLUSION:

Main Idea Recap: God’s capacity to work in our lives and through our lives surpasses anything we can imagine. He is not limited by our efforts, resources or abilities. We need to trust Him to help us do the impossible in our community and dream big!

1. When we realize that the POWER we have at work within us is unlimited and capable of the impossible, we have a responsibility to act out in that confidence and faith in the mission of our church. (Ref. Matthew 17:20)

2. Our lives are to give God glory individually and corporately so that we leave generational impact!!!

CALL TO ACTION:

1. Pray for the miraculous – Commit to praying for the impossible for someone in you life this week or for a supernatural fulfillment of a known material need for someone or some situation.

2. Praise God – Commit to continuously praising God for who He is and seek to find ways to point out His greatness to others this week!