How this all started

The idea for the company was founded in 1990 by Jim Ballew.  In a personal re-evaluation of his faith in the existence of God (and which one), he became truly inspired by the message and scientific evidence of the Christian and Jewish Deity.   (To read this very humorus account read God Unplugged!  or..How to get religion off of your back forever!)  Moreover, unlike other religions, these consistently taught a personal, loving Creator who would suspend natural laws to demonstrate love and salvation for those who would not only believe, but trust in His loving nature.  As Jim began to interview others around the country, he discovered an unending stream of testimonials to miracles and positive personality changes and a hunger for this to be reinforced in their daily lives.

Reflecting on his upbringing in the Protestant church, he realized that his perception of Christianity was not that of a one-on-one interaction by God whose love was so great He would move Heaven and Earth (literally) to show His salvation for an individual.  Instead, Jim was reminded of staged programs, mantra's and a primary message of pain, sorrow, guilt, self deprivation, and sacrifice.  Even the chief icon of this religion is a crucifix- a bloody medieval torture that our Savior had to endure because (more guilt) we are sinners.

While the cross and concepts like sacrifice and humility are certainly necessities of faith, little attention is given on a daily basis to the good news side of the story.  An omnipotent Deity, who is so intelligent and powerful He created a billion, trillion stars, and every minute aspect of the universe it encompasses - is desiring to know - and help - every human on the face of the earth on a daily basis.  
 

As Jim Ballew began to trust this God and pray, his number of good luck "coincidences" exploded.  He realized that his commitment to this God and his faith would have come along long before if he had personally established a daily relationship with Him and known that he wasn't left here on earth to figure and struggle through this all alone.  Jim sought to find an icon that would remind people of the power and love of God that is available to everyone.

How this Came About.

In a momentary lapse of brazen insanity, Jim told God he would help God to re-market Himself.  Of course, after an hour of useless brainstorming on the idea of using Moses' staff or Adam's loincloth, Jim repented of his arrogance and was resigned to buying one of those doves or fish to stick on the trunk of his car.

Then, in an instant, his mind was illuminated with the scene of the tomb where Jesus had been buried.  In studying the non-religious historical and scientific evidences of the resurrection, he had been impressed by the extra biblical accounts of Jesus' existence and ascension as well as some facts noted in the Roman record.

While no one in the secular historical fraternity would doubt Jesus' existence, many critics have tried to explain the resurrection by suggesting the body was stolen or the guards were bribed.  Christian apologists have, of course, answered and documented every conceivable objection but, one argument in particular was fascinating to Mr. Ballew.  

A Roman guard was stationed at the tomb and sealed, making it a capital crime to even disturb the seal.  From our anthropologic studies, we know that a Roman guard would consist of no less than 4 and potentially 20 or 30 men.  Not only would it be difficult for all of the highly disciplined centurions to agree to commit a capital crime on the behalf of a disdained minority (who two days earlier were barbarically tormenting and robbing Jesus), they would face execution for desertion charges running at almost a 50% conviction rate as documented in extra biblical Roman record.  The body itself was wrapped in over 100 lbs of linen cloth and ointment and was founded in the empty tomb.  Besides the confirmation of Jesus death by Roman officials - this lays to rest the thought that Jesus "recovered" naturally.  He would have been suffocated.  And the what robber would stop, unroll a rotting body to leave the cloth?
 

how impossible?

 The "vision" that shot through my mind was the scene of 10 Roman guards leaning against the 1 ton stone which 5 or more of them rolled into place 2 days earlier.  As these men crudely jested with one another about the rotting corpse inside, the earth began to shake.  No doubt these men immediately grabbed their weapons in a trained reflex for trouble.  But these mighty fighting men deserted their post and ran like scared mice as this stone was blown away from the tomb opening by an angel, and the power of God burst out from the cave as a 2 day old dead man came to life.

Jim quickly sketched this scene and immediately saw the potential for a new Christian icon that would inspire and empower people to remember that no matter how bad things look, God himself can come into your physical world in an instance and change your circumstance.  Whether it is a health, relationship, money or life and death circumstance, he has the power to blow away the boulder that jails you and resurrect your life.
 

He copyrighted and applied for trademark protection of the Power of god name and quickly saw the potential of inspiring people with real life miracles and educating them on historical fact.  The beauty is that the marketing message to sell the pendant, lapel pin or earrings would encourage people and self generate the money for media which will encourage others.

The Power of God Project now includes a non-profit foundation (The Daniel Foundation), a planned medical study of miracles and prayer, a for profit inspirational jewelry company and a media company currently developing TV shows and films with inspirational themes.

 Need to encourage someone?

Why this is imporant to the church.

In Acts 1:22, we see that the office of the apostle was given to be a witness of His resurrection. In Acts 4:33, we read that power was given to witness of His resurrection. In Romans1:4, we are told that Jesus “was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead..." The message of the resurrection is central to true faith, and is, with the cross, the central message of Christianity. The message of the cross is of no real effect without the message of the resurrection, as Paul wrote in I Corinthians  15:13-14:  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 

The great teacher/writer/evangelist Charles Spurgeon's once made the remarkable statement that very few Christians believe in the resurrection.  Could this be why so much of the church has lost its power?

In Acts 4:1-2, we see why this great truth has fallen into such neglect:

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

In Acts 23:6 Paul declared before the same council that he was”...on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!" It was preaching the resurrection that incited the persecution against the church. This is the one message that the enemy cannot stand because it threatens the very root of his power over men  through the fear of death. However, we will never be an apostolic church until this central theme of the apostolic gospel is recovered and we resolve to stand boldly for the truth of the resurrection.

Consider the following verses:

John 5:28-29,   Acts 24:14-15,   1 Corinthians 15:21-22,   Philippians 3:8-11,   1 Peter 1:3-5

If we believe in the resurrection, we will certainly rise again, and our lives will demonstrate this great faith. To those who live according to this great truth, power will be given.

Is their evidence that  the resurrection really happen? Visit SCIENCE at AwesomePower.Net or http://www.afn.org/~afn52344/resexalt.html