In chapter 9:28-39 is a series of events that is very telling regarding how the Christian Church has progressed through the years.

First the disciples are rebuked for their lack of Holy Spirit power. They cannot even cast a devil out! Imagine it, walking with the King of Kings every day, but not enough power to say "Boo!" to a demon. In our day the Western church seems similarly powerless. In so many fellowships the life-transforming power of Jesus is not evident. There is a club atmosphere instead. We go, pay our dues, listen to the lecture, and then eat and play. Routine. Ritual. No life. No power.

That's when the other kind of power kicks in. In that same account by Mark you see the disciples beginning the argument about who should be numero uno. Who gets to be in charge? Andrew could claim to have been among the first disciples and the one who brought the natural leader in. The natural leader could also claim first rights, as perhaps he had been a successful businessman, and was able to lead just by his character. John might have argued about his defense of the faith or his growing compassion. Powerless groups usually turn to political struggles to keep them interested. "At least when I come to church, people will recognize me and make me feel worth-while," they reason.

What's left now but excluding all the other "groups" except the one which I lead? That happens later in Mark. They see some other folks actually casting out demons, the very thing they cannot do, and they assume that those groups have no business being in business.

My group, with me at the head, now there's the "true" church. All else is shaky at best. Thus came the Roman beast, and all the little beasts we call denominations today. Lacking true power, we begin to seek human power.