Knowing God
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“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8, NKJV)
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ began in power. And the world knew it. The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ will end her time on this earth in power and the world will once again know it. The Church cannot continue in a state of powerlessness, depending upon the weak flesh of man. God will not allow this to happen. So we need to ask, where is the power of God when we assemble?
Charles Finney (1792-1875) wrote in his Lectures on Revival that nothing but a revival can preserve a church in decline. He declared “there must be a waking up of energy on the part of Christians, and an outpouring of God’s Spirit, or the world will laugh at the Church.” We need to ask if the world is laughing at the Church? Or do they know that God is indeed among us?
The Church is to be the living body of Christ. A declining Church is not well. Living organisms are either healthy or sick, growing or declining. We may strive to hide our powerlessness with activities, programs, gimmicks, showmanship, entertainment, and superficial displays. But after all our efforts come to nothing, we are still faced with the question, “Where is the power of God in the Church?
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is not a club existing to make its members feel good and enjoy themselves. Without the Presence and power of God there can be precious little good feelings and enjoyment, much less the fear of God. But if God is present and allowed to do His work His way, we cannot but feel happy and be filled with awe. Where is the power of God in the Church?
Ministers stand responsible and so do we all if God’s power is not present with us. And nothing can replace God’s Presence and power. Apparently Church leadership has made seeking members a greater priority than seeking God. Without God what are we and what good can we do? We are to seek first His kingdom. And if kingdom power is present, even a little, the world will stand up and pay attention. The laughter will cease.