More on Cymbala's book.
We are like the church of Laodicia. In fact, we have so institutionalized Laodiceanism that we think lukewarm is normal. (OUCH {my word })
The early Christians began dynamically in power. They were unified, prayerful, filled with the Holy Spirit, going out to do God's work in God's way, and seeing results that glorified Him.
Then came the first attack. Jesus had warned that difficult days would come. When under attack, when facing a new challenge, in all seasons, in all times, call on the name of the Lord and He will help you.
The work of God can only be carried on by the power of God. The church is a spiritual organism fighting spiritual battles. Only spiritual power can make it function as God ordained.
When we get serious about drawing upon God's power, remarkable things will happen.
It is totally unbiblical to insinuate that people must travel to a particular church anywhere to receive what God has for them.
The name of Jesus, the power of His blood, and the prayer of faith have not lost their power over the centuries.
No church, should be measured by its attendance. What the disciples wanted was not numbers but an essential quality that would keep them being the church God intended. The Bible does not say we should aim at numbers but rather urges us faithfully to proclaim God's message in the boldness of the Holy Spirit. This will build God's church God's way.
Just as the Israelites were warned not to mingle with the Canaanite gods called Baal or Asherah, we must beware of a god in our time called Success. Bigger is not better if it comes at the expense of disowning the truth or grieving the Holy Spirit.
People have lowered the standards in a vain attempt to make churches look more successful than they really are. When He says to do His work in His way, we can be assured that He will produce His results for His glory.
A basic sign of revival is that the wind is allowed to blow where it will. We don't need technicians and church programmers, we need God.
photo by www.ptialaska.net
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