As Christianity closes in on its 2,000th birthday since the time God revealed Himself through His Son's death and resurrection (Christianity is a revealed faith not an explained faith), we appear to be no closer to fulfilling Christ's Great Commission. Correct doctrine hasn't been able to do it. The vast resources of money and personnel that the church has and has had at its disposal haven't been able to accomplish it.
The irony is that twelve men (disciples) were able to blanket most of the known world in their time - and today we have churches on seemingly every street corner and most of them flail helplessly making little if any impact on their street, much less their world.
What are we missing here?
I believe if we are going to see the kind of breakthroughs in an unGodly culture that Jesus and the early church experienced with regularity we are going to have to embrace what Jesus and the early church embraced: The Holy Spirit.
By and large, the church lacks the power it was created to function with. We've been trying to accomplish our commission without the power given for said commission. Similar to a glider plane - after our initial burst of power (Acts) it seems that the church has severed itself from the Power Source and is content to slowly drift and lose altitude wondering where it will land.
The alternative for us? A vibrant life in Christ Jesus lived out by the power of the Holy Spirit. This Power Source - the presence of the Holy Spirit - terrifies all of hell, destroys yokes, heals sickness, delivers the demonized and liberates those held captive to sins power.
The greatest gift ever given to us was/is the Holy Spirit Himself. So much so - Jesus Himself said it was good for us that He left in order to send the Holy Spirit to us. Those who will embrace Him in all of His goodness will enter into a relationship of intimacy with God like they've never known. And out of this vital relationship will spring a ministry of power that we so desperately need today.
Are you ready to go there?
So where do I sign up?
ReplyDelete'without faith - it is impossible to please God'.
ReplyDeleteWhat specifically do I need to believe?
ReplyDeleteYour question rather illustrates the problem - it's not just 'what' I need to be believe, but more specifically 'Who' I need to believe.
ReplyDeleteO.K. So I believe Him. What now?
ReplyDeleteGo down to the Oregon District this Friday night. Stand on the corner of the street and state loudly that you are there to pray for the sick or injured in order to see them get healed. Ask them to step forward so you can lay hands on them and pray for their healing. When they are healed, watch how easily they then accept Christ. You won't go back to passive Christianity ever again.
ReplyDeleteWhy isn't it enough for me to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of my sins?
ReplyDeleteThis post is about what should be happening after you do that...
ReplyDeleteBut Peter makes it sound like if I repent and am baptized, I will receive the Spirit without having to do anything more. (Acts 2:38)
ReplyDeleteBrad - I won't be wasting time arguing doctrine here if this is your objective. Take a run at Acts 19 for me...
ReplyDeleteVery well. I'll take a closer look at Acts 19. Maybe we can get together for the rest. It's probably better anyway that I not air my cessationist misgivings too publicly. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way, the last time we argued this theology, you and Charles knocked me down a couple of notches. Maybe a waste of time for you, but definitely profitable for me.
ReplyDeleteI honestly have lost my desire to debate theology with brothers in the Lord - I'd much rather save any persuasiveness I may have for those who don't know/don't believe in Christ at all.
ReplyDeleteYeah. There's been some of that going around. I've got a touch of it myself. Well, God bless, brother. I'll start making more noise when I agree with what you're saying on your blog--which is often.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to hear from you bro! ;^)
ReplyDeleteEric,
ReplyDeleteExcellent analysis.
thanks Diane - great to hear from you again!
ReplyDeleteWhew - that took a bit to wade through.
ReplyDeleteI want to add an Amen to your post. I could not agree more.
LOL...'who' is on first and 'what' is on second ;^)
ReplyDelete