We need no more proof of the condition of today’s church than our failure to be preserving salt and a guiding light to our nation.
Don’t we often have the form of godliness but deny its power, choosing instead to put our confidence in the flesh?*
TOGETHER
We like to think of ourselves as God-pleasers, but maybe we should humbly consider the heart issues that Jesus speaks of in Mt. 13:13-15. Few are exempt. I’m certainly not, but I long to engage in the pursuit of His Life with others who share that vision. (Phil. 3:12-15)
We say we believe the Bible, but when will we obey Heb. 3:12-15 and 10:24-25? We need each other. Maybe like this guy but without the dour face.
We’re broken and no program can fix us. No new buildings, staff or worship format. Nothing but repenting of having embraced the false ideology of institutional religion which typically promotes good works and ignores many of the Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered, relational and missional aspects of the Body of Christ.
NEW WINESKINS
We’re talking about new wineskins here, which Jesus spoke of in Mt. 9:16-17.
What needs to happen before we can see our church altars filled with our leaders humbly repenting, and imploring God for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them and us, and pleading for a new vision for the church as the saints gathered around them?
When that happens, a new sense of community as the Body of Christ will help us stand together through the coming troubles, and a Spirit-empowered partnership with God in reaching and discipling the lost will replace much of our current program.
I Cor. 12:1-11 words of knowledge and wisdom will flow, with healings and other works of power taking place. And the testimony of godly, Spirit-filled saints who love each other will attract many to Christ.
Why not?
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
April 9, 2021
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**II Tim. 3:5, Phil. 3:3, Rom. 2:29