There was a time, not too long ago, when Christ-followers were readily distinguishable from the "rest of the world." We looked a certain way, had a different disposition, and lived with the expectation of the "blessed hope" that Jesus would soon return.
But now, we pretty much just "blend into the landscape." I honestly wish that I couldn't say that--but it's so true.
Or at least it has been from where I'm sitting these days.
I remember when:
1) We sang about Heaven and Eternity in our local churches. We rejoiced because of the great promise that Jesus made when He said, "I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go, I will come again..." (John 14). Now, I'm not sure exactly what we sing about---but heaven seems to be an afterthought with far too many of us.
2) We lived as though Christ would come today--tomorrow, at the latest. We worked feverishly at our jobs, and lived with the great expectancy that Jesus would split the skies wide open, the angel would give the trumpet blast, and we would leave the ground in a shout! Now, we are still pretty certain that Jesus is coming--but we want to do all the stuff (get married, have a home, a successful career, and 2.5 children), thus we hope that He will wait awhile.
3) We lived as though this world is not our final home. Of course, we were busy about our daily chores, but we kept that "heavenward gaze" firmly fixed in our souls. We were convinced that a world, far better than this one, does indeed exist. We were people who were humbled by our privilege to go to that City Whose Builder and Maker is God (Hebrews 11). Now, it's pretty hard to convince some "believers" that Heaven is infinitely superior to the finest this world could ever offer.
Maybe my Grandmother Hoover (and all those other wonderful saints who have gone on before) was right after all: We have more, much, much more to look forward to than just this "stuff" down here!
Could it be that we need to "get back" to those times?
3 comments:
This has been on my heart for days. I feel that God is revealing to me why the Glory has departed from the church. (after working in church leadership for 40 years). When the saints were anointed His presence was awesome "The Old Rugged Cross" wasn't out of date because the anointing made it refreshing to your spirit. God has not changed but men decided there was a better way. Now, because men have been put in charge to make change... without having the leadership of the Holy Spirit...it has become carnal and we no longer can rejoice and sing because it is fleshly. When the Glory departs the worship service it is sad...what's worse even the minister doesn't know it. Being alone with God takes time...fasting and praying will shut down programs. You will never find favor with man and walk in close fellowship with God.
God spoke to me sitting in service one Sunday morning that revival with come through repentance ...not praise!!
And we ask what can the church do? Have we grieved the Holy Spirit thinking we can allow Him to move if we don't have anything planned for the service? I have personally heard ministers talk about allowing the church to rejoice at a service but wouldn't allow it ever service or it could get out of hand. Whose hands, theirs? Start where you are turning back to God, repenting and allowing God to lead you regardless of the price. You may have to walk alone, but great men do!
I would have to agree wholeheartedly with you both.......why is it today's churches seem to fear the power of the Holy Spirit rather than welcome It? Most don't acknowledge it at all!
Phil, I don't know if you figured out that I go to Pastor Darrell's church..He mentioned you today...all good...just wanted you to know that I'll be reading your blog on a regular basis.....good stuff!
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