The Church's Greatest Need (Part 1)

To put it very simply, the church's greatest need is a "continual move of God."  This move must begin with a "reviving" of the saints!  We often hear people talk about how that want a move of God, but it will not happen until individual lives become "spiritually revived."  To see what a move of God looks like all one needs to do is examine the Biblical account of the Day of Pentecost, specifically Acts 2:41-47.  The problem with defining a "move of God" is that people have different ideas of what it is.  What some equate as being a move of God is really nothing more than hype, feelings, and emotions.  This is why so many people get deceived.  Without the power of the Holy Spirit we will never be able to accomplish what God has called us to do.  The best way to build God's Kingdom and the body of Christ is through the power of the Holy Spirit and not through all the other ways recommended by the moderates.  I want to answer four critical questions as they relate to what a "move of God" is.

1.  Why Do We Need A Continual Move Of God?

The first reason, is that without it, we have a tendency to grow cold and unconcerned.  Secondly, without it our priorities change.  Everything else becomes more important when we don't see and feel God moving.  Thirdly, without a move of God, we become selfish.  Everything is centered around us.  Fourthly without this move of God there is a tendency to lose our focus on God.  And finally without God moving our desires change.  No longer do we desire the things of God, but rather the things of the flesh.  It is time we do some serious "self examination and evaluation" and honestly assess what is important to us spiritually.

2.   Why Some Reject A Move Of God?

I believe there are four primary reasons people reject God moving:

• They see what ignorance has produced in the past and are therefore afraid of it today.
• The are afraid of any kind of demonstration.
• They are not sure if miracles still happen today.  If we doubt miracles happen then most likely they will never happen.
• They don't want to change.  They are content with the way things are and they don't want the boat rocked!

3.  What Is The Purpose Of A Continual Move Of God?

There are three reasons it is vital for God to move:

• So the church can experience God's power.  God wants nothing more than to unleash His power through the church!  He desires to work through each individual member of the "body of Christ."  You and I are His channels.  What He does, He does through us.
• So the Body of Christ can be edified, comforted and exhorted.  As His body it is through the power of God's Spirit that we are encouraged and challenged to move ahead in His power and authority.
• So God can manifest to us who He is.  Many people don't believe in God, because they see no demonstration of Him.  As believers it is our responsibility to live our life so that people see Christ in us.  When they look at you or me they should Jesus.  Start living your life as if you were the ambassador for God!  How different would that look and how different would you live?

4.  What A Move Of God Will Do For You?

• It will change your life.  Just as the lives of the disciples were changed, so too is your life when you encounter the Holy One.  When the power of the Holy Spirit gets control of your life you will never be the same.  He wants to revolutionize your life.
• It will give you a new perspective for life and ministry. It's unfortunate, but most Christians aren't interested in ministry.  For the most part they aren't thinking about wining souls or laying hands on the sick and doing the work of the ministry. When the Holy Spirit gets a hold of your life and revival begins to burn in you, your perspective for ministry will change.
• It will give you a heart and desire for ministry.  If you have no interest in ministry, you should evaluate how active the Holy Spirit is in your life.  When the Holy Spirit is directing your life there will always be a heart and desire for ministry.  God didn't place us here on this earth to do nothing.  We all have a purpose and a plan for our life and it is not about self, but about doing the will of God.
• It will give you the confidence you need for ministry.  One of the biggest problems believers have, is a lack of confidence. When you allow the power of the Holy Spirit to operate in your life, you will have the confidence you need to be effective in ministry.

God will build His church.  The question is are you going to be a part of it?  The church's greatest need is to allow God to move as He sees and for each individual to be a vessel He can use to accomplish what He desires here on earth.

-- Pastor Temple