The Church's Greatest Need (Part 3)

In the past two posts I've made the case that the greatest need of the church is for it to experience a continual move of God.  And I have encouraged all of us to begin to ask God where we might be missing it and what are we doing that we shouldn't be doing or what are we not doing that we should be doing.  In this post I want to focus on the latter and what our responsibility is in a continual move of God.

1. Prayer

I know some people don't see the importance of prayer, but prayer is absolutely necessary for any moving of God.  "...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16). For the church to experience a continual move of God daily prayer is imperative.  It is also necessary for us to pray in the Spirit.  This type of prayer is a direct line to God without any interference.  Prayer changes things...it changes us first and then it changes other things.

2.  Learn To Bring Your Body Under Subjection

Our body can be our biggest enemy if it isn't brought under subjection.  Paul states in 1 Corinthians 9:27 that "...I keep my body, and bring it into subjection..."  You see we are not our own.  We have been bought with a price and we are to glorify God in our body and spirit which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:20).

3.  Spending More Time With God

For the most part, it's never someone's intention to "drift away" from God.  But it happens.  And it usually happens when we get too busy and fail to spend the proper amount of time with God.  To have a relationship with God you must spend quality time with Him and not just time when "you need Him."  Relationship with God is everything and it must be based on love, dedication, commitment, and selfishness.

4.  Recognizing What Should Be Most Important In Our Lives

If we aren't careful our priorities easily get out of whack to the place where the things that are most important get pushed way down on the priority list.  God, family, and ministry should be top priority in our lives.  If we want to see a continual move of God in the church then God must be at the top of our priorities.

5.  Discovering Our Calling In The Body Of Christ And Pursuing It

God has given you an assignment, and He has perfectly equipped you to accomplish that assignment.  You were put on earth to make a contribution not to just consume resources!  We are here to be givers not takers.  Regardless of your vocation you are called to full time Christian service.  This Christian service isn't optional.  It doesn't make any difference who you are, God wants to use you.

6.  Staying On Guard At All Times

One thing is for certain, we have an enemy!  He is the devil and he is like a roaring lion going about seeking whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:7-9).  It is important that we be conscious at all times because satan has us in his cross hairs!  We have to be ready at all times to engage in spiritual battle with this enemy.

I have always discovered that the closer I get to God, the more I love Him, want to serve Him, listen to Him, and do His work.  If we allow ourselves to grow cold in the Lord those things will always be secondary.  Begin today with a renewed commitment to accept your responsibility to usher in the continual move of God!

-- Pastor Temple