People did not come to a water well because the well was so beautiful, with special rocks laid just perfect. They came because they were thirsty and the well met the need. People gather around a fire, not to see the beautiful wood and how efficiently it burns— but because they need warmth.
Beautiful buildings, efficient services and well-laid plans are great! If you know me, you know that I definitely believe in having things looking and working right—but....the most important thing about a church service is Him. I am striving to make the simple sanctuary (actually ugly on the outside) where we hold service to look its best. We practice music, are training people to help a service flow smoothly and want to run things like we have a hundred more people than we do...because that time is coming. But if we do not have the moving of His Spirit, our times together do not meet the needs that are resident in each person's life. That is the purpose to which we are called—bringing the hurting to the One Who meets needs.
When our little congregation pulls together and worships God, the true living water begins to flow to thirsty souls and the fire of the Spirit starts bringing warmth to the cold hearts. Needs are met. We cannot meet the need and we cannot even know every need, but He does. It is so beautiful when He begins to move and you see someone begin to 'warm-up' to His touch. A tear streams down the face, a hand is raised in submission, and then He floods over them to fulfill the longing deep within. They are oblivious to what the place looks like where they are standing. They don't care what anyone else is doing or what the social status is of the people around them. They are getting their thirst met. They feel the warmth of His love deep within. They are changed.
Through the demonstration of the Spirit and power we will see growth because needs will be met. Paul told the Corinthians that he came to them weak, in fear and with no enticing words of man's wisdom. It was a demonstration of the Spirit and of power that made the difference.
1 Corinthians 2:1-4
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
We already have all we need. His Spirit is within us. Just let Him move THROUGH you to someone else. I don't know how to meet their need, but a single touch from Him will do the work...thirst is quenched....the cold heart is melted.
4 comments:
That's what it's ALL about! I love seeing God touch someone that realizes they have a need. It's great being in His presence!
That's powerful. We need to tag-team preach that sometime.
Wonderful sermon! It sounds you and Keith have been on the same wavelength. We have been hearing much of the same.
cheese soup!!!! cheese soup!!! I go crazy for cheese soup!!!! swap ya out for a piano tuning? james cain
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