MORNING MANNA 6-1-21
WHAT CHURCHES NEED TODAY
“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance” 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Many Christians are confused and wondering, “What in the world is wrong with our church?” That isn’t anything new. Back in 1840 a pastor said –“We have,the gospel regularly preached, the prayer meetings are continued, the church is in peace–but very few souls are converted to God! What does our church need?”
In response to that question James Smith said, “It needs the presence and power of the Holy Spirit! For unless the Holy Spirit works–your minister may preach, your church may meet–but no real good will be done! God’s work is carried on, not by might nor by power–but by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty. It is the Spirit who must . . .
open the heart,
quicken the soul, and
sanctify the person!
And if the Spirit works–then the feeblest ministry is efficient, and the smallest church prospers!
All the success that followed the preaching of Peter and the labors of Paul, was from the Holy Spirit. Therefore Paul says, “God gave the increase.” Then the church felt her need of the Spirit; she realized her dependence on that divine Agent; she prayed with faith, fervor, and importunity for the blessing; and God answered her prayers, and filled His servants with the Holy Spirit and with power!
But now-a-days, we merely talk of the Spirit–rather than feel our need!
We boast of our instruments–rather than realize our dependence on the Almighty Agent!”
What Smith said is exactly what every church needs today! We have too much dependence upon the flesh, what man can do, and not nearly enough upon what the Spirit can do. Revival would sweep across our nation if it could be said, as it was of the early church, “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:4). – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.
