Revival

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us so, what mighty acts you did in their days, in the times of old (Psalm 44:1)

Sacred literature and church history both record the mighty acts of God. We read them with astonishment and we look back upon them as substantial matters of history. They are viewed as "turning points" when God showed up and made a difference in people's lives and circumstances. By faith we believe that the wondrous things God did in the "times of old" by grace He will do again, in our time.

As we look towards the weekend renewal services with evangelist Gary Wright I wish to focus on the topic of "Revival" in this week's blog. We need a mighty rush of God's grace at Willoughby Hills Friends Church. We are ripe for a miraculous outpouring of His precious Holy Spirit.

This week we need to pursue Christ-centeredness in our attendees and strive less for Christ-likeness. Christ-centeredness speaks of heart devotion and consecration of life whereas Christ-likeness references human effort and rigorous discipline. There is nothing wrong with the pursuit of Christ-likeness. The Bible speaks frequently of buffeting ourselves for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom. Pursuing Christ-likeness is a part of our daily maturation and reasonable service of duty.

However, the "mighty acts of God" typically comes from our "centerness in Christ." The times when we rest in Christ, when we cease to strive and call upon His mercy and grace. There are limits to our human effort. As a church body we "labor in love" for one another as instructed by the Apostle Paul and "serve up Christ to our community" as taught by Jesus in Matthew 25. But, as demonstrated by our Lord there is a time for rest. Let that time be now. This very week when we seek the mighty acts of God.

What is the difference between Christ-likeness and Christ-centeredness to you? What does it mean to be Christ-centered in "practical terms" this week? What are the "mighty acts of God" you need to see in your life and church today?

Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian