WEEK 4 - REAWAKENING TO THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
The Church was purchased by Christ, initiated by Christ, and is under the ownership and leadership of Christ. He is in the position to tell us the purpose and function of the Church, and we are to submit to His ownership and headship. Think about Jesus’ intent for the Church and how we are to live into that intent. Pray for an open heart.
DAY TWENTY FIVE - THE CHURCH AS THE DWELLING OF GOD’S SPIRIT -
DAVID GILMORE
Ephesians 2:21-22
21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by[a] the Spirit.
Recently, as I was driving, I saw a handwritten sign posted by the road. It said: “Repent or Hell.” It immediately triggered frustration within me. Why would those three words create frustration? As I pondered and prayed, I realized this reductionist message was missing the entire gospel work of Jesus Christ and His love for all people.
Ephesians 2:21 says that our identity and position in this life and for eternity is “in Him.” Those two powerful words are centered on the work and love of Christ. God chose us to be His Church, His Body. Then, He sends His Holy Spirit to empower us.
The Holy Spirit is not weak, timid, or tired, so when we, or the church, are weak, timid, or tired, it often reflects that we are not being fully surrendered to the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit doesn’t force Himself on us. He waits for the invitation; He longs for us to fully surrender to Him. We need to daily surrender to the Holy Spirit and invite Him to take charge of our lives and every trial we face.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Take a moment today to thank the Lord that He chose you and purchased you to be His Body. You are the Church.
2. Surrender to the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit so that His work can be done in you and through you for His glory.
3. Ask God for opportunity and boldness to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ to those in your world who desperately need our Savior.