Reviving the Powerless Church

May 17, 2023 Bishop Edward Brink Inspiration, Ministry

Reviving the Powerless Church by Bishop Edward Brink

Reviving the Powerless Church: A Call to Action
Have you ever stepped into a church and felt like something was missing? As if the air was stagnant, the sermons lacked fervor, and the congregants seemed disconnected? It’s a perplexing scenario, and one that begs the question: What is a church with no power?

Reviving the Powerless Church

Text: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5King James Version

⁴And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

⁵That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1) What is a Church with No Power?
A church with no power is not defined by its physical infrastructure or the size of its congregation. It is not measured by its wealth, its programs, or its grandeur. Rather, it is a place where the transformative and supernatural power of God seems absent, where lives remain unchanged, and spiritual growth is stagnant. It is a gathering that has lost touch with the vibrant, life-giving force that once fueled its existence.

Bible Verses:

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6, KJV)
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20, KJV)

2) Why Does a Church Lose its Power?
There are various reasons why a church may lose its power, but a common thread often lies in the gradual drift away from the core principles that once defined it. When worldly influences infiltrate the church, compromising its message and diluting its devotion, the power of God is stifled. Divisions, apathy, and a lack of genuine love and compassion can quench the Holy Spirit’s work within the church’s walls. The loss of power often occurs when the focus shifts from a vibrant relationship with God to mere religious rituals and empty traditions.

Bible Verses:

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5, KJV)
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18, KJV)

3) How Can a Church Rediscover its Power?
Rediscovering the power of the church requires a collective effort from both leaders and congregants. It begins with earnest prayer, seeking God’s face, and humbly acknowledging our need for His intervention. Repentance, both individually and corporately, is crucial to remove any barriers that hinder God’s power from flowing freely. The Word of God, preached with conviction and lived out authentically, acts as a catalyst for transformation and revival. Rekindling a deep hunger for God and a passion to fulfill the Great Commission breathes new life into a powerless church.

Bible Verses:

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31, KJV)
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV)

Conclusion:
A church with no power is like a flickering candle in the midst of darkness. But the good news is that this powerlessness is not an irreversible condition. By acknowledging the problem, seeking God’s face, and aligning ourselves with His Word, we can experience a revival of power that will ignite our hearts and transform our communities. It’s time to break free from the chains of complacency and reclaim the supernatural power that was always intended for the Church.

Imagine a church where lives are transformed, where the sick are healed, the broken are made whole, and the lost find salvation. This is the vibrant, dynamic church that God desires us to be. Let us rise up with renewed fervor and determination, ready to embrace the power that is readily available to us.