Introduction

Welcome, dear friends, to this beautiful gathering of believers. Isn't it wonderful to be here, in the house of our Lord, surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ, ready to receive His Word? I am so glad you have chosen to be here today, to share in this time of fellowship and learning. It is a privilege to stand before you, to guide us all as we seek to understand more fully the depth and breadth of our faith.

We are here today to consider the power, the honor, and the health of our church. These are not just words or ideas, but the very lifeblood of our community of faith. They are the pillars upon which our church stands, the foundation upon which we build our collective ministry. They are the fuel that drives us forward, the compass that guides our path, the heartbeat that gives life to our mission.

As we reflect on these themes, I am reminded of the words of Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher and theologian, who once said, "Give yourself to the Church. You that are members of the Church have not found it perfect and I hope that you feel almost glad that you have not. If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I would never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us."

Let us turn now to the Word of God, as found in the book of Matthew. "Jesus answered, 'It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"' (Matthew 4:4)

This Scripture reminds us that we are sustained not only by the physical elements of this world, but by the spiritual nourishment that comes from God's Word. It is this divine nourishment that empowers our church, that brings honor to our ministry, and that ensures the health of our community.

Harnessing the Power of a Working Church

The power of a working church should not be taken for granted. It is something that we must actively cultivate, nurture, and harness for the glory of God and the good of His people. The first aspect of this power that we must understand is its source. The power of a working church does not come from us, but from God. It is not a product of our own strength, our own wisdom, or our own abilities. It is a gift from God, a manifestation of His grace, and a testament to His love for us. As we read in the book of Acts, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Secondly, we must understand its purpose. The power of a working church is not given to us for our own benefit but for the benefit of others. It is not given to us to boost our own ego, to enhance our own reputation, or to increase our own influence. It is given to us to serve others, bless others, and love others. As we read in the book of Peter, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10)

Next is to understand its potential. The power of a working church is not limited to what we can see or imagine. It is a power that can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. As we read in the book of Ephesians, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20)

Lastly, we must understand its requirements. The power of a working church is not automatic. It is not something that just happens. It is something that requires our participation, our cooperation, and our obedience. It is something that requires us to surrender to God, to submit to His will, and to trust in His plan. As we read in the book of James, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." (James 4:7-8)

Transition. The power of a working church is a gift from God, given to us to serve others, with a potential beyond our imagination, and a requirement for our participation. It is a power that transforms our church, empowers our ministry, and glorifies God. It is a power that we must actively cultivate, nurture, and harness for the glory of God and the good of His people.

Honoring our Journey in Ministry

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