The Church today needs power. Paul's prayer was for strength,
and a deep apprehension and fullness in Christ. Depth is defined
as a condition where Christ would settle down and dwell deeply
in us. There is a lighthouse in Scituate which flashes out over
the dark waters of the night these three words:
"I—LOVE—YOU." Ephesians 3:16-21, "I pray that out
of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through
his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established
in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp
how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and
to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be
filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
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,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
The society today views the Church as right-wing fanatics who
want to go out and stamp out sin. Those that are so fanatically
inclined are worse than the sinners they seek to eliminate! We
are to be deeply rooted in love. Our roots are to go deep into
the love of God. Then we'll stand in the worst storm. In building
high buildings, you must go deep with the foundation. Power in
your life is the power of love. There are four ways to test your
love-depth:
Love towards God, you want to go to church, get up early to
pray and be with God in prayer and study.
Do you keep God's commandments because you don't want to hurt
God?
In your family—how much do you love your family, your
husband, wife?Do you want a loving home? Then start praying
for one. Do you want your marriage turned around? Pray to God
and for God to help your marriage. That's where the power source
is. No marriage will falter if it's deeply rooted in Godly love
(Agape). Do you want a loving home? Deny yourself and
seek God's face. Love toward your neighbor as toward
yourself.
Love toward your enemies—being kind to those who are
evil: This love is not just words but in deed and truth. Romans
12:14-21, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing
to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is
right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as
it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take
revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it
is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.
On the contrary:
'If your enemy is hungry,
feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him
something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals on his head.'
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
If we are deeply rooted in God's love, the following Psalm of
David will apply to us. How wonderful!
Psalm 139:7-10, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I
flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the
wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even
there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
The Church needs this kind of love. A Christian robbed of power
can't be used by God. God is glorified through the Church. The
Church must exhibit the love of God through its' members.