spiritual renewal

As I have been doing the series on the Holy Spirit I realize just how much we need a deep spiritual renewal within the church in this nation and in Southside. Until the church regains its spiritual power, recaptures its spiritual passion, is willing to pay the price and begins to demonstrate an unfailing love for Jesus Christ the church will remain Luke –warm out of touch, ineffective, purposeless, and impotent spiritually. I’m conscious that when you talk like this it can make people feel condemned or start striving because they think they have to do more. I scream No, no don’t take it that way. It’s not trying to double our efforts or try harder or running around doing more and doubling our commitment. That leads to death. It’s all about surrender of our hearts. The posturing of our hearts before God. A spiritual breakthrough begins with personally surrendering oneself fully to God. We do not need to grab but to release and surrender. We need to surrender our lives to him in the same way a child holds up his arms surrendering to his parents. It’s to recognize our utter need for Him and His live giving presence.