We're Marching.....?

There is something majestic and perhaps even triumphant about the month of March. The origin of the name comes from the Roman god of war, Mars. Of course, the fourth planet and the one nearest earth goes by that name and was named thus because of its fiery red color.

The weather is characterized by blustery and sometimes violent winds. It's as if winter is trying to have its final say before spring eclipses it. It is a powerful display of nature.

Thinking of this month got me to thinking about us - His church. Just how "powerful" is the church today? It was a swirling wind and tongues of fire, which visually demonstrated the coming of the power of God in the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. That power transformed thousands of lives within months, and millions within a couple of generations. Where is our power? Are we to be any different than that early generation of believers? Are we guilty of the behaviour Paul alludes to in his prophecy to Timothy (2 Tim. 3:5), "holding to a form of godliness, although denying its power...."

Marches are some of the most powerfully written music. Many of our patriotic and military songs are marches. Some Christian songs are written as marches: "Lead on O King Eternal, the day of march has come; Henceforth in fields of conquest Thy tents shall be our home: Thro' days of preparation Thy grace has made us strong and now, O King Eternal, We lift our battle song."*

Remember, Onward Christian Soldiers and Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus? (Get out your hymnbook and read the words, yet better SING the words!)

What has happened to the majesty, triumphant spirit, and power of our faith? Remember Jesus' words: "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12 NLT) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...." (Acts 1:8 NLT)

The time for "complacent Christianity" is over. Its time to receive the power of the Holy Spirit and work for the kingdom. Many of you have not experienced that power in awhile and my guess is, that you have either given up, or you never got started, or you are trying to do for God what God wants by doing it in your own power - none of those work. Or you really have never experienced it! His power is free - just for the asking...but you must be wiling, you must be obedient, and you must be available.

....The day of march has come! Please attempt to be at every worship service in March!

*Words, Ernest Shurtleff, 1887

Tune LANCASHIRE, Henry Smart, 1835