Let’s Protect Our House: Going Deep With God
The church is a place where the presence of God abides. Through prayer and worship, our faith community engages in supernatural encounters, opening hearts and minds to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
The main purpose of the church is to have God's presence because only His presence can change lives, not just a message or worship set. We're also called to protect the power of prayer since Jesus said "My house will be called a house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). We prioritize creating an atmosphere that encourages genuine and meaningful experiences.
The Church Must Diligently Fight to Remain a House of Prayer.
The House Must Be a House of Prayer
To illustrate why vigilant protection of the church's atmosphere matters, a well-known scene of Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers and dove sellers in the temple courts:
“He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. It is written, he said to them that my house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:11-13)
Rather than tolerating religious corruption or distraction, Jesus took decisive, even confrontational action to preserve the sanctity of "his Father's house." Notice what happens as a result:
"Then the blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them." (v. 14)
The church must diligently fight to remain a house of prayer, where God's power and presence can flow unhindered to touch broken humanity.
Top 5 Things That Happen at Church
As we consider what's at stake in protecting the spiritual integrity of the church, it's helpful to clarify the core purposes that the church exists to facilitate:
Touching Hearts: Not just information transfer, but true inward transformation.
Changed Lives: From unbeliever to believer, or good to great in our walk with God.
Preaching Jesus: The answer to every problem we face.
Unconditional Love: Accepted just as we are but loved too much to stay that way.
Answered Prayers: Healed hearts, deliverance, and encouragement.
One of the most powerful ways to demonstrate God's love is by extending an invitation to join us at church. Being part of a vibrant faith community not only enhances our well-being but also equips us to be a catalyst for positive change in the world.
Through the transformative experience of being part of a church, we are empowered to embody the values and teachings of Christianity in our interactions with others.
God Loves the Church
God loves people, so God loves the church. The church isn't ultimately about facilities or programs, but about the people who participate in the Christian community. God's heart cry is expressed in 2 Peter 3:9: "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Jesus demonstrated this patience, pursuing love through his earthly ministry. He was "moved with compassion" and brought healing, feeding, freedom, and redemption wherever he went (Mark 6:34). As his followers, we are called to embody the same heart for humanity.
Shallow Faith Sinks
Most Christians Avoid the Risky Depths by Staying in the Shallow End.
Moving From the Shallow End
Most Christians spend too much time in the shallow end of the spiritual pool, avoiding the risky depths where we can no longer feel the bottom or control the outcomes. But the shallows are more dangerous than we think.
Proverbs warns "Pride goes before destruction" (16:18). One of the most subtly prideful things we do is hold back whole-hearted worship out of concern for comfort or image. Yet refusing to release our praise prevents God's power from engaging our problems to lift the burden.
The Dangers of Shallow Faith
Shallow faith sinks like Peter, who could only walk briefly on the waves before fear dragged him under (Matthew 14:22-33). Shallow worship leaves needs unmet, preventing testimonies of God's supernatural supply. Even seemingly "harmless" shallow prayers like "use me somehow" avoid truly costly surrender.
But the deep waters are where true transformation occurs. As Ezekiel encountered God's river of life, he could not resist wading to where his feet no longer touched bottom, fully immersed in the current's power (Ezekiel 47:1-12).
In Luke's account of the miraculous catch of fish, it was not until the disciples obeyed Jesus' command to "`Launch out into the deep” that their empty nets were bursting with blessing (Luke 5:1-11).
Breakthrough awaits our deep dive. Will we wade where He's calling us?
The Call to Deeper Waters
As we reflect on the renowned Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), we witness the profound depiction of God's boundless love for His church.
“But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (v. 32)
Like the Father, God waits in eager expectation for every dead heart to come alive. He celebrates with joy and lavish generosity whenever a lost son or daughter returns home. This outward focus must define the church as well.
Yes, we want to be "seeker sensitive"- removing obstacles and making church accessible. But zeal for reaching the lost must never compromise the spiritual integrity of our worship. Our worship ought not to be "seeker-sensitive" but rather "God-sensitive". We must press on towards God's presence, undistracted by anything else.
God’s Power Will Meet Us
Pursue God More Fully and Go Deeper in Your Faith.
How Do We Go Deeper?
God invites us to pursue Him more fully, knowing the adventure of faith can be dangerous. But it is also exhilarating and life-changing! As we surrender our pride and fears, God's power rushes in to meet us.
This is God's house where we come to personally meet with him, be filled with His presence, hear His voice, and yield whole lives to His refining and commissioning work. It's where we go deep, with raw desperation for Jesus alone.
We must remember that going deeper with God is a journey, not a destination. It's about continually seeking Him and allowing Him to transform us daily. And as we do so, we will experience the abundant life that Jesus promised us (John 10:10).
So, let's choose to leave behind our shallow faith and go deeper into the depths of God's love and grace. The cost may seem high, but the rewards are immeasurable.
