an you imagine a church without PASSIONATE SPIRITUALITY of its members? Yet, churches that tend towards legalism report that the spiritual passion is below average… Jesus addressed church in Ephesus on this issue of losing its first love, losing its passionate spirituality. Same problem happens in Laodicea – legalism in stead of love. The disease of lukewarmness is exact opposite of what PASSIONATE SPIRITUALITY is. Pure doctrine without love is nothing (1st Corinthians 13:1-3) Whenever a “defense of orthodoxy” replaces the expression of a passionate faith in Christ a rigid fanaticism, and not truly liberated passion will flourish.
The quality of this characteristic is examined when the prayer life of church is examined. These words come from the pen of inspiration: “Prayer will be no task to the soul that loves God; it will be a pleasure, a source of strength. Our hearts will be stayed upon God, and we shall say by our daily life, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (Ellen. G. White, Gospel Workers, 437). On another occasion she wrote concerning the upbring the young people: “When the gaze is fixed upon Jesus, the life finds its center. The enthusiasm, the generous devotion, the passionate ardor, of the youth find here their true object. Duty becomes a delight and sacrifice a pleasure. To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life's highest ambition and its greatest joy.” (Education, 296).
Passionate Spirituality is the life of faith as a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Our faith is not a duty to endure, but a delight of a relationship longed for. If spending time with Jesus is a burden, then passionate spirituality is certainly lacking. It’s time to rekindle the flame of lost love for Jesus, and spend time in His presence.
We don’t want you coming to the church to do pastor, or God a favor. When you bring your PASSIONATE SPIRITUALITY to the INSPIRING WORSHIP we join Heavens in the experience of praise. INSPIRING WORSHIP occurs when God has stirred our hearts all through the week. Yet, true worship is much more than just Sabbath convocation. “True worship consists in working together with Christ. Prayers, exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which are frequently tied on; but fruits that are manifested in good works, in caring for the needy, the fatherless, and widows, are genuine fruits, and grow naturally upon a good tree.” (Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, August 16, 1881).
Psalmist said “I was glad when they say to me: ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’ (Psalm 122:1). Just translate the constant praise of Angels in heaven as being in awe and saying WOW! In the presence of God. Remember that the qualitative adjective is INSPIRING, and it simply means the presence of the Holy Spirit in our Worship, for the inspiration has only one source.
Are you on fire? Have you been born from above?
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