Passionate Spirituality

     Growing churches aren’t just those with well developed programmes, charismatic preachers or great spiritual practices.

     Growing churches are ones where there is a passion along with the practice of the faith. A growing church has people who are ‘on fire’, where the people are leading committed lives and express joy and enthusiasm because of the relationship with God they are led to express because of the whole experience they have with God at church.

     One measure of passionate spirituality is the quality of the prayer life of the fellowship. The issue is that prayer should be an inspiring experience.

     When we explore the idea of growing churches the book of Ephesians features strongly. If that congregation lived up to the advice given they would certainly have been a healthy growing church. Passionate spirituality is expressed

           ^“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

               Ephesians 6:10-18

     The wording may date from 1611 and does not reflect the English I use in my own Bible but you can’t help but notice the passion behind the words.

     The Apostle Paul called for his members to have a passionate Christian life that culminated in a prayer life that went beyond a few moments of time but was transformed into an event that expressed life, vitality and need.

     A good expression of passionate spirituality and the likely results follows. As Ellen White puts it,

          “The church needs the fresh, living experience of members who have habitual communion with God. Dry, stale testimonies and prayers, without the manifestation of Christ in them, are no help to the people. If every one who claims to be a child of God were filled with faith and light and life, what a wonderful witness would be given to those who come to hear the truth! And how many souls might be won to Christ!”

               Christian Service page 212

     Now how do we develop that passion at Newark Seventh-day Adventist Church?