WHY THE CHURCH APPEARS TO BE WEAK. WHAT DID THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH HAVE THAT THE MODERN CHURCH DOES NOT HAVE?

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me. Rev. 3: 20

Jesus stands at the door of the Church of Laodicea and knocks. They are so busy inside. They are singing, praying and sharing testimonies about how Jesus is wonderful. They think they have Jesus inside the Church, yet, the starch truth is:Jesus is outside, locked out of His Church. He knocks at the door and no one seems to hear the knock. The congregation is praying, praising Him but He is not in their hearts. Their hearts are full of envy, hatred, jealousy. They look saved outside but inside they are lost because the only One who could energize them, revitalize them is standing outside the Church. Jesus cannot live in a heart that harbors all filthy things.

Victor Hugo, a French writer of 18th Century, tells the story, in his satirical book, about Jesus' visit to Vatican City. He and his disciples, at the end of a wearisome day, converged to Vatican City hoping to find a place to rest and sleep. The Swiss guard at the gate asks, "Who are you?". "I am Jesus Christ and these are my disciples", replied the man in a long robe and with feet covered with dust. The Guard sends a message to the Pope who, together with his cardinals are gathered for vespers. They are busy praying to Jesus. The messenger comes back to inform the hospitality seekers that the Pope is busy praying. The gate closed on their noses, Jesus and His disciples go to find a hospitality at another place. Jesus is denied hospitality by the person who calls himself the vicar of Jesus Christ on earth. It seems easy to say such words about another church. What about my church - the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Have we let Him in? The truth of the matter is that He is standing at the door waiting for us to open, yet fool ourselves that we have Him in our hearts, homes and churches.

The Apostolic church was strong because it had Jesus. Jesus was at the center of their relationships and worship. This is the reason why Peter was able to say to a crippled beggar, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Acts 3:6-8

The upper room experience is needed today in our church. We need to crave for the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is coming soon. It's time to check and see that Jesus is not locked out of our hearts, homes, churches and places of work. The Holy Spirit will be poured upon those who have welcomed Jesus in their hearts, homes, churches and places of work.

Genuine miracles will be performed by men and women, young and old, who will completely yield their lives to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to work through them. When we surrender our lives to God, there is no limit to what He man choose to do through us to advance His kingdom. Now is the time and not tomorrow!