The Church's New God

I find it interesting that Jesus did not say that his house shall be called a house of great singing, a house of great preaching, a house of architectural magnificence, a house of large crowds or a house of fun and fanfare. Rather, our Lord simply said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." Let's be honest! It would be remarkable indeed if your church is identified in your community as a praying church above and beyond anything else.  Both members of your church and non-members alike say things like, "You should hear our music!" Or, "We have a pastor that can preach the paint off the wall!" Or, "We have the most wonderful programs for your family!" But, isn't it true that you never hear anyone say as they leave your church after their first time attending services, "Oh my, what a praying church!"

     I became so convicted as a pastor about this prayer issue that I determined that any churches that I served as pastor must become houses of prayer. At First Baptist Church of Etowah, TN, we built an upper room where people prayed on bended knees seven days a week and during the times that I was preaching in the sanctuary. Later, as pastor of North Jacksonville Baptist Church, annually we had a service called "A God's Kind Of Healing Service," an idea given to me by the legendary Dr W A Criswell, and the entire service was about prayer. And, I made sure every service and  every activity was literally saturated in prayer. Any good accomplished by me at these two churches, the last two I served as pastor, is directly attributable to the power of prayer.

     So, the overriding question is this: why are churches  not known first of all as places of prayer? Please note. Good music, good preaching and good weekday activities are assets to a church fellowship, but remember, Jesus said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer...."  There are two shocking reasons:

     (1) WE HAVE CHOSEN THE GOD CALLED "FAMILY" OVER THE GOD CALLED "JESUS."  Go to the average church staff meetings. They are dominated by suggestions of church activities that will make families want to attend their church. Upcoming plans are made for outings, ball leagues, pizza blasts, ocean cruises, hot dog roasts, special guests performers, etc. Very very seldom will you hear a staff member or pastor say, "What does God want?" Look at your Sunday bulletin at the average church and you will be almost overwhelmed with the multitude of flashy announcements of activities....so much so you would think your church has turned into a glorified YMCA.  And, if you look closely enough, you might find a prayer service mentioned in small print. Why? Because the modern church has a new God....the family.

     (2) WE HAVE CHOSEN THE SUPERFICIAL OVER THE SUPERNATURAL.  Because we have chosen to first of all, perhaps unwittingly, install the family as our new God and relegate the importance of prayer to the realm of a traditional "add-on" at each worship service, Jesus is no longer the center of worship and adoration; no, he is now outside and sadly knocking. When that happens, the church with its well-oiled organization, eloquent preacher and awesome music becomes a church of influence but is no longer a church of power.....power that makes the supernatural so real that the world cannot ignore it. Most sinners have seen all the religious dog and pony shows at the modern church and they are thoroughly unimpressed. What your community needs, and the world at large needs, is to to be confronted by the undeniable and unexplainable supernatural acts of God that only come about as a result of real prayer.