What Does Our Church Need? by James Smith

Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. 1 Thessalonians 1, verse 5

We have, said one pastor, the gospel regularly preached. The prayer meetings are continued. The church is in peace. But very few souls are converted to God. What does our church need? It needs the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

For unless the Holy Spirit works, your minister may preach, your church may meet, but no real good will be done. God's work is carried on not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty. It is the Spirit who must open the heart, quicken the soul, and sanctify the person. And if the spirit works, then the feeblest ministry is efficient, and the smallest church prospers.

All the success that followed the preaching of Peter and the labors of Paul was from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Paul says, God gave the increase. Then the church felt her need of the Spirit. She realized her dependence on that divine agent. She prayed with faith, fervor, and importunity for the blessing. and God answered her prayers, and filled His servants with the Holy Spirit and with power.

But nowadays we merely talk of the Spirit, rather than feel our need. We boast of our instruments, rather than realize our dependence on the Almighty Agent.