“In process of time, some churches continue to have an appearance of the same body which they were at first, but – being examined – are like a lifeless, breathless carcase, wherein the animating Spirit of Grace doth not dwell.”
John Owen (Vol. I, Chp. VIII pg 104)
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I think that we have at some time looked at our church (whether that be the one we visit, attend, become a member of, or even work at) and say that “our church is lifeless” and we all have our little particulars that indicate what marks a church as “alive.”
So, I have some things* I think are indicators of life and the “animated Spirit of Grace.”
-Gospel is Preached [teaching that is rich in theology and passionately presented.]
-Gospel is Received [people hear it and affected by it]
-Gospel is Lived [missionally] (locally/globally)
-Worship is passionate [people don't just observe, nor just participate, but are immersed]
-Disciple making/spiritual formation is taking place [training is happening/development of people]
-Church Discipline is active motivated by love, not for the sake of discipline
-There is a pursuit of Biblical Christianity rather than American evangelicalism
-People becoming free from addictions
-The Gifts of the Spirit are evident – especially prophecy (declaring Truth)
*I’m wanting to develop these further with Scripture passages, but this is my initial stab at this.
So, I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have I missed something? DO you agree/disagree with something I’ve mentioned? What are some indicators of the animating Spirit of Grace amongst us?
mc.