Crowding the Church to Christ

As with the individual,
So is the church's plight;
Holding steady or losing ground,
Though trying with all its might!

Consisting mainly of believers
Who are giving life their best,
It should come as no surprise
That few have entered promised rest. (Heb. 4:10,11)

Death must work in us (Gal. 2:20)
So that life might work in others; (2 Cor. 4:12)
Conversely, when self-life works in us
Death will result in our brothers.

With the church being a composite,
Its identity drawn from within;
There'll be a downdraft on its efforts
Caused by the power of sin.

Revival is the only answer
Following the preaching of the Cross; (1 Cor. 1:18)
Ministering in the strength of flesh
Will cause the church to suffer loss.

The flesh must be exposed,
Whether in the pulpit or the pew;
The Spirit reveals the Cross one by one
If believers He's to live through.

When Christ-life shapes the church,
Petty bickering is bound to cease;
As the Spirit is allowed full sway,
 It will know His promised peace.

When lives are transformed
And renewed minds are the norm,
New Testament living will again be seen
As to His image we're made to conform. (Rom. 8:29)

The lost will come to Christ
When they witness resurrection power;
Churches becoming known for this
Is the urgent need of the hour!

C. R. Solomon, August 25, 2008