The Church: Renewal and Change

February 6, 2011

People generally do not take well to changes.

We take to a place and settle into a routine and changes upset that tranquility. Yet change is part and parcel of being alive.

The church that is alive has to deal with change. Change is essential to divine transformation and renewal as well.

The Bible states that God will not and cannot begin a new thing in his church without first doing away with the old. Church renewal cannot happen until the old is dealt with.

“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” (Luke 5:37-38)

The Holy Spirit cannot breathe freshness and life into the church without first tearing down the old.

Dealing with old habits and letting go of the comfortable familiar may be tough but it is essential if we seek the Spirit’s revival and renewal.

When God does away with the old, He gives wings to His new vision for the church.

Therefore, now is not the time to shrink back because of discomforting changes.

Now is not the time to talk about the good old days. The past is passed.

Now is the time to seize the present reality and march bravely into the glorious future of God’s plan.

Now is the time to take hold of God’s promise in Isaiah 42:9,
“See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”