God’s mercies are not just “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23) for us as individuals - they are new for us as Christian fellowships. We use the word ‘church’ to describe what Jesus called the ‘ekklesia’ (those who are ‘called out’ from the world). Our churches, like any human group, require refreshing if they are to remain vibrant places of life and restoration, and this refreshment can only come through the Holy Spirit. Just as the church was established and empowered by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), so it must continue in the life and power of the Spirit, if it is to remain
healthy and relevant to the age it is in. When Christians listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches, great advances are made. But when no one is listening to Heaven, things stagnate and God’s glory departs, leaving a mere shell where there was once a vibrant Christian community. Whatever role we play in the church, it’s always time to listen to what the Spirit is saying and follow it. Ride the wave!